2025 Missouri DWI Laws: What’s Changed and How It Affects Your Case

Missouri’s DWI laws have evolved in 2025, and these changes could significantly affect the outcome of your case. Whether you were charged in St. Louis or Chesterfield, understanding the updates to the law—and how they are being enforced—can make all the difference.

At B. Block Law LLC, we help clients in St. Louis County and Chesterfield, Missouri, navigate DWI charges with clear strategy and experienced representation. Below, we break down what has changed and what it means for your defense.

Stricter Penalties for High-BAC and Fatal DWI Incidents

Missouri House Bill 87, introduced earlier this year, increases penalties for drivers with elevated blood alcohol content who cause serious harm. Drivers with a BAC of .15 percent or higher who are involved in fatal crashes could now face Class A felony charges. Cases involving multiple fatalities may also be prosecuted more aggressively.

If passed, this legislation will give prosecutors greater discretion to pursue felony charges—even for first-time offenders. As a St. Louis DWI attorney, B. Block Law LLC closely monitors proposed changes like these and adapts our defense strategies accordingly.

Hands-Free Law Increases DWI Traffic Stops

Missouri’s hands-free driving law, effective January 1, 2025, prohibits drivers from holding cell phones while operating a vehicle. While not a DWI-specific law, it has led to a sharp increase in traffic stops across St. Louis County and St. Charles County.

In practice, this law gives police more opportunities to initiate stops that could lead to sobriety tests or DWI arrests. If you were pulled over for phone use and then charged with a DWI, your attorney will need to examine whether the stop was lawful and whether proper procedures were followed. B Block Law LLC frequently defends clients in these scenarios throughout St. Louis and Chesterfield, Missouri.

Core DWI Law Structure Remains, but Enforcement Is Tighter

The foundation of Missouri’s DWI law has not changed. Drivers with a BAC of .08 percent or higher, or those who refuse a chemical test, still face administrative license suspensions. The penalties vary:

• 90-day suspension for a first DWI
• One-year suspension for test refusal
• Criminal penalties including fines, jail time, and possible ignition interlock requirements

While these penalties remain, they are being enforced more aggressively in 2025, particularly in St. Louis County and St. Charles County. Working with an experienced Chesterfield DWI attorney can help ensure you respond to both the criminal and administrative aspects of your case.

Ignition Interlock Requirements and Restricted Licenses

For many DWI offenses, an ignition interlock device (IID) is required before a person can regain full driving privileges. In Missouri, first-time DWI offenders with a high BAC may face mandatory IID installation for 90 days or more.

At B Block Law LLC, we help clients obtain restricted driving privileges and guide them through the compliance process. Whether your arrest happened in downtown St. Louis or the suburbs of Chesterfield, we focus on reducing long-term consequences and preserving your ability to work, drive, and support your family.

Why These 2025 Changes Matter for Your Defense

B Block Law LLC builds customized defense strategies to meet the specific challenges that 2025 DWI cases present. Our team takes every opportunity to reduce charges, protect your record, and keep you moving forward.

Talk to a DWI Defense Attorney Who Understands the 2025 Landscape

If you are facing a DWI charge in St. Louis or Chesterfield, Missouri, it is essential to work with an attorney who understands both longstanding law and recent updates. At B Block Law LLC, we combine up-to-date legal knowledge with a practical, focused approach to protecting your future.

Call us today at 314-325-4357 or contact us online for a free consultation. The sooner you involve a skilled Chesterfield DWI lawyer, the more control you may have over the outcome of your case.