Traffic Law Missouri.com

All traffic tickets written in Missouri must be in a form currently approved for use by the Missouri Supreme Court. This applies to all traffic tickets issued by any agency in Missouri authorized to enforce any Missouri state law or county or municipal ordinance regulating the operation of motor vehicles.

Every “Uniform Traffic Ticket” and “Uniform Complaint and Summons” must clearly show the police department name and originating agency identifier (ORI) number in the upper left hand corner and the unique ticket number in the upper right-hand corner on the front side.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is responsible for assigning a unique number to every traffic ticket and uniform complaint and summons issued in the State of Missouri by any court, law enforcement agency, or other traffic ticket issuing authority.

When an officer or trooper gives you a ticket, you are being served with a complaint and summons. The “complaint” is the information and statement that you committed an offense in violation of a state law or county or municipal ordinance. When you are given the ticket, you are being served with a “summons” to dispose of the charges of which you are accused in the “complaint” on the traffic ticket.

Generally, one may dispose of the charge by prepayment of the fine and court costs along with a guilty plea. A guilty plea will result in Points on your driver license.

If the charge is not disposed of before the court date on the summons, you must appear at you court date or risk a warrant being issued for your arrest upon your failure to appear.

The lawyers at trafficlawmissouri.com can help keep you from getting points or having to go to court. Contact us today.

*Why is my driver license suspended?*

There are a number of reasons why your driver license may be suspended. You can find out why you are suspended from the letter(s) you received from the Missouri Dept. of Revenue Driver License Bureau or contacting them at:

Driver License Bureau
301 West High Street – Room 470
Jefferson City, MO, 65105-0200
(573) 526-2407

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*How can I check my driver record?*

Call the Missouri Dept. of Revenue Driver License Bureau at (573) 526-2407 to find out about non-personal information such as traffic tickets and suspension/revocation-related information. For more information, go to the Driver License Bureau’s “Driver Records”:http://dor.mo.gov/mvdl/drivers/records.htm page.

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*When can my driving privilege be reinstated?*

Since there are several ways a person’s driver license can be suspended, revoked, or denied, there are different reinstatement requirements. “Click here for an outlined list of ways a person can be suspended, revoked, or denied and how you can get your driver license reinstated.”:http://dor.mo.gov/mvdl/drivers/ldp.htm

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*Has the Driver License Bureau received my SR-22 or money yet?*

Call the Driver License Bureau at (573) 526-2407 to find out if your SR-22 or money has been received or send an email to them at dlbmail@dor.mo.gov.

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*Am I eligible for a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP)?*

If you cannot get your driver license back, but you need to drive for employment or other important matters, you may apply for a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP). You may get an LDP unless you have certain convictions or losses of license on your driver record. Some convictions or loss of license are so serious that an LDP may not be granted. Check out our Limited Driving Privilege page for reasons why you could not get an LDP.

NOTE: A person cannot obtain an LDP to drive a commercial motor vehicle.

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*Where and how do I apply for a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP)?*

You need to fill out an Application for Limited Driving Privilege (LDP). For more information about an LDP, check out our Limited Driving Privilege page. If you have any questions about the application, call the Driver License Bureau at (573) 751-4475, or email them at dlbmail@dor.mo.gov.

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*Where do I appeal the suspension/revocation of my driver license?*

You may appeal a driver license suspension, revocation, or denial in the circuit court of the county where you live within 30 days after the notice of suspension, revocation, or denial is issued. Contact us today. We can help.

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*Do I have to test after I am reinstated?*

You are required to retest upon reinstatement for a point revocation or upon reinstatement for a point suspension if your driver license expired during the suspension period and has been expired for more than six months.

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*How can I drive when under suspension or revocation?*

You cannot drive while your driver license is suspended or revoked unless you apply for and receive a Limited Driving Privilege. For more information, check out our Limited Driving Privilege page.

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*Does the Missouri Driver License Bureau take credit or debit cards over the phone?*

No. You need to submit a money order or personal check to the Driver License Bureau.

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*Who do I make my reinstatement check out to?*

Missouri Department of Revenue.

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Can I pay my reinstatement fee at a contract office?

No. You cannot pay your reinstatement fee at a contract office. You must submit the fee to:

Missouri Department of Revenue, Driver License Bureau
301 West High Street
Harry S Truman Building, Room 470
P.O. Box 200
Jefferson City, MO 65105-0200

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*Did the Missouri Driver License Bureau receive my reinstatement requirements; i.e., fee or SR-22 filing?*

Call them at (573) 526-2407 to find out if your documents have been received or send them an email at dlbmail@dor.mo.gov.

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Did the Missouri Driver License Bureau receive the court order to remove the ticket from my record?

Call them at (573) 526-2407 to find out if the court order has been received or send them an email to dlbmail@dor.mo.gov.

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*Am I eligible for a Restricted Driving Privilege?*

The Missouri Driver License Bureau only issues Restricted Driving Privileges for first-time alcohol-related point suspensions. You must serve the first 30 days of the point suspension and file proof of liability insurance with the Driver License Bureau (i.e., SR-22 form).

