It’s always dicey to know your way with the traffic laws; sometimes, it can get all the more confusing when trying to understand what transpires the instance you get a traffic ticket in Missouri. Missouri traffic ticket laws have a “point” system. The graver the offense, the graver the nature of the violation and hence the judgment of the penalties. Of course, drivers should realise that these points, the penalties carrying a fine, have long-lasting effects such as increased insurance premiums and even license suspension.
What follows is a summary of Missouri’s traffic ticket laws: everything you should know about how the point system works, fines and penalties, and how to handle a ticket in the Show-Me State.
Understanding the Missouri Point System
Missouri DOR follows a point system for recording and penalizing traffic offenses. It, therefore, goes without saying that any time you are convicted of a moving violation, points are assessed against your driving record. The number varies depending on how grave the violation was. Less serious infractions will normally carry fewer points whereas serious infractions may be assessed a large number of points.
Common Violations and Points:
- Less than 10 mph over the limit: 3 points
- Speeding 11 to 25 mph over the limit: 4 points
- More than 25 mph over the limit: 6 points
- Careless and imprudent driving: 4 points
- Driving under the influence(DUI/DWI): 8 points for the first offense
By default, each violation point will be given on your record upon conviction. The graver the accumulation of points, the heavier the penalties.
Consequences of Accumulating Points
Accumulation of points on your driving record is not just an issue of remaining in your record but also brings with itself some penalties that deal with your driving privileges. Missouri has put into effect a system where the license will be suspended or revoked in case the drivers have gathered too many points in a specific time frame.
License Suspension and Revocation
- 8 points in 18 months: The driver will be suspended. First suspension normally is 30 days, second – 60 days and third – 90 days.
- Accumulating 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 24 months, or 24 points in 36 months: This may also include license revocation; this is a case whereby one loses their license for one year; after this time, one may be called to do some kind of reinstatement as a way of having his or her license back.
Generally speaking, suspensions and revocations are a nightmare for drivers. As such, accumulation of points should not be large.
Point Reduction Over Time
Missouri extends partial relief for safe driving by the gradual reduction over time, the points amassed against a driver’s license. If you drive without further violations beyond a certain period, accumulation of points can be reduced:
- After 1 year: You lose one-third of your total points.
- After 2 years: Points are halved.
- After 3 years: Points are wiped off your record.
Driving with no traffic violations will keep the points low and possibly avoid part of the future suspensions or revocation.
Missouri Traffic Tickets: Fines and Fees
Aside from points, there is normally a fine connected with a Missouri traffic ticket. The fine amount will, of course, depend upon the nature of the offense, and where the ticket was issued. Most counties and cities set their own fine amounts. The fines for speeding, for example, will surely vary from county to county.
Examples of common fines:
- Speeding Ticket: These vary according to how much one overshot the limit. Fines could range from $80 to $200.
- Failure to Yield: These carry fines ranging between $75 and $150.
- Running a Stop Sign or Red Light: One can be fined between $100 and $200.
Added to these are court fees imposed, which can add up to 25 to 100 dollars more. Note that failure to appear or pay a traffic ticket fine will result in additional fees, license suspension, or even an arrest warrant being issued.
Insurance Impact of Traffic Violations in Missouri
Traffic tickets bring points and fines that affect auto insurance premiums. The more you acquire, the more your car insurance company labels you as a high-risk driver, hence probably upping the premium accordingly. How much more it goes up depends on the nature of the violation, but in general:
- Minor Violations: Would include speeding and may raise premiums 10 to 20 percent.
- Major Infractions such as DUI: Always quote at least a 50% increase or more.
This is one of a few ways to keep your rate lower by not having additional expenses tacked onto your insurance premium.
Options Once Convicted of a Traffic Ticket in Missouri
If you are convicted of a traffic ticket in Missouri, there are a few options as to how you may proceed.
Pay the Fine
The easiest way is, of course, to pay the fine. But in paying the fine, you are pleading guilty, and thus, the points will be attached to your record. If you are concerned about point accumulation you might want to consider other options.
Traffic School
Depending on the nature of the traffic offense, the driver might be eligible to attend a state-approved Missouri traffic school for which the driving points would not show up on the driving record. If you complete the traffic safety course, you will not be fined points, however, you are required to pay the fine of the ticket.
Contesting the Ticket in Court
Note that you do have an avenue of appeal to the court if you feel this ticket was issued in error. You may want to consult a traffic attorney who can help negotiate either a reduction of charges or a dismissal thereof. That could mean fewer points or a smaller fine. Successful ticket fighting will keep those points from building on your record and, correspondingly, higher premiums dictated by your insurance carrier or even the possible loss of driving privileges.
Better Decision Making – Staying Informed and Responsible on Missouri Roads
Knowing Missouri traffic laws and the points, penalties, and fees connected to each law, you will be in a better position to make the proper decision in case of issuance of a traffic ticket. You have to keep in mind that as points pile up, you are at greater risk not only of financial but serious legal practice consequences. Therefore, it would be worthwhile to learn about the traffic laws of Missouri and safely drive your way to avoid all the attendant costs of traffic violation fines and keep your record clean.
This, in other words, translates to better positioning of a driver in making informed decisions and contending with the possible consequences of the decisions made on traffic tickets when it comes to the understanding of the traffic ticket laws of Missouri. Safe driving serves to protect you and your record and preserve your insurance premiums.
