The Missouri Point System tracks your driving mistakes. Every traffic ticket you get adds points to your driving record. Too many points mean you’re in for it. You could be penalized, have your license suspended, or even lose your license. A traffic lawyer can help defend against tickets, reduce points, and protect your driving rights.
What Is the Missouri Point System?
The system rewards you with points for each moving violation. Each violation is a set amount of points. The greater the severity of the violation, the more points you earn.
For example:
- Speeding: 3 points.
- Running a red light: 2 points.
- Careless driving: 2 points.
- Driving without insurance: 4 points.
- DWI (first-time offender): 8 points.
- Fleeing from an accident scene: 12 points.
The court reports to the Missouri Department of Revenue after conviction. Points are on your record soon after. An experienced dui defense lawyer in Kansas city can look after the issues with priority.
How Long Do Points Last?
Points last for 3 years from the date of conviction. They don’t drop off early unless you qualify for a reduction.
The point reduction system:
- 1 year clean with no new tickets: Your total drops by one-third.
- 2 years clean: Your points drop by half.
- 3 years clean: All of the points for that offense are removed.
- Some serious offenses, like DWI or hit-and-run, can last longer than 3 years.
What Happens When You Accumulate Too Many Points?
Missouri has harsh penalties when you accumulate certain point totals. Here’s what happens:
- 4 points within 12 months: You get a warning letter.
- 8 points within 18 months: Your license is suspended.
The suspension time gets longer with each offense:
- First suspension: 30 days.
- Second: 60 days.
- Third and subsequent: 90 days.
For extreme point totals:
- 12 points within 12 months,
- 18 points within 24 months,
- or 24 points within 36 months
your license is suspended. This is for 1 year. You must complete all the requirements to get it reinstated.
How Points Affect You
Points hurt worse than your license status. They can also:
- Raise your car insurance rates.
- Harm your job prospects, especially if driving is part of your employment.
- Lead to court fees and other costs.
Points are still on record even if you pay the ticket as soon as possible. Paying a fine will not negate points.
Common Tickets and Points
Missouri drivers usually get the same types of tickets. Below is a straightforward list of common infractions and their points:
| Violation | Points |
| Speeding | 3 |
| Careless driving | 2 |
| No insurance | 4 |
| Leaving the scene of a crash | 12 |
| DWI (1st offense) | 8 |
| DWI (1st offense) | 8 |
| Driving on a suspended license | 12 |
City and county tickets also rack up points, depending on the offense.
What Is a Traffic Lawyer?
Traffic lawyers protect your driving record. Their primary goals are reduced or dismissal of charges.
They do:
- Review your ticket and identify errors.
- Challenge the stop or evidence.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor to lower charges.
- Represent you in court.
Few drivers know about traffic law. A lawyer does. They can typically identify weaknesses in the case and reverse them for you.
Why Legal Help Is Worth It
A speeding ticket may seem like a little thing. But points add up fast. A lawyer helps you:
- Avoid points.
- Save your license.
- Lower fines.
- Protect your insurance rates.
Legal process fees seem costly up front, but they often save you more money in the long run.
How a Lawyer Saves You Time
Traffic tickets can demand a lot of time in court. Some citations take over one hearing in court. An attorney can appear for you in most situations. This spares you:
- Work time away from work.
- Long waits in courtrooms.
- Travel and parking frustrations.
Special Cases: Out-of-State Tickets
What if you get a ticket outside of the state? Missouri may still charge points against your record. This usually occurs on serious ones like:
- Reckless driving.
- Speeding way above the limit.
- DWI or DUI.
A traffic lawyer can inform you of how an out-of-state ticket will impact your Missouri driving record and if it is worth fighting.
License Suspension and Revocation: What to Expect
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you will have to complete a few steps in order to get it back.
- Serve the full suspension or revocation period.
- Pay a reinstatement fee.
- File proof of insurance (SR-22 form).
- Take the driver’s test if required.
A lawyer can guide you through this process and ensure that you get everything done on time.
Defensive Driving: Fewer Points
You may qualify for a Driver Improvement Program (DIP). This course is an education in safe driving and can reduce points. Some courts allow you to take the course instead of accruing points on your record. If you qualify, always ask your lawyer.
Avoiding Points in the First Place
To have your record remain pristine:
- Drive safely and follow all traffic laws.
- Keep your car insured and in good shape.
- Handle tickets quickly—don’t ignore them.
- Hire a lawyer if you’re unsure what to do.
It’s easier to prevent points than to remove them later.
How to Check Your Points
You can check your driving record with the Missouri Department of Revenue. It’s simple:
- Online: Fastest option.
- By mail: Slower but works.
- In person: Visit a DMV office.
It’s a good idea to check your record each year to catch you off guard as little as possible.
FAQs
1. How long are the points on my Missouri record?
Points stay for 3 years. Some severe offenses stay longer.
2. Can a lawyer erase the points from my record?
Yes. Lawyers can typically work out charges, which means fewer or no points.
3. What happens if I dismiss a traffic citation?
Missing a ticket can land you in extra fines, license suspension, or even an arrest warrant.
4. Do out-of-state tickets affect my Missouri record?
Yes. Missouri has the authority to put points on your Missouri record for out-of-state tickets, especially serious offenses.
5. How do I obtain my driving record?
You can obtain it online, by mail, or at a local DMV office through the Missouri Department of Revenue.
Final Thoughts
Missouri’s point system can be rough. Points rack up fast and result in serious trouble. One mistake can snowball into lost money and lost license. A Kansas City traffic tickets lawyer can fight on your record, defend your license, and avoid long-term damage. If you’ve been issued a traffic ticket, don’t gamble—get legal help now to protect your future.
