Most people don’t set out to ignore a traffic ticket. Life gets busy, you forget your court date, or you misplace the citation and promise to handle it later. But in Missouri, letting a ticket slip through the cracks can quickly snowball into license suspension, fines, and even a warrant for your arrest.

Whether it’s a speeding ticket, a red-light violation, or a citation for driving without insurance, here’s what happens when you fail to take care of a ticket—and how Rosenblum Robbins can help you fix it before things get worse.

1️⃣ Ignoring a Ticket Doesn’t Make It Go Away

A traffic ticket is an official court summons. When you sign the ticket, you’re agreeing to either pay it or appear in court by a specific date. Failing to do either is known legally as a “Failure to Appear” (FTA) or “Failure to Pay.”

Once you miss that deadline, the court notifies the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR), which can take swift action against your driving privileges. This process is automated—meaning your license can be suspended even if you were unaware the deadline passed.

2️⃣ Your License Can Be Suspended

Missouri law requires the DOR to suspend or deny your driver’s license if a court reports an unpaid ticket or missed court date. This suspension will remain in effect until the ticket is resolved and the court notifies the DOR to lift it.

During that time, driving with a suspended license becomes a criminal offense—a Class D misdemeanor that carries up to a $500 fine and possible jail time. In other words, a single ignored ticket can escalate into a criminal record if you’re not careful.

3️⃣ You Could Have a Warrant Issued for Your Arrest

In many Missouri municipalities, failing to appear in court allows a judge to issue a bench warrant. This means law enforcement can arrest you at any time—often during a routine traffic stop or if your name is run through a database.

While most warrants for traffic violations don’t lead to officers actively seeking you out, they can create major headaches:

• Your name could show up in background checks.

• You could be arrested unexpectedly.

• You’ll have to pay additional fines or bond fees to have the warrant lifted.

In some counties, courts also add “Failure to Appear” fees or late penalties, increasing the total amount you owe.

4️⃣ The Debt Keeps Growing

Even if a warrant isn’t issued right away, the longer your ticket remains unresolved, the more it will cost you. Missouri courts can tack on:

• Late payment penalties

• Collection fees if the debt is sent to a third-party agency

• Additional court costs when a new case is opened for failure to appear

These added costs often exceed the original fine, making it much more expensive than simply handling the ticket on time.

5️⃣ How to Fix It — Even If It’s Been Months (or Years)

The good news? In most cases, you can clear your license and lift a warrant—with the right legal help.

An experienced Missouri traffic attorney can:

• Contact the court directly to request the warrant be withdrawn.

• Negotiate to have the ticket reinstated on the docket so you can pay or resolve it properly.

• Work to reduce the charge to a non-moving violation (keeping points off your record).

• Coordinate with the Department of Revenue to reinstate your driving privileges.

If you try to handle a warrant or suspension on your own, it can be confusing and time-consuming—especially if the ticket is in a different city or county. That’s where professional legal guidance makes a big difference.

At Rosenblum Robbins, our team has helped hundreds of St. Louis–area drivers clear old tickets, lift warrants, and get their licenses reinstated quickly. We understand how Missouri’s local courts work and can often resolve cases without you ever having to appear in person.

6️⃣ What To Do If You’ve Missed a Court Date

If you realize you’ve missed a traffic court appearance, take these steps immediately:

1. Don’t ignore it further. Every day that passes increases your risk of suspension or arrest.

2. Call the court clerk to find out the current status of your case.

3. Hire a traffic lawyer to appear on your behalf and file a motion to recall the warrant or reopen the case.

4. Pay any outstanding fines as soon as possible once your case is reinstated.

The faster you act, the easier it is to limit damage to your record and restore your license.

7️⃣ How Rosenblum Robbins Can Help

Our attorneys handle cases just like yours every day across the St. Louis region and throughout Missouri. We know which courts are more likely to issue warrants, how to file the correct paperwork, and how to negotiate favorable outcomes for our clients.

Whether your ticket is recent or several years old, we can:

• Lift active warrants so you can drive safely again.

• Reduce or dismiss old charges to protect your record.

• Reinstate suspended licenses by working directly with the DOR.

You don’t have to face the process alone—and you definitely don’t need to risk another stop or arrest before fixing it.

The Bottom Line

Ignoring a traffic ticket in Missouri might feel harmless at first, but it can spiral into major legal trouble—license suspension, extra fines, and even an arrest warrant. The longer you wait, the more complicated (and expensive) it becomes.

