Is there a surcharge for drivers in Missouri who refuse a Breathalyzer test?

In Missouri, if a driver refuses to take a Breathalyzer test when requested by law enforcement, there is indeed a surcharge imposed. This surcharge is part of the state's implied consent law, which asserts that by operating a vehicle, drivers have agreed to submit to chemical tests when suspected of driving under the influence.

When a driver refuses such a test, they face penalties that include both administrative consequences, such as the suspension of their driving privileges, and financial repercussions, which include a surcharge that they must pay. This financial penalty is designed to discourage refusal of testing and to affirm the seriousness of driving under the influence.

By understanding this concept, drivers can better appreciate the legal framework surrounding DUI laws in Missouri and the implications of refusal of a Breathalyzer test.