Speeding Ticket in Missouri? Know Your Rights and Options

A Missouri speeding ticket can be intimidating. But you do have options. You also have rights. Learning them may allow you to make the most suitable decision for your case.

What Happens When You Get a Speeding Ticket

When you get pulled over, the officer will usually give you a ticket. The ticket shows the speed you were traveling, the limit, and so on. Missouri has a point system. If you speed, you put points on your driver’s license. Too many points suspend your license. Your court date will be indicated on the ticket. You have to respond by that date. 

You can:

  • Pay the fine
  • Go to court to dispute the ticket
  • Hire a lawyer to appear on your behalf

You can’t just take a pass on the ticket. It may result in increased fines, license suspension, or a warrant for your arrest. It is better to get it out of the way first. Consult an experienced license back lawyer in Kansas City today.

What Are Your Options?

You have three choices:

1. Pay the fine

This is the easiest option. You plead guilty and pay the fee listed. You can do it online, by mail, or in court. But keep in mind:

  • Points show up on your record
  • Your car insurance rate goes up
  • The ticket is on your record for years

2. Show Up in Court

You can appeal the ticket in court. You must appear on the date listed or you may hire an attorney. You can:

  • Argue that you weren’t speeding
  • Provide mistakes in the officer’s report
  • Birk evidence like dashcam video or GPS records

Court takes time, but if you win, the ticket disappears. No fine. No points.

3. Use a Traffic Lawyer

A traffic lawyer can assist you in reducing your fine, minimizing points, or even having the case thrown out. There are situations that don’t require an appearance in court if you have an attorney. Attorneys are familiar with the procedure and the protocols in your state. They might catch errors that you committed or get a better bargain for you.

What Are the Missouri Speeding Tickets?

Following is what you might have to face:

  • 1 to 5 mph over limit: $83 to $93 penalty
  • 6 to 10 mph over: $93 to $108 penalty
  • 11 to 15 mph over: $108 to $123 penalty
  • 16 to 19 mph over: $123 to $133 fine
  • 20+ mph over: Might need court hearing

Fines vary where you live. Some cost more. School and work zones usually have higher fines. Speeding greatly in a work zone or school zone might have additional charges and extra points. Look out for yourself in those zones.

How Many Points Will You Receive?

Points are based on the type of speeding:

  • Basic speeding: 2 points (not involved in an accident)
  • 4 points for speeding through a work zone
  • 4 points for speeding and being involved in an accident
  • 2 points for municipal speeding (city ticket)

Your license will be suspended if you total:

  • 8 points within 18 months (first suspension)
  • 12 points within 12 months
  • 18 points within 24 months
  • 24 points within 36 months

If your license is suspended, you’ll have to pay a fee and meet other conditions before you’ll be issued it again. It’s time- and money-wasting to restore your license. 

Will It Impact Your Insurance?

Yes. Most insurance companies check your driving record. One ticket can raise your rate. How much the increase is depends on:

  • Your driving record
  • How fast you were going
  • Your age

Some drivers see a 10% to 30% increase in their rate per year. Teen drivers see larger increases. Insurance providers can keep the offense on your record for 3 to 5 years. This could be how long it takes before your rates fall again.

Can You Get It Reduced or Wiped?

Yes. Some of your options include:

1. Traffic School

In other instances, the court may allow you to take a driving course. You pass, and the ticket may not appear on your record. Not everyone is eligible. Contact the court or an attorney for information. It is a good choice if it is your first time driving or if you have a clean record. It will save you points and preserve your insurance premium. An attorney might be able to get the charge reduced.

2. Plea Bargain

Perhaps you can negotiate.

Perhaps down to a lesser violation, perhaps a non-moving violation. These are the type of tickets that don’t count as points. This keeps your record clean. Your attorney will typically negotiate this with your court appearance.

3. Fight the Ticket

If you prevail, the ticket disappears. No points, no fines.

It ain’t so easy, however. You’ll have to be good. But if the officer was in bad faith or made a mistake, you may prevail.

  • Tips When Stopped
  • Stay calm
  • Be polite
  • Don’t incriminate yourself
  • Ask why you were stopped
  • Record the stop (time, place, weather, etc.)

If you believe that the stop was unjustified, you can use your notes to make your case. Write down everything you can while it’s fresh.

When to Hire a Lawyer

You might consider hiring an attorney if:

  • You’re a business driver
  • You already have points
  • You were speeding 20+ mph over the speed limit
  • You have a great suspension of your license
  • You believe the ticket was unjust

Attorneys are familiar with the local courts and will most likely get you a better outcome. Others offer free consultations, so it’s at least worth a shot.

How Long Does a Ticket Stay on Your Record?

In Missouri:

  • Points stay on the record 3 years
  • The ticket stays visible to insurance for 5 years

If you don’t receive additional tickets ahead of time, your points should expel earlier. Defensive driving keeps you less at risk. Driving responsibly not only saves your record, but keeps your insurance low. Being ticket-free for several years has a tremendous impact.

Obtaining Your Driving Record

You can obtain one from the Missouri Department of Revenue. Take a look at their website or stop by a regional office. There could be a small fee. Verifying your record reminds you of your points and past violations. You can review it once a year, if you like.

FAQs Regarding Missouri Speed Tickets

Q1: Is it possible to pay for a Missouri speeding ticket online?

Yes. Most courts accept online payments. Check the site shown on your citation.

Q2: Will an out-of-state ticket affect my Missouri license?

Yes. Missouri participates in record sharing with most states. Out-of-state tickets can earn points here.

Q3: Is it possible to simply ignore a Missouri speeding ticket?

No. That will get you a license suspension or arrest warrant.

Q4: Will hiring an attorney guarantee the ticket is dismissed?

No. But they can typically reduce the damage. Most cases have lower fines or fewer points.

Q5: What if I was speeding due to an emergency?

You may still receive a ticket. But you might be able to plead your case in court. The judge will rule.

Final Words

Speeding tickets are no fun, but they don’t necessarily have to destroy your record. Knowing your rights and options gives power. Pay, fight, or get help? Do something before the court date. Get it done early. Educate yourself. Drive responsibly.

Consult a knowledgeable speeding ticket lawyer in Kansas City today.

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