St. Louis's Mobility & Curb Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles mobility & curb rules a little differently. In St. Louis, Missouri, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Bike Lane Rules

St. Louis bans driving any vehicle onto a bicycle/pedestrian right-of-way under Section 17.16.040, with narrow exceptions, and requires cyclists to ride near the roadway's right side under Section 17.36.050.

Key details: Driving on bike lane: Prohibited under § 17.16.040. Exceptions: Emergency, maintenance, business/residence access vehicles. Cyclist road position: Ride near right side, two abreast max. Sidewalk riding: Barred for riders 15+ unless signed path. Maximum fine: $500 or 90 days jail.

Violating either section is a general-penalty offense under Chapter 1.12: a fine of $1 to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both; as a minor traffic violation, fines plus court costs are capped at $225.

Red-Light Cameras

St. Louis authorized an automated camera enforcement program in April 2024 covering red light, stop sign, and speeding violations, jointly run by the Board of Public Service and police under strict vendor and data-use limits.

Key details: Authorizing ordinance: Ord. No. 71821 (4-16-2024). Administered by: Board of Public Service & SLMPD. Warning-only period: First 30 days per camera. Right-turn exception: No ticket after full stop. Fine revenue destination: Neighborhood Traffic Safety Improvement Fund.

First 30 days per camera: warning notice only, no fine or record. After that, a violation notice must be mailed within 30 days of the incident and is prosecuted in municipal court under Missouri Supreme Court Rule 37; footage and images accompany the notice.

The Bottom Line

St. Louis's mobility & curb rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming St. Louis is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that St. Louis can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.