Trucking Regulations in Missouri
Complete guide to weight limits, speed limits, permits, chain laws, and special rules for commercial truck drivers operating in Missouri.
Max Gross Weight
80,000 lbs
Truck Speed Limit
70 mph (same as cars)
Diesel Tax
$0.195 per gallon diesel (increased annually through 2025 schedule) + federal
Weight & Size Limits in Missouri
| Measurement | Limit |
|---|---|
| Max Gross Vehicle Weight | 80,000 lbs |
| Max Axle Weight | 20,000 lbs single axle, 34,000 lbs tandem |
| Max Trailer Length | 53 ft trailer, 65 ft overall |
| Max Width | 102 inches |
| Max Height | 14 ft |
Speed Limits for Trucks in Missouri
Rural Interstate
70 mph
Urban Interstate
60 mph
Truck-Specific
70 mph (same as cars)
Fuel Tax & Tolls in Missouri
Diesel Fuel Tax
$0.195 per gallon diesel (increased annually through 2025 schedule) + federal
Toll Roads & Bridges
No toll roads. Missouri voters have historically rejected toll proposals.
Chain Laws & Weather Requirements
No chain law. Missouri can experience ice storms that affect highway safety.
Oversize & Overweight Permits
MoDOT online permitting system (MoPermits). Missouri is centrally located and handles significant oversize freight crossing the state.
Port of Entry & Weigh Stations
Weigh stations on I-44, I-70, I-55, I-29, I-49. Missouri Highway Patrol commercial vehicle enforcement. PrePass accepted.
Special Rules for Missouri
Hazmat Route Restrictions
Hazmat restricted through downtown St. Louis and Kansas City. Designated routes around both metro areas. I-70 and I-44 serve as primary hazmat corridors.
Rest Area & Parking Rules
Rest areas allow overnight parking. Good rest area spacing throughout the state. No anti-idling law.
DOT Inspection Frequency
Moderate. Missouri Highway Patrol conducts regular inspections at weigh stations and via mobile enforcement on I-44, I-70, and I-55.
Looking for Trucking Jobs in Missouri?
Browse CDL driver positions and connect with carriers operating in Missouri.
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri Trucking Regulations
Does Missouri have toll roads?
No, Missouri has no toll roads, bridges, or turnpikes. Missouri voters have consistently rejected toll proposals. This makes Missouri one of the most cost-effective states for cross-country trucking, particularly on the I-70 east-west corridor.
What makes St. Louis and Kansas City important for trucking?
St. Louis sits at the convergence of I-44, I-55, I-64, and I-70, making it one of the most important freight crossroads in the country. Kansas City, where I-35, I-29, I-49, and I-70 meet, is equally critical. Both cities have major rail intermodal facilities and distribution centers.
What is the truck speed limit in Missouri?
Missouri allows 70 mph for trucks on rural interstates, matching passenger vehicle limits. Urban interstates have limits of 60 mph. There is no differential truck speed limit. Speed cameras are prohibited by Missouri law.
How does winter weather affect Missouri trucking?
Missouri's winter weather can be unpredictable, with ice storms being more dangerous than snow, particularly in the Ozarks. I-44 and US-65 through southern Missouri can become treacherous during ice events. MoDOT provides road condition updates via its Traveler Information Map.
What freight moves through Missouri?
Missouri's central location makes it a pass-through state for east-west and north-south freight. Local freight includes automotive (two Ford plants), agriculture (soybeans, corn), beer (Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis), and distribution center operations. Kansas City is a major intermodal hub.