All Missouri drivers are required to obey strict speed laws, and violations can lead to fines, points or worse. A traffic attorney in Kansas City can assist you in determining your rights.
What Is Speeding In Missouri?
Speeding is when you drive over the posted speed limit. There are state and local speed limits in Missouri.
- Urban roads: 25 to 35 miles per hour
- Highways: 60 to 70 miles per hour
- School zones: typically 20 mph with children present
You can receive a ticket for just going 1 mph over the posted limits.
How Police Catch Speeders
Police stop speeders using radar, pacing, or photo radar cameras. Police most commonly use radar. Most of the time if an officer sees you speeding, they will stop you fairly quickly and ticket you. Some areas are notorious for speed traps where police seem to be constantly watching for speeders.
Penalties for Speeding
Missouri uses a point system. Too many points can suspend your license.
- 2 to 3 points for regular speeding
- Higher points for speeding in school or work zones
- Up to $500 fine for a first offense
Repeat violations bring stiffer penalties. If you’re caught speeding 20 mph or more over the limit, you may face a misdemeanor charge. That can lead to higher fines and possible jail time.
See also: 5 Facts About Personal Injury Law You Might Wish You Knew Sooner
Speeding in Work or School Zones
Fines double in these zones. Speeding near workers or kids is taken very seriously.
- School zone ticket = 4 points on your license
- Work zone fine = Up to $1,000
Even if no one is hurt, penalties are higher. If someone is injured, charges may be criminal.
Why You Should Fight a Ticket
A speeding ticket affects more than your wallet.
- Raises your insurance rates
- Adds points to your license
- Can lead to license suspension
- May hurt job chances
You have the right to contest any ticket. A lawyer can help you avoid or reduce the penalties.
What a Traffic Attorney Does
Traffic attorneys know Missouri law. They can:
- Review your case
- Check for officer errors
- Challenge radar or evidence
- Speak for you in court
Many cases are resolved without you needing to appear in court. Lawyers often get charges reduced to non-moving violations. That means no points and lower fines.
Common Defenses
Some valid reasons may get your ticket dismissed:
- Radar gun not calibrated
- Officer mistake or poor training
- Emergency situation
- Signs not visible or missing
A lawyer will know which defense works best for your case. Each situation is different.
License Points Explained
Missouri gives you points for moving violations. Speeding adds 2 to 3 points. Too many points means trouble.
- 8 points in 18 months = 30-day suspension
- 12 points in 12 months = 1-year revocation
- 18 points in 24 months = 1-year revocation
Points stay on your record for 3 years. Your license can be taken away, even for simple tickets if they add up.
How to Remove Points
You may take a driver improvement course. This removes 1 point and may help with insurance.
- Course must be court-approved
- You can only take it once every 3 years
- It won’t remove serious violations
Check with the court before enrolling. The court has to approve it for it to count.
Insurance Impact
A single ticket can raise your premium. Insurers see you as a risk.
- Rates may rise 10-25% after one ticket
- Higher hikes for multiple tickets or serious speeding
- Rates stay high for 3 to 5 years
Insurance companies check driving records often. Keeping your record clean saves money over time.
Out-of-State Drivers
If you’re ticketed in Missouri but live elsewhere, your home state may apply points too. Your insurance will still be affected. A Kansas City attorney can represent you even if you’re out of state. This can save you a trip back to Missouri.
Speeding and CDL Holders
Commercial drivers face stricter rules. Speeding in a CMV or personal car affects your CDL.
- Speeding 15+ mph = serious violation
- 2 major offenses = CDL disqualification
- Even small tickets may affect your job
Your employer may take action even if the DMV does not. Fighting tickets is critical for CDL holders.
When Speeding Becomes a Crime
Speeding is usually a civil offense. But it becomes criminal under some conditions.
- Driving 20+ mph over limit in a school zone
- Speeding that leads to injury or damage
- Repeat extreme speeding
These are misdemeanors. A conviction may go on your permanent record.
Should You Go to Court?
Sometimes, yes. If the charge is serious or you want to avoid points, going to court may help. A lawyer can appear for you in most cases. They may get the ticket reduced or dismissed.
What to Do After a Ticket
- Check the fine and deadline
- Don’t pay right away if you plan to fight it
- Talk to a traffic attorney
- Gather facts like photos, notes, or witness info
- Show up to court or have your lawyer go
Act quickly. Waiting makes it harder to build a good case.
How Long Does It Take to Resolve?
Simple cases may take 30 to 45 days. More complex cases may take a few months. Each court runs on its own timeline. A lawyer can speed things up by knowing local procedures.
Can Tickets Be Dismissed?
Yes. Many tickets are dismissed due to errors or lack of evidence. Others are reduced to no-point violations.
- Officer didn’t appear in court
- Radar was not working
- Wrong info on the ticket
Dismissal saves you points and insurance hikes.
How a Lawyer Saves You Money
While you pay for legal help, you may save more in the long run:
- Lower or no fines
- Fewer or no points
- No license suspension
- No insurance hike
A small fee now can prevent large costs later.
Why Hire Local?
A Kansas City dui attorney knows local judges, officers, and court staff. That helps when negotiating or fighting tickets. Local lawyers know how different courts handle cases. This local knowledge makes a big difference.
What to Bring to Your Lawyer
- The ticket
- Your driving record
- Notes or photos from the stop
- Any witness names
More info means a stronger case. Don’t leave things out.
How to Pick the Right Attorney
- Choose one with traffic law experience
- Ask about success rates
- Read online reviews
- Make sure they work in local courts
A good lawyer will offer a free consultation. Ask questions before hiring.
Speed Traps in Kansas City
Some areas are known for frequent tickets:
- I-435 near Gregory Blvd
- Hwy 71 near Meyer Blvd
- Downtown loop during rush hour
- Troost Ave near 63rd St
Watch your speed in these areas. Officers often sit with radar in these spots.
Stay Legal: Tips for Drivers
- Follow posted speed signs
- Slow down in bad weather
- Be careful in school or work zones
- Use cruise control on highways
- Watch for sudden speed changes
Safe driving helps everyone. It also saves you money and stress.
FAQs
1. Can I get out of a Missouri speeding ticket?
Yes. A lawyer may get it dismissed or reduced. Don’t pay the ticket without legal advice.
2. Will my insurance go up after a speeding ticket?
Most likely, yes. Even one ticket can raise your rate for years.
3. How many points can I get before losing my license?
8 points in 18 months can suspend it. 12 in 12 months means a full revocation.
4. Do I need to go to court for a ticket?
Not always. A lawyer can often go for you. Ask about your specific case.
5. What if I got the ticket while visiting Missouri?
You still need to deal with it. A Kansas City lawyer can help, even from out of state.
