A right of way is an easement that allows a person to travel through another person’s property to get to certain location. For example, a person might travel through a neighbor’s land to reach a public road or highway. A right of way can be offered to one person, several people, or the public.
In Missouri, a right of way is a type of easement that grants the holder the right to travel over another person's property for a specific purpose, such as accessing a public road or highway. This can be established for the benefit of an individual, a group of people, or the public at large. Rights of way can be created by express agreement, by implication, by necessity, or through prescriptive use over a period of time. Missouri law requires that the use must be continuous, visible, and without the permission of the landowner for a prescriptive easement to be established, typically over a period of ten years. The specifics of establishing and enforcing a right of way can be complex, and disputes over rights of way may be resolved in court. Property owners and those seeking to establish or use a right of way should consult with an attorney to understand their rights and obligations under Missouri law.