Missouri § 304.044 - Buses and trucks not to follow within three hundred feet — penalty.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 304.044 — Buses and trucks not to follow within three hundred feet — penalty., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 304.044. Buses and trucks not to follow within three hundred feet — penalty.
1. The following terms as used in this section shall mean:
(1) "Bus", any vehicle or motor car designed and used for the purpose of carrying more than seven persons;
(2) "Truck", any vehicle, machine, tractor, trailer or semitrailer, or any combination thereof, propelled or drawn by mechanical power and designed or used in the transportation of property upon the highways.
2. The driver of any truck or bus, when traveling upon a public highway of this state outside of a business or residential district, shall not follow within three hundred feet of another such vehicle; provided, the provisions of this section shall not be construed to prevent the overtaking and passing, by any such truck or bus, of another similar vehicle.
3. Any person who shall violate the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of a class C misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished accordingly.
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(L. 1951 p. 694 §§ 1 to 3, A.L. 1996 H.B. 1047)
(1959) The purpose of § 304.044 is not only to provide sufficient space between vehicles to permit lighter vehicles to pass but it is also intended for the protection of forward trucks and those following as well as the drivers and passengers therein. Thus violations of the statute under the circumstances was the negligent proximate cause of an accident. Thebeau v. Thebeau (Mo.), 324 S.W.2d 674.
---- end of effective 28 Aug 1996 ----
Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 304.044
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 304.044 cover?
Section 304.044 ("Buses and trucks not to follow within three hundred feet — penalty.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Missouri § 304.044?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 304.044" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Missouri law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.
How does Missouri § 304.044 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.