Passing, turning and signaling

Key points

1. Outside a city, you may pass on the right on an unobstructed highway clearly marked for 4 or more lanes.

   Source: Handbook p. 22

   “Upon any highway outside of a city with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width and clearly marked for four or more lanes of traffic.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 22

2. Never pass on the right by driving onto the shoulder.

   Source: Handbook p. 22

   “In no event shall such movement be made by driving off the paved or main traveled portion of the roadway (shoulder).”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 22

3. Do not pass on the left within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad crossing, or where there is a solid yellow line.

   Source: Handbook p. 22

   “Approaching within 100 feet of or at any intersection or railroad grade crossing; or • There is a solid yellow line.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 22

4. Do not pass on the left when your view is blocked within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel.

   Source: Handbook p. 22

   “The view is obstructed upon approaching within 100 feet of any bridge, viaduct, or tunnel;”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 22

5. Speeding or passing in a state work zone brings a minimum $250 fine for a first offense and $300 for a later one.

   Source: Handbook p. 22

   “you are caught speeding or passing in a construction zone or work zone on Missouri state roadways, you could be fined a minimum of $250 for the first offense and a minimum of $300 for a second or subsequent offense”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 22

6. Signal at least 100 feet before you turn.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “You should signal at least 100 feet before you turn so the other drivers can be ready.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 24

7. Never make a U turn on a curve or near the crest of a hill where other drivers may not see you.

   Source: Handbook p. 25

   “U-turns should not be made on any curve or near the crest of a hill when your vehicle may not be seen by other drivers.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 25

8. Do not use a two way left turn lane as a travel lane; you may not travel in it for more than 500 feet.

   Source: Handbook p. 26

   “Do not use this lane as travel lane (a vehicle may not travel in this lane for more than 500 feet)”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 26

9. If another vehicle starts to pass you, stay in your lane and do not speed up.

   Source: Handbook p. 38

   “If another vehicle begins to pass you, stay in your lane and do not increase your speed.”
   Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 38

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Missouri practice test

1. 1. When Missouri law permits passing on the right, what roadway area may not be used to complete the pass?

   1. The left travel lane
   2. A marked turn lane
   3. The paved shoulder
   4. The lane beside the vehicle being passed
   Show answer

   The paved shoulder. Missouri permits passing on the right only in listed situations, and the guide adds an absolute boundary: the maneuver must not be made by driving off the paved or main traveled portion of the roadway, including the shoulder. The shoulder choice is therefore prohibited even when it is paved. A driver should remain on the roadway and confirm that the specific passing condition exists. Legal permission to pass on the right is not permission to leave the travel surface.

2. 2. How close to a Missouri intersection or railroad grade crossing may you pass another vehicle?

   1. Up to 50 feet before it
   2. Right up to the crossing if clear
   3. Passing is not allowed within 100 feet of or at any intersection or railroad grade crossing
   4. Within 100 feet only on a two-lane road
   Show answer

   Passing is not allowed within 100 feet of or at any intersection or railroad grade crossing. Missouri bars passing when approaching within 100 feet of or at any intersection or railroad grade crossing. The same list also bars passing where there is a solid yellow line, and when the view is obstructed upon approaching within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct, or tunnel. Fifty feet is inside the restricted distance, the rule is not limited to two lane roads, and a clear crossing does not lift it. Wait until you are past the crossing or intersection and can see that the road ahead is clear for the full distance you need.

3. 3. Where does the Missouri guide say a U-turn should never be made?

   1. On any two-lane road
   2. Anywhere without a traffic signal
   3. In any town
   4. On a curve or near the crest of a hill where your vehicle may not be seen
   Show answer

   On a curve or near the crest of a hill where your vehicle may not be seen. Only make a U-turn when it is safe. U-turns should not be made on any curve or near the crest of a hill when your vehicle may not be seen by other drivers, and some towns and cities do not allow U-turns at all, so check for signs. A two lane road without a curve or hill is not itself a ban, and signals are not required for a legal U-turn.

Source: the Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 3: Rules of the Road. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.