Speeding in Missouri: How to Handle a Ticket and What to Expect

Getting a speeding ticket in Missouri can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. Here’s what you need to know to handle it right and avoid bigger problems. Call an experienced speeding ticket lawyer in Kansas City today.

What Happens When You Get a Speeding Ticket in Missouri?

When police stop you for speeding, they give you a ticket. It lists your speed, the limit, and the fine. It also shows the court info and due date.

You usually have three options:

• Pay the fine.
• Go to court.
• Hire a lawyer.

Missouri uses a point system. If you’re guilty, points go on your license. Too many points lead to license suspension. Even one speeding ticket can cause problems if you don’t respond the right way. If you’re under 21, rules can be even stricter. Young drivers with points can lose their license faster.

How Much Are Speeding Fines?

Fines vary by how fast you were going and where.

Standard Fine Examples:

• 5 mph over: about $85
• 10 mph over: about $100
• 20 mph over: $200 or more
• In construction or school zones: much higher

Extra fees often raise the total cost. The ticket might seem small, but hidden costs add up. Court fees, processing charges, and higher insurance can double or triple what you pay.

Points on Your License

Missouri adds points for traffic offenses. Here’s what you can expect:

• 2 points: basic speeding from a city or town cop
• 3 points: speeding from a state trooper
• 4+ points: reckless driving or higher speeds

If you get:

• 8+ points in 18 months: license suspension
• 12+ in 12 months, 18+ in 24, or 24+ in 36: longer suspensions

Points stay for 3 years but lose value over time. Each point affects your driving record. Even if you stay under the limit, your insurance provider might still raise your rates.

Insurance Goes Up

Your insurance company may raise your rate. The more serious the ticket, the bigger the hike. Even a first offense can raise your bill. Some insurers may drop you if you get too many tickets. That forces you to pay even more elsewhere. Some people see a 20–30% rate jump after just one ticket. Multiple tickets can make you a high-risk driver in the insurer’s eyes.

Should You Fight the Ticket?

Sometimes yes. Here are signs it may be worth it:

• You weren’t speeding.
• The radar was off.
• The officer got the wrong car.
• You want to avoid points.

Going to court may save you money long-term. A lawyer can help. Many offer free consults. Fighting a ticket may reduce the charge to a non-moving violation. That means no points and no insurance hit.

Can You Take a Driving Class Instead?

Yes. Missouri lets many drivers take a state-approved traffic school. If allowed:

• You plead guilty.
• You take the course.
• Points stay off your license.

But not all cases qualify. Check with the court first. Traffic school is usually online. You can take it at home on your schedule. You must finish by the court deadline.

What If You Ignore the Ticket?

Don’t. Missing the deadline can lead to:

• Extra fines
• A license suspension
• An arrest warrant

Take action before the due date. Even asking for more time is better than nothing. Your license could be suspended without warning. You may not even know until you’re pulled over again.

How to Pay a Ticket in Missouri

You can usually pay in one of three ways:

• Online through the Missouri Courts website
• By mail (follow instructions on the ticket)
• In person at the courthouse

Keep a copy of your receipt. Paying the fine means pleading guilty. Points will be added unless you took traffic school.

How to Find Your Court Date

Your ticket lists the court name and date. If you lose the ticket:

• Call the court
• Visit Missouri’s Case.net website to look it up

Missing court makes things worse, so double-check the details. You may be able to reschedule if you act early. Don’t wait until the last minute.

Getting Legal Help

You don’t need a lawyer, but it can help. Lawyers know the local rules. They may get the ticket reduced or dropped. Some handle the case without you going to court. Check reviews before picking one. Lawyers may charge a flat fee or hourly. Weigh the cost against future insurance hikes and license points.

What Happens After You Pay?

Once you pay, the court closes the case. The offense goes on your driving record. If points apply, they get added right away. You’ll likely get a notice from your insurer at your next renewal. Expect a rate jump, even for a first ticket. Keep your receipt. It proves you paid. If the court doesn’t update their system, you’ll need it.

FAQs About Speeding Tickets in Missouri

1. How long do points stay on my license?

Points last 3 years in Missouri. But they count most in the first year.

2. Will my insurance find out if I take a driving class?

Not always. If you complete the course and points stay off, your insurer may never know.

3. Can I go to jail for a speeding ticket?

Not usually. But if you ignore the ticket or are driving way over the limit, it’s possible.

4. Can I get tickets removed from my record?

You can’t erase a ticket. But you can stop at traffic school. And after 3 years, points lose effect.

5. How do I know if I qualify for traffic school?

Call the court or check the paperwork. Most minor tickets qualify unless you have recent offenses.

Final Thoughts

Speeding tickets can cost more than the fine. Points hurt your license. Rates rise. And ignoring it can bring even bigger trouble. Take the ticket seriously. Pay it or fight it. Just don’t do nothing. You have options, and the sooner you act, the better the outcome. Stay within the speed limit. Watch signs. Avoid distractions. Driving safely keeps your record clean and your costs down. Consult a local license back lawyer in Kansas City.