The Complete Guide to Missouri Traffic Tickets: From Fines to Legal Options

A Missouri traffic ticket, if one doesn't know precisely how the system works, is somewhat overwhelming. This step-by-step guide is going to show how, from understanding your fines through studying your legal options, one can make the process with which to work easy. Whatever it may be - driving through or just passing by - someone usually has to understand his or her rights and responsibilities. 

Understanding Traffic Tickets in Missouri

Generally, a motorist is issued a traffic ticket in the state of Missouri based on grounds of violation of the traffic law. These range from as minor as speeding to the serious ones such as reckless driving. Let's look at what you need to know in that respect.

Types of Traffic Violation

1. Moving Violations

These are examples but not limited to speeding, running a red light, or failure to yield. Consequences - The most common outcome for moving violations is receiving points on one's driving record.

2. Non-Moving Violations

Examples include parking violations or having an expired vehicle registration. While these usually carry no points, they may mean a fine. 

3. Serious Offenses

Driving under the influence of DUI or reckless driving are graver and entail greater fines, even incarceration, and suspension of one's license.

Traffic Ticket Fines and Penalties

Traffic ticket fines vary according to violation and county. As such, a generalized breakdown is provided herein:

Common Fines

• Speeding: $50–$300, depending on how much a person was going over the speed limit.

• Running a Red Light: Approximately $100.

• Driving Without Insurance: Up to $300 for the first offense.

Extra Costs

Most of the time, there are extra costs associated with traffic tickets. Administrative fees, along with surcharges, usually come along with the fines. This can add as much as another whole ticket price to your fine.

Points on Your License

Missouri uses a point system on driver's licenses for moving violations. Getting too many points assessed against you, during specific time frames, will lead to license suspension or revocation:

• 3 Points: Speed and careless driving.

• 8 Points in 18 Months: License suspension. 

• 12 Points in 12 Months: License revocation.

Pay Your Missouri Traffic Ticket

Option 1: Pay the Fine

Paying the fine is always the easiest way to be rid of a ticket; however, it is considered an admission of guilt. This puts points on your driving record and can raise your insurance rates.

• Online: Most counties have this as an easy option online.

• In-Person: Visit the courthouse noted on your ticket.

• By Mail: You can pay with a check or money order if that is what you prefer. If so, you can find the appropriate instructions on your ticket.  

Option 2: Appeal the Citation

But if you feel that due to certain circumstances, being given a ticket is unfair, then of course, you may appeal it to the courts. If you appeal a citation, you will be afforded an opportunity to explain your situation with the judge.

Legal Options Considered

Hire an Attorney

If the offense is serious, or you're not conversant with how courts work, you may need to retain the services of a traffic tickets attorney. They will represent you and probably get some fine negotiated for you and avoid having points assessed to you on your driving record.

Plead Guilty with an Explanation

You may just want to plead guilty but explain to the judge extenuating circumstances. You may be given lighter penalties.

Request a Trial

The best legal practice is to fully contest the ticket, you may request a trial. You will have to be prepared with evidence and witnesses for your case.

How to Avoid License Suspension and Points Reduction

Racking up points on your record is an expensive proposition in terms of increased insurance and could result in license suspension. Here's how to minimize the damage:

Attend a Driver Improvement Program

Completion of a state-approved driver improvement course can remove points from your record and may qualify you for insurance discounts.

Stay Within the Limits

Follow all signs of traffic and drive carefully to avoid further infractions. Points are deleted after a specific period of time has lapsed in which you have driven incident-free:

• Within one year of no new infractions, 1/3 of all points are deleted.

• After three years of no infractions, all points are deleted.

Effect on Car Insurance

Missouri traffic infractions have loads of impact on your car insurance. How to keep that under control:

1. Shop Around: The minute your premiums go up, shop around for a better price with other insurers. 

2. Take a Defensive Driving Course: Many insurers offer a discount upon completion of a safety course. 

3. Bundle Policies: Putting home and auto policies together may sometimes offset some rate increases. 

Key Tips to Avoid Traffic Tickets in the Future

1. Stay Within Speed Limitation: Not more or less than that which is assigned depending on the weather. 

2. Obey Traffic Lights: Stop at every red light and stop sign.

3. Keep your car update: To date on registration, insurance, and inspection.

4. Drive Defensively: Anticipate what other drivers may do, and leave a safe following distance.

Conclusion

Missouri traffic tickets don't have to be frustrating. If you understand the types of violations, the fines, and the legal actions you are able to take, you will be able to make the right decision with respect to minimizing the effect on your driving record and wallet: pay the fine, contest the ticket, or driver improvement program-just do it as fast as possible. This means practicing safe driving that will keep you off those future citations and likewise keep your record clean.

Know your rights and be an informed driver through the practice of responsible driving by laws. The fact that you are prepared gives you confidence to know your way in the Missouri traffic ticket system.