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*What is an SR-22 insurance filing?*

It is a form from your insurance company that shows your motor vehicle has liability insurance. (Sample of SR-22 formAdobe Acrobat PDF)

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*Do I still need my SR-22?*

You need to file the SR-22 for two years from the starting date of your point suspension or revocation.

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*How many points go on my record when I get a ticket?*

You may refer to the Point System Violation Description TableAdobe Acrobat PDF to find the point value of most tickets.
How many points do I have on my record?

You can call (573) 526-2407 to find out how many points you have on your record or send an email to the Missouri Driver License Bureau at dlbmail@dor.mo.gov.

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*When can tickets be removed from my record?*

To determine when a particular ticket may be removed from your record, please refer to administrative rule 12 CSR 10-24.050.

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*How can I request that an old ticket be removed from my record?*

You may submit a request (including your full name and Missouri driver license number or social security number) to have old tickets purged from your record using one of the following methods:

* Send an email request to dlbmail@dor.mo.gov.
* Call (573) 526-2407 during normal business hours to request the purge.
* Send a written request to our central office:

Driver License Bureau
301 West High Street – Room 470
Jefferson City, MO, 65105-0200

NOTE: A ticket is not eligible to be removed if it “supports” an existing administrative suspension/revocation/denial action against the driver, or if it otherwise must remain on the record in accordance with state law.

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*What is the mailing address, location, and office hours of the Missouri Driver License Bureau?*

Driver License Bureau
301 West High Street – Room 470
Jefferson City, MO, 65105-0200

* Information 24/7 (Interactive Voice Response System) (573) 526-2407
* Driver License (general information) (573) 751-4600
* Administrative Alcohol (DWI) Suspensions, Hearings (573) 526-2407
* Points & Traffic Tickets (573) 526-2407
* License Issuance (573) 751-4600
* Clearance Letter (573) 751-4600
* Failure to Appear in Court for Traffic Violations – Missouri Courts Only (573) 526-0939
* Unpaid Tickets – Missouri Courts Only (573) 526-0939
* Accidents (573) 751-7195
* Mandatory Insurance (573) 751-7195

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The number of Points on a Missouri driver license and driver record automatically are reduced upon the passage of time. For each year that passes in which a driver gets no new Points, the Points already on his/her Missouri driver license and driver record are reduced as follows:

* 1 year – total remaining points reduced by one-third
* 2 years – remaining points reduced by one-half
* 3 years – points reduced to zero

If your license has been suspended or revoked because of the accumulation of Points, the number of Points on your Missouri driver license and Driver Record will be reduced to 4.

Though your points may be reduced to zero, certain types of convictions may remain listed permanently on your Missouri driver record.

Each time Points get put on your license, the closer you get to your license be suspended or revoked.

*Point Accumulation Advisory Letter*

4 Points in 12 Months

If you accumulate 4 points in 12 months, the Dept. of Revenue will send you a point accumulation advisory letter.

*Suspension*

8 Points in 18 Months.

* 1st Missouri Point suspension – 30 days
* 2nd Missouri Point suspension – 60 days
* 3rd or more Missouri Point suspensions – 90 days

If you accumulate 8 or more points in 18 months, the Dept. of Revenue will suspend your driving privilege.

*Revocation*

* 12 or more points in 12 months.
* 18 or more points in 24 months.
* 24 or more points in 36 months.

If you accumulate 12 or more points in 12 months, 18 or more points in 24 months or 24 or more points in 36 months, t he Dept. of Revenue will revoke your driving privilege for one year.

The Driver License Bureau of the Missouri Department of Revenue adds points on your Missouri driver record when it receives notice from a traffic court that you were convicted of a moving moving traffic violation. The number of points that get put on your Missouri driver license depends on the moving violation of which you are convicted.

For example, a conviction for speeding in violation of a municipal ordinance will result in 2 points on your license while a conviction for speeding in violation of Missouri State law will result in 3 points on your license. A conviction for leaving the scene of an accident in violation of Missouri State law will result in 12 points being put on (and the immediate suspension of) your Missouri driver license.

The following are some examples of some Missouri State law violations and their point values:

* Speeding, 3 points
* Careless & Imprudent Driving, 4 points
* Knowingly Allowing an Unlicensed Driver to Drive, 4 points
* A Felony Involving a Motor Vehicle, 12 points
* Obtaining a Driver License by Misrepresentation, 12 points
* Operating a Vehicle While Suspended or Revoked, 12 points

Missouri Revised Statutes
Chapter 302
Drivers’ and Commercial Drivers’ Licenses
Section 302.302

Revised August 28, 2007

Point system–assessment for violation–assessment of points stayed, when, procedure.

