What happens if you refuse a chemical test when suspected of DWI in Missouri?

Refusing a chemical test when suspected of driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Missouri leads to an automatic license suspension. This consequence stems from Missouri's "implied consent" law, which mandates that drivers consent to chemical tests (like breath, blood, or urine tests) when they are stopped under suspicion of DWI. If a driver refuses to take the test, law enforcement has the authority to suspend that individual’s driving privileges for a statutory period.

The length of the suspension can vary depending on whether it is a first offense or if there are previous DWI offenses. This law is designed to encourage compliance with testing, which helps ensure that intoxicated drivers can be identified and removed from the roads for public safety.

The other options do not reflect the specific legal repercussions associated with refusal of a chemical test in Missouri. A warning does not equate to the serious implications that refusal carries, and neither a misdemeanor charge nor immediate fines are automatically imposed just for refusal. The focus of this law is primarily on the immediate suspension of driving privileges to deter impaired driving.