304.271. Observance of traffic-control devices--presumptions--penalty. - Missouri Statutes

Observance of traffic-control devices--presumptions--penalty.

304.271. 1. The driver of any vehicle shall obey the instructions ofany official traffic-control device applicable thereto placed in accordancewith the provisions of the law, unless otherwise directed by a traffic orpolice officer, subject to the exceptions granted the driver of anauthorized emergency vehicle in the law.

2. No provision of the law for which official traffic-control devicesare required shall be enforced against an alleged violator if at the timeand place of the alleged violation an official device is not in properposition and sufficiently legible to be seen by an ordinarily observantperson. Whenever a particular section does not state that officialtraffic-control devices are required, such section shall be effective eventhough no devices are erected or in place.

3. Whenever official traffic-control devices are placed in positionapproximately conforming to the requirements of the law, such devices shallbe presumed to have been so placed by the official act or direction oflawful authority, unless the contrary shall be established by competentevidence.

4. Any official traffic-control device placed pursuant to theprovisions of the law and purporting to conform to the lawful requirementspertaining to such devices shall be presumed to comply with therequirements of this chapter, unless the contrary shall be established bycompetent evidence.

5. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 304.361, violation ofthis section is a class C misdemeanor.

(L. 1969 S.B. 180 § 1, A.L. 1996 H.B. 1047)