What Are Different Types of Traffic Tickets in Missouri?

There are two main categories of traffic tickets: moving and non-moving violations. If you break the law while your motor vehicle is in motion, the traffic violation is often referred to as a moving violation. If the violation occurs while the car is not in motion or does not relate to how the vehicle was being driven, it will often be charged as a non-moving violation.

Moving violations in Missouri include the following:

  • Driving a vehicle without adequate car insurance
  • Driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated
  • Failure to remain in a lane
  • Failure to yield to the right of way
  • Leaving the scene of an accident
  • No brake lights
  • Operating a motor vehicle with no driver’s license or a suspended or expired license
  • Parking violations
  • Reckless or aggressive driving
  • Running a red light or stop sign
  • Speeding
  • Tailgating or following too closely
  • Unpaid traffic ticket outstanding warrants

Missouri’s non-moving violations include, but are not exclusive to, the following:

  • A minor in possession of alcohol
  • Did not register the car with the Department of Revenue
  • Displayed license plates on a vehicle that belongs to another person or entity
  • Disturbance of the peace, such as with loud music
  • Excessive muffler noise
  • Expired license plates
  • Failing to display vehicle license plates properly
  • Failure to provide adequate insurance coverage
  • Illegal parking
  • Improper use of seat belts or other approved restraint system
  • Littering
  • Motorcyclists not wearing safety helmets
  • No medical certification card for those with a commercial driver’s license
  • Open container in a parked vehicle or in possession of a passenger
  • Operated a vehicle with a radar detector device
  • Parking in a no-parking zone
  • Parking your car too close to a fire hydrant or too far from the curb
  • Supplying alcohol to someone under 21 years old
  • The possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia
  • Use of studded tires between April 1st and November 1st

Do Traffic Tickets Ever Simply Go Away?

No. You cannot hope to avoid the consequences of traffic tickets simply by ignoring them and hoping that they’ll go away.

When you are given a traffic ticket in Missouri, you typically have three options: you pay the fine, you go to traffic school, or you can test the charges. You must respond to your traffic violation ticket by the date shown on the citation. Failure to respond by the stated time may result in suspending your driver’s license and an arrest warrant.

In many cases, someone will pay for their traffic ticket without fully understanding the long-term consequences before doing so. You are pleading guilty to breaking the law by paying your traffic ticket. You have the legal right to contest traffic violations and protect your interests with the help of experienced criminal defense lawyers.

What is the Missouri Driver’s License Point System and How Does it Affect Your Driving Record?

Points are penalties assigned to your driving records when you are convicted of traffic violations. Every type of traffic violation is associated with a specific number of points, which are meant to reflect the severity of the offense. Minor infractions, such as driving at excessive speeds, typically result in fewer points being added to your driver’s record than more serious offenses like a DUI.

The more points you have on your driving record, the more limitations you will face and the harsher the consequences. The most immediate effect of having too many points on your record is the risk of having your license suspended. Beyond the threat of license suspension, having points on your record could result in increased car insurance premiums, limitations to employment opportunities, and possibly the necessity to attend a driving improvement course.

Missouri law assigns points according to a predefined system. Examples include the following:

  • Fleeing the scene of an accident: 12 points
  • Felony involving a motor vehicle: 12 points
  • First offense DWI: eight points
  • First offense driving under the influence of drugs: eight points
  • Endangering Hwy. workers: four points
  • Failure to produce proof of insurance: four points
  • Driving five or more miles over the speed limit: three points
  • Ignoring a stop sign: two points
  • First offense driving without a license: two points
  • Traffic obstruction: two points

Can You Contest or Fight Back Against Traffic Violations and Their Consequences?

Speeding and other traffic offenses are common in Missouri. You must understand that you have the legal right to contest these offenses. You do not need to pay the fines and simply accept your punishments. Sometimes, errors are committed by arresting officers, and you may be in the right to protect your interests by contesting traffic offenses with the help of legal representation.

To write a traffic ticket, you and your attorney would request a court date, prepare a compelling case, and then plead your case in front of the judge.

Reasons and methods to contest traffic violations may include the following:

  • Any factual errors, such as an incorrect description of your vehicle or incorrect violation code, could be a suitable reason to contest your traffic ticket with the help of an attorney
  • Argue that your guilt stems from defective equipment, not personal negligence. In such cases, you may be required to pay a fine, but you may not suffer points against your driving record
  • Hire experienced attorneys to present compelling evidence or challenge the circumstances of the ticket if you believe that you were ticketed unfairly
  • In some cases, your lawyers may help negotiate for lesser charges, such as reducing your charges to a non-moving violation, which typically carries fewer or no points
  • Law enforcement officers could mistakenly judge your speed with faulty equipment or inaccurate use of the equipment. Your attorneys can attempt to argue that inaccurate speed measurement led to your traffic violation
  • Legal representation can stand by your side and represent you in courtroom cases in the fight to dismiss or reduce penalties

How Long Do Traffic Tickets Stay on Your Driving Record?

Missouri tracks every traffic violation and assigns points based on the severity of the offenses. Accumulating numerous points could lead to dire consequences, including losing your driver’s license.

In our state, traffic violations usually stay on your driving record for between three to five years, often depending on the severity of the offense. The exact duration that tickets remain on your record will also vary based on subsequent actions, such as attending traffic school, which can reduce the time tickets remain on your driving record.

Can You Reduce Points or Avoid Accumulating Any More?

You can take certain steps to reduce points on your driving record. One method is to attend a state-approved driving course to encourage defensive driving in motorists. You may see reduced points on your record by completing such a course.

Drivers with clean driving records will also see their points decrease over time.

Is it Possible to Have a Traffic Ticket Erased from Your Record?

Depending on the severity of the offense and other circumstances, it may be necessary to have old traffic tickets erased from your driving record in Missouri. This can be a complex legal process, and we strongly recommend retaining professional legal counsel from experienced traffic ticket attorneys.

Contact our Missouri law firm for legal assistance.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with Our Experienced Traffic Ticket Attorneys Today

Our Missouri law firm represents clients in various criminal defense legal matters, including those who have received tickets for traffic violations.

If you believe you were unfairly ticketed, you have the legal right to contest the charges and seek to have your violations reduced or dismissed. As your legal representatives, our lawyers will work tirelessly to build a convincing case to defend your rights and interests.

Contact our law office to schedule your free initial consultation with our legal team today. You can reach us at 636-220-5934.