Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP)

NOTE: This post is quite legal. I have a separate post which discusses the process, costs, and steps of doing SATOP – click here.

SATOP is a required evaluation and education process for individuals who have had an alcohol or drug-related driving offense in Missouri. Think of it as a state-mandated “road map” to getting a driver’s license reinstated.

General information about SATOP process, steps, costs and time is located here.

This page lists key Missouri statutes that refer to SATOP and reinstatement.

1. RSMo §302.010 (24): The Legal Definition

This statute provides the official definition of SATOP.

[A] program certified by the division of alcohol and drug abuse of the department of mental health to provide education or rehabilitation services pursuant to a professional assessment screening to identify the individual needs of the person who has been referred to the program as the result of an alcohol- or drug-related traffic offense.  Successful completion of such a program includes participation in any education or rehabilitation program required to meet the needs identified in the assessment screening.  The assignment recommendations based upon such assessment shall be subject to judicial review.

2. RSMo § 302.304: Reinstatement requirements after suspension or revocation for Points involving alcohol or drugs

• Complete assessment ($126); and pay Supplemental Fee (currently $249) that goes to Mental Health Earnings Fund [paid for at time of assessment]
  • Allows motions for Judicial Review if they believe their program assignment (Level I–IV) is unwarranted. 302.304.14.
• Complete SATOP 302.304.14 ($200 / 10 hours to $1523 / 75 hours])
• Pay reinstatement fee ($20)

3. RSMo § 302.420: Reinstatement requirements after suspension or revocation after conviction of selected crimes

•  No person with license suspended or revoked under the provisions of sections 302.400 and 302.405 shall have that license reinstated until:
  • Complete assessment ($126); and pay Supplemental Fee (currently $249) that goes to Mental Health Earnings Fund [paid for at time of assessment]
  • Complete SATOP ($200 / 10 hours to $1523 / 75 hours])
  • Pay reinstatement fee ($20)

4. RSMo § 302.425. SATOP required for those under 21 with judgment “involving possession or use of alcohol.“

5. RSMo § 302.540: Reinstatement after Administrative Suspensions

• No person who has had a license to operate a motor vehicle suspended or revoked under the provisions of sections 302.500 to 302.540 shall have that license reinstated until such person has participated in and successfully completed a substance abuse traffic offender program.
  • Complete assessment ($126); and pay Supplemental Fee (currently $249) that goes to Mental Health Earnings Fund [paid for at time of assessment]
  • Complete SATOP ($200 / 10 hours to $1523 / 75 hours])
  • Pay reinstatement fee ($20)

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I have a separate post which discusses the process, costs, and steps of SATOP – click here.