There’s a lot more than a mere inconvenience when it comes to receiving a traffic ticket in Missouri. For most of us, it may include financial stress, points on your driving record, and inflated insurance premiums. Knowing the fees and penalties for Missouri traffic violations is crucial for anyone who wants to remain abreast of such issues and take the necessary actions to ensure they remain safe from the large fines. This guide breaks down the cost of traffic tickets, provides comprehensive information regarding the point system, and gives several tips on how to handle and avoid violations. Patient’s life, but also of the family’s.
These are strict traffic laws meant to guarantee safety on the roads in Missouri. When a driver breaks these laws, they receive a ticket stating the offense and fine due, and how to pay or contest it.
Missouri classifies Traffic Tickets based on the seriousness of the traffic offense:
- Lesser Offenses: These include infractions like not signaling, or speeding 5-10 miles per hour over the speed limit.
- Major Violations: These include reckless driving, DUI, and at fault in the case of an accident due to negligence.
Direct Costs of Traffic Tickets
The fine for the offense ranges according to the nature and severity of it. Here is an overview of common Missouri ticket prices:
Speeding Tickets:
- Driving 1-5 mph over the limit: $85-$95
- Driving 6-10 mph over the limit: $95-$155
- Driving 25 mph or more over the limit: Up to $500 or more
Running a Red Light:
- Standard fine: $100-$200
Failure to Yield:
- Fine: $85-$150
Driving Without Insurance:
- First offense: $300-$500
- Subsequent offenses: Up to $1,000
DUI Offenses:
- First offense: $500-$1,000 in fines, plus possible jail time
- Additional costs for traffic school, DUI programs, or reinstatement of license
DUI Defense:
A DUI defense lawyer can share valuable thoughts about driving under the influence (DUI) offenses and educate on the consequences of the offenses.
The Hidden Costs of Traffic Tickets
The cost of traffic tickets is not just face value. Some other added costs one needs to consider are:
Court Fees:
Extra fees added for taking a ticket to court or for late payment range from $25 to $100.
Points on Driving Record
Missouri uses a point system for grading traffic infractions. If one acquires too many points, this could mean license suspension. For example:
- Speeding: 3 points
- Reckless driving: 4 points
- DUI: 8 points
License reinstatement fees after suspension can range from $20 to $45.
Increased Insurance Premiums:
Traffic Tickets Premiums go up accordingly: “Premiums can go up from 20% to 50% of the normal rate, depending on the traffic offense’s seriousness and number accrued.
Defensive Driving Classes:
Most courts offer an option for violators to attend a traffic school as a means of reducing or dismissing the ticket. The cost of the course ranges between $50 – $100.
What to Do If You Get a Traffic Ticket
If you are cited for a traffic ticket in Missouri, here is what you can do to minimize the impact:
Know Your Options:
- Paying the Fine: It is your admission of guilt and perhaps some points on your record.
- Contest the Ticket: You may file a plea of not guilty and request a hearing before the court if you feel that you have been ticketed unfairly.
Know the Deadline:
Missouri has tight deadlines to pay or contest a traffic ticket. Missing these could lead to an added fine tacked on, or worse-a warrant for your arrest.
See an Attorney:
For more serious offenses, a speeding ticket lawyer can help reduce fines, dismiss charges, and sometimes negotiate alternatives that include traffic school.
Take a Defensive Driving Course:
Sometimes, one can even avoid points, or have the ticket thrown out, by taking an approved defensive driving class.
How to Avoid Traffic Violations
Preventing traffic tickets is all about safe and responsible driving. Legal research about traffic rules and regulations keeps up to date and prevents traffic violations. Following are some tips which can help avoid violations:
Stay within the speed limits:
Follow posted speed limits and adjust accordingly in bad weather.
Be aware of traffic signs:
A missed stop sign or failure to yield can cost money in the way of a ticket.
Prevent Distracted Driving:
Texting or use of your phone while driving is not only dangerous but illegal in most areas.
Keep Your Vehicle Maintained:
Make sure your car is updated with the latest registration, all lights functioning and with an insurance policy.
The Long-Term Effects of Traffic Tickets
Too many traffic tickets have a lasting effect, including:
- Licence Suspension: When a driver receives 8 points in 18 months, his/her license is suspended for 30 days.
- Job Implication: The commercial drivers will have fewer chances as the employers always go through the record of their drivers.
- Increased Financial Burden: The more the infractions, the more the increase in insurance rates with additions of fines.
Final Words
Traffic tickets are assessed on many levels beyond the initial cost in Missouri. Understanding some of these more direct and hidden costs and a point system goes a long way in helping you make the proper decision about a ticket. You can avoid unnecessary fines by driving responsibly and being informed about state laws to keep your driving record clean.
Aside from saving your money, safe driving saves lives. Be aware and make the roads a safer place for all!
