Missouri’s Steer It Clear It law requires drivers involved in a minor crash to move their vehicles out of active traffic lanes as soon as it is safe to do so.
If no one is seriously injured, no one has died, and your car can still be driven, you are legally required to pull off the road.
The law is codified in Missouri Revised Statutes 304.151 and 304.155 and is enforced statewide on all roads, including city streets, intersections, and highways.
The law exists because vehicles left in live traffic lanes are a leading cause of secondary crashes, which are often more severe than the original collision. Knowing what the law requires, when it applies, and what to do if you cannot safely move your car can protect you, other drivers, and your legal rights after a crash.
This article explains exactly what Missouri’s Steer It Clear It law covers, how it differs from the Move Over law, and what steps you should take at the scene to protect your insurance claim or injury case.
When Must You Move Your Vehicle?
The law only applies in certain situations, so your first job after a crash is to quickly assess what happened. Three questions will guide your decision.
Are There Serious Injuries or Fatalities?
If anyone appears to be seriously injured or has been killed, do not move the vehicles. Moving an injured person can make their injuries worse. Call 911 right away and stay with them until emergency responders arrive.
Is the Vehicle Safe to Drive?
Before you move your car, do a quick check. Your vehicle is not safe to move if you notice any of the following:
- Brakes are not working: You cannot safely stop the vehicle.
- Fluids are leaking: Gasoline or oil on the road creates a fire and slip hazard.
- Tires are flat or shredded: The car will not handle correctly and can cause more damage.
- Airbags have deployed: Deployed airbags often block your view and may signal a severe impact.
- Visibility is blocked: A smashed windshield that you cannot see through makes driving dangerous.
If any of these apply, leave the car where it is and wait for help.
Is There Fire, Smoke, or a Fuel Leak?
If you see flames, smoke, or smell fuel, do not try to move the vehicle. Get yourself and your passengers away from the car immediately and call 911. Commercial drivers hauling hazardous materials must follow specific trucking rules and regulations and contact their dispatch before taking any action.
How Do You Document the Scene Before You Move?
Moving your car is required, but protecting your evidence is just as important. Taking photos before you relocate takes less than a minute and can make a major difference in your insurance claim or injury case later.
Photos and Video to Capture
Use your phone to photograph the following before moving anything:
- The position of all vehicles in the traffic lanes
- Damage to each vehicle from multiple angles
- License plates of every car involved
- Skid marks, debris, and road hazards
- Nearby traffic signs and signals
- Any visible injuries
What Information to Exchange
Once you have moved to a safe location, you must exchange information with the other driver. Get their name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance company and policy number. The quickest way to make sure you have it right is to photograph their license and insurance card.
Who Should You Call After a Minor Crash in Missouri?
After you have moved your car and documented the scene, your next step is to notify the right people.
911 Versus a Non-Emergency Line
Call 911 if anyone is injured, if there is a fire, if traffic is significantly blocked, or if you suspect the other driver is impaired. For a minor, no-injury crash where both vehicles have already been moved off the road, you can call the local police or sheriff’s non-emergency line. The dispatcher will tell you what to do next.
Missouri Accident Report Rules
If police do not respond to the scene and file a report, Missouri law requires you to report the crash yourself. You must file a Missouri Driver’s Accident Report (Form 1140) with the Department of Revenue within 30 days if the crash caused injury, death, or property damage over $500. Missing this deadline can result in the suspension of your driver’s license.
What If You Cannot Move the Vehicle?
Not every crash allows you to follow the Steer It Clear It law. Missouri only requires a reasonable effort, not an action that puts you in more danger.
Staying Safe in Live Traffic Lanes
If your car is disabled and stuck in a live lane, staying inside with your seatbelt buckled and hazard lights on is often the safest choice. Getting out of a vehicle in moving traffic is extremely dangerous. If you must exit, leave through the door furthest from traffic and move well off the roadway.
