Columbia Operating an unlicensed motor vehicle ordinance (§ 14-187)
Chapter 14: Motor Vehicles and Traffic · Article IV. Operation
In short: You can't drive a motor vehicle on any city street unless it is validly licensed in Missouri or another jurisdiction and the license is displayed as that jurisdiction's laws require.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
It is unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle upon any street in the city unless the vehicle is validly licensed under the motor vehicle laws of Missouri or the laws of any other jurisdiction and such license is displayed in conformance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which the vehicle is licensed.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 14-187
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.