Paying or Contesting a Traffic Ticket in Missouri
How to pay, contest or reduce a traffic ticket in Missouri, and what happens if you ignore it.
Short answer: When ordered and verified by the court, completing an approved driver-improvement program (meeting the National Safety Council eight-hour Defensive Driving Course standard; RSMo § 302.302.5
| Traffic school | When ordered and verified by the court, completing an approved driver-improvement program (meeting the National Safety Council eight-hour Defensive Driving Course standard; online or in person) is accepted instead of points for most moving violations, including speeding. It can be used only once in any 36-month period and must be completed within 60 days of conviction. It is not available for violations in a commercial motor vehicle or by commercial license holders. Source: RSMo § 302.302.5 |
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| License suspension | Grounds include point accumulation (suspension at 8 points in 18 months; revocation at 12/18/24 points in 12/24/36 months), an alcohol test at or above the legal limit (administrative suspension), test refusal (one-year revocation), and DWI convictions. Points suspensions end after 30, 60 or 90 days only if proof of financial responsibility is filed; otherwise they last two years. |
Where to get help in Missouri
More Missouri traffic tickets & dui
- Reinstating a Driver's License in Missouri
- DUI Laws in Missouri
- How Driver Points Work in Missouri
- All Missouri traffic tickets & dui rules
FAQ
Can traffic school remove a ticket or points in Missouri?
When ordered and verified by the court, completing an approved driver-improvement program (meeting the National Safety Council eight-hour Defensive Driving Course standard; online or in person) is accepted instead of points for most moving violations, including speeding. It can be used only once in any 36-month period and must be completed within 60 days of conviction. It is not available for violations in a commercial motor vehicle or by commercial license holders.
What gets your license suspended in Missouri?
Grounds include point accumulation (suspension at 8 points in 18 months; revocation at 12/18/24 points in 12/24/36 months), an alcohol test at or above the legal limit (administrative suspension), test refusal (one-year revocation), and DWI convictions. Points suspensions end after 30, 60 or 90 days only if proof of financial responsibility is filed; otherwise they last two years.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.