Flares and Hazard Lights
Turn on your hazard lights right away to warn approaching drivers. If you have an emergency kit in your trunk, set up reflective triangles or road flares behind your vehicle. At night, even a flashlight can help make your car visible to oncoming traffic.
Does Moving Your Car Affect Fault or Your Insurance Claim?
This is one of the most common concerns we hear from drivers after a crash. The short answer is no. Moving your vehicle as required by the Steer It Clear It law will not be used against you by police or your insurance company.
Liability and Evidence
Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means fault can be shared between drivers, and your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Because of this, documenting the scene before you move is critical.
- Photos protect your claim: They preserve vehicle positions and damage before anything is disturbed.
- Police reports document fault: Officers note skid marks, road conditions, and witness statements.
- Witnesses strengthen your case: Independent accounts carry real weight with insurance adjusters.
What Insurers and Police Consider
Insurance adjusters and officers look at the full picture, not just where the cars ended up. They understand that you are required by law to move your vehicle, and they will not penalize you for following that law.
Steer It Clear It Versus the Move Over Law
These two laws are often confused, but they apply to completely different situations. The Move Over law requires drivers who are not involved in a crash to slow down and change lanes when they approach stopped emergency vehicles, MoDOT trucks, or tow trucks with flashing lights.
| Law | Who It Applies To | What It Requires |
| Steer It Clear It | Drivers involved in a minor crash | Move your vehicle out of traffic lanes if it is safe |
| Move Over Law | All other drivers passing a stopped emergency vehicle | Change lanes or slow down significantly |
Both laws protect lives. Knowing the difference helps you respond correctly in either situation.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid After a Fender Bender?
Even drivers who know the law can make mistakes under the stress of a crash. Two errors in particular can seriously hurt your ability to recover compensation.
Leaving the Scene Versus Lawful Relocation
Moving your car to a nearby shoulder or parking lot is not the same as leaving the scene. Driving away from the area without exchanging information is a crime in Missouri. You must stay at the new safe location until you have exchanged information and satisfied any reporting requirements.
Admitting Fault at the Scene
Do not apologize or speculate about what caused the crash, even casually. Statements like “I didn’t see you” or “I’m sorry” can be treated as admissions of guilt and used against you by the other driver’s insurance company. Stick to the facts when speaking with the other driver, police, and any witnesses.
Injured in a Missouri Crash? We Can Help You Today
Even crashes that seem minor can produce serious injuries like whiplash, back pain, or concussions that do not show up for days. If you were hurt, you should not have to navigate the insurance process alone.
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we are the only law firm in Missouri that focuses exclusively on auto accident law. We have a long history of securing compensation for injured clients across Missouri, and we handle every case personally. You will never feel like just a number here.
We offer free consultations, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you pay no fees unless we win. Call us or contact us online today to get your questions answered and take the first step toward recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Steer It Clear It Law Apply on City Streets, Not Just Highways?
Yes, the law applies on all Missouri roadways, including city streets, intersections, and highways. Any time your vehicle is drivable and no one is seriously injured, you are required to move out of the traffic lanes.
Does Moving My Car After a Crash Count as Leaving the Scene?
No, relocating your vehicle to a safe shoulder or nearby parking area is not leaving the scene. You must stay at that new location to exchange information and meet your legal obligations.
What Should You Do If Your Airbags Deployed but the Car Still Starts?
If your airbags deployed, do not move the vehicle. Deployed airbags are a sign of a significant impact and may mean the car is not safe to drive, even if the engine still runs. Call 911 and wait for responders to assess the situation.
What Are the Steer It Clear It Rules for Commercial or Hazmat Drivers?
Commercial drivers must follow federal hazmat regulations and company protocols, which often require leaving the vehicle in place and contacting dispatch and 911 before moving anything.
How Long Do You Have to Report a Missouri Car Accident?
If police do not file a report at the scene, you must submit Form 1140 to the Department of Revenue within 30 days. Missing this deadline can result in the suspension of your driver’s license.