302.302. 1. The director of revenue shall put into effect a point system for the suspension and revocation of licenses. Points shall be assessed only after a conviction or forfeiture of collateral. The initial point value is as follows:

(1) Any moving violation of a state law or county or municipal or federal traffic ordinance or regulation not listed in this section, other than a violation of vehicle equipment provisions or a court-ordered supervision as provided in section 302.303 ………………………………………………………………… ……………. 2 points (except any violation of municipal stop sign ordinance where no accident is involved …………………………………………… 1 point)

(2) Speeding In violation of a state law ………………………………………………………………… 3 points In violation of a county or municipal ordinance ………………………………. 2 points

(3) Leaving the scene of an accident in violation of section 577.060, RSMo. ……………………………………………….. 12 points In violation of any county or municipal ordinance ……………………………. 6 points

(4) Careless and imprudent driving in violation of subsection 4 of section 304.016, RSMo. …………………………… 4 points In violation of a county or municipal ordinance ………………………………… 2 points

(5) Operating without a valid license in violation of subdivision (1) or (2) of subsection 1 of section 302.020:

(a) For the first conviction ……………………………………………………. 2 points

(b) For the second conviction ………………………………………………… 4 points

(c) For the third conviction ……………………………………………………. 6 points

(6) Operating with a suspended or revoked license prior to restoration of operating privileges ………………………………………………………………… ……………………. 12 points

(7) Obtaining a license by misrepresentation …………………………. 12 points

(8) For the first conviction of driving while in an intoxicated condition or under the influence of controlled substances or drugs …………………………………………………….. 8 points

(9) For the second or subsequent conviction of any of the following offenses however combined: driving while in an intoxicated condition, driving under the influence of controlled substances or drugs or driving with a blood alcohol content of eight-hundredths of one percent or more by weight …………………………… 12 points

(10) For the first conviction for driving with blood alcohol content eight-hundredths of one percent or more by weight In violation of state law ………………………………………………………………… …. 8 points In violation of a county or municipal ordinance or federal law or regulation ………………………………………………………………. 8 points

(11) Any felony involving the use of a motor vehicle ………………………………………………………………… ………………. 12 points

(12) Knowingly permitting unlicensed operator to operate a motor vehicle …………………………………………………… 4 points

(13) For a conviction for failure to maintain financial responsibility pursuant to county or municipal ordinance or pursuant to section 303.025, RSMo ………………………………………………………………… …………………………. 4 points

(14) Endangerment of a highway worker in violation of section 304.585, RSMo ………………………………………………… 4 points

(15) Aggravated endangerment of a highway worker in violation of section 304.585, RSMo ………………………………………. 12 points

(16) For a conviction of violating a municipal ordinance that prohibits tow truck operators from stopping at or proceeding to the scene of an accident unless they have been requested to stop or proceed to such scene by a party involved in such accident or by an officer of a public safety agency ………………………………. 4 points

2. The director shall, as provided in subdivision (5) of subsection 1 of this section, assess an operator points for a conviction pursuant to subdivision (1) or (2) of subsection 1 of section 302.020, when the director issues such operator a license or permit pursuant to the provisions of sections 302.010 to 302.340.

3. An additional two points shall be assessed when personal injury or property damage results from any violation listed in subdivisions (1) to (13) of subsection 1 of this section and if found to be warranted and certified by the reporting court.

4. When any of the acts listed in subdivision (2), (3), (4) or (8) of subsection 1 of this section constitutes both a violation of a state law and a violation of a county or municipal ordinance, points may be assessed for either violation but not for both. Notwithstanding that an offense arising out of the same occurrence could be construed to be a violation of subdivisions (8), (9) and (10) of subsection 1 of this section, no person shall be tried or convicted for more than one offense pursuant to subdivisions (8), (9) and (10) of subsection 1 of this section for offenses arising out of the same occurrence.

5. The director of revenue shall put into effect a system for staying the assessment of points against an operator. The system shall provide that the satisfactory completion of a driver-improvement program or, in the case of violations committed while operating a motorcycle, a motorcycle-rider training course approved by the state highways and transportation commission, by an operator, when so ordered and verified by any court having jurisdiction over any law of this state or county or municipal ordinance, regulating motor vehicles, other than a violation committed in a commercial motor vehicle as defined in section 302.700 or a violation committed by an individual who has been issued a commercial driver’s license or is required to obtain a commercial driver’s license in this state or any other state, shall be accepted by the director in lieu of the assessment of points for a violation pursuant to subdivision (1), (2) or (4) of subsection 1 of this section or pursuant to subsection 3 of this section. For the purposes of this subsection, the driver-improvement program shall meet or exceed the standards of the National Safety Council’s eight-hour “Defensive Driving Course” or, in the case of a violation which occurred during the operation of a motorcycle, the program shall meet the standards established by the state highways and transportation commission pursuant to sections 302.133 to 302.137. The completion of a driver-improvement program or a motorcycle-rider training course shall not be accepted in lieu of points more than one time in any thirty-six-month period and shall be completed within sixty days of the date of conviction in order to be accepted in lieu of the assessment of points. Every court having jurisdiction pursuant to the provisions of this subsection shall, within fifteen days after completion of the driver-improvement program or motorcycle-rider training course by an operator, forward a record of the completion to the director, all other provisions of the law to the contrary notwithstanding. The director shall establish procedures for record keeping and the administration of this subsection.