Speeding tickets and moving violations may significantly impact your life. Depending on the specific ticket or violation, your penalties may include a suspended license, fines, or even jail time.
Types of Missouri Tickets and Moving Violations
Missouri law makes some speeding tickets and moving violations crimes, including:
- Driving 5-20 mph over the speed limit
- Excessive speeding, or driving more than 25 mph over the speed limit
- Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle such as a police vehicle, fire truck, or ambulance
- Failure to have adequate motor vehicle insurance
- Careless and imprudent driving, such as following too closely or failing to stay in your lane
- Texting and driving, if you are under the age of 21
- Running a red light
- Driving with a revoked license
- Leaving the scene of an accident
Your potential penalties depend on:
- The ticket you receive
- Whether you have past violations
- Whether you contest the ticket or plead guilty by paying the fine
The potential penalties may include:
- Fines
- Increased insurance premiums
- Points on your license
- License suspension if you receive 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 24 months, or 24 points in 36 months
- Jail time
Talk to a Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Legal Options
Typically, you have three options. You can:
- Pay the ticket
- Pay the ticket and participate in the Driver Improvement Program to reduce the points on your license
- Plead not guilty and contest the ticket
You have thirty days to respond to the ticket in one of these ways. If you do not respond, you may face additional legal penalties.
