Missouri Highway Patrol ticketing for reckless driving and boating Memorial Day weekend

Missouri State Highway Patrol officers will be out in full force this weekend to catch reckless and impaired drivers. As you celebrate the start of summer, be sure to follow all traffic and safety laws to avoid getting ticketed or fined.

“Every available trooper will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists,” the highway patrol announced in a news release last week. “Troopers will focus their attention on hazardous moving violations, speed violations, and impaired drivers.”

State troopers will begin monitoring holiday weekend traffic at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 27, and will continue their extra vigilance until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 30.

Here are some ways to stay safe and avoid getting pulled over this holiday weekend:

• Be sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seatbelt.

• Use extra caution beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday.

• Choose a designated driver to ensure nobody is driving while intoxicated.

• Follow posted speed limits and traffic laws.

• Call 1-800-525-5555 or dial *55 on a cell phone to report safety hazards or get assistance from state troopers.

The state highway patrol will also be enforcing safety laws for recreational boaters this weekend. Troopers will be watching for impaired boaters and unsafe driving out on the water. To avoid a ticket, always obey boating laws and respect no-wake zones. It’s also a good idea to wear a life vest at all times.

During last year’s Memorial Day weekend, 12 people died in Missouri as a result of driving and boating accidents. This year, troopers hope to see zero fatalities.

“Always be courteous and pay attention, whether you’re operating a vehicle or a vessel, and choose to be a sober driver on land and on the water,” the highway patrol wrote. “A safe, fun weekend starts with planning and good decisions.”

Do you have more questions about celebrating Memorial Day weekend in the Kansas City area? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.

This story was originally published May 25, 2022 at 10:56 AM.

Natalie Wallington

The Kansas City Star

Natalie Wallington was a reporter on The Star’s service journalism team with a focus on policy, labor, sustainability and local utilities from fall 2021 until early 2025. Her coverage of the region’s recycling system won a 2024 Feature Writing award from the Kansas Press Association.