If you’ve missed a court date or think there may be a warrant in your name, act now. Rosenblum Robbins can help you fix the issue fast, protect your record, and get back on the road legally.

👉 Contact Rosenblum Robbins today for a free consultation and find out how we can clear your name, lift your warrant, and get your license reinstated.

When most people think about getting a speeding ticket in Missouri, they picture a fine, maybe a bump in their insurance, and then moving on. But what happens when you rack up more than one—or if your speed was high enough to cross into reckless territory? Can you actually go to jail for speeding in Missouri?

The short answer: yes, it’s possible—especially if you’ve had multiple tickets or were driving significantly over the speed limit. Missouri law treats repeat violations and extreme speeding far more seriously than a simple traffic infraction. Here’s what you need to know.

When a Speeding Ticket Becomes a Serious Offense

Most speeding tickets in Missouri are classified as infractions. These are non-criminal offenses, punishable by fines and points on your driving record. However, if your speed exceeds certain thresholds or you’ve built up multiple violations in a short time, the consequences can increase dramatically.

For example:

• Driving 25 mph or more over the limit can be charged as a Class B misdemeanor, which carries potential jail time of up to six months and fines up to $1,000.

• Driving 35 mph or more over could lead to a Class A misdemeanor, which can mean up to a year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

• Reckless driving or careless and imprudent driving (common upgrades from extreme speeding) are also misdemeanors that can result in jail time and license suspension.

Multiple Tickets = Escalating Penalties

If you’ve been cited several times within a short period, you could face:

• License suspension: Missouri’s point system assigns two to three points per speeding ticket. Accumulate 8 points in 18 months, and your license can be suspended for 30–90 days.

• Revocation: 12 points in 12 months, or 18 points in 24 months, leads to a full license revocation for a year.

• Probation or jail: Multiple violations—especially in construction or school zones—can bring harsher penalties or short jail sentences.

Even if jail time isn’t imposed, the long-term cost of multiple tickets (insurance increases, lost driving privileges, and court fees) can be significant.

How Courts View Repeat Offenders

Judges often consider your driving history when deciding penalties. If you appear in court with a long list of prior speeding convictions, prosecutors are less likely to offer a plea deal or reduced charge.

In some jurisdictions, repeat offenders may even face probation or short jail terms as a deterrent—particularly if they ignored previous warnings, missed court dates, or drove dangerously fast.

How a Traffic Lawyer Can Help

If you’re facing your second, third, or fourth speeding ticket, or have been charged with reckless or careless driving, it’s crucial to contact a traffic attorney before your court date.

A lawyer can:

• Negotiate to reduce or amend the charge to a non-moving violation (no points).

• Prevent license suspension or revocation by minimizing points added to your record.

• Represent you in court, often without requiring you to appear.

• Handle communication with prosecutors and judges, ensuring the best possible outcome.

At Rosenblum Robbins, we’ve helped countless Missouri drivers avoid the worst consequences of multiple speeding tickets—including jail time. Our team understands the nuances of local traffic laws, from St. Louis County municipal courts to state-level offenses.

The Bottom Line

While jail for speeding in Missouri isn’t common, it’s very real for drivers with repeated violations or excessive speeds. The best way to protect your license—and your freedom—is to take every ticket seriously and get experienced legal help right away.

If you’ve received multiple speeding tickets or a reckless driving charge, don’t wait.

Contact Rosenblum Robbins today for a free consultation and find out how we can keep you on the road and out of court.

Introduction

When you’re handed a speeding ticket in Missouri, your first instinct may be to pay the fine and move on. But that decision could cost you thousands in the long run. A ticket adds points to your license and increases your insurance rates—sometimes for years.

Here’s the story of “Mark” (name changed for privacy), a Missouri driver who came to Rosenblum Robbins Law after a traffic stop in St. Louis County. His case shows why it pays to fight your ticket instead of paying it.

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Mark’s Situation

Mark, a 36-year-old sales rep, was pulled over on I-64 for going 14 miles per hour over the limit. His ticket came with:

• A $124 fine

• 3 points on his license

• An expected insurance increase of $300–$400 per year

Because Mark’s job required regular driving, keeping his record clean was critical.

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The Mistake He Almost Made

Like many drivers, Mark considered just paying the fine online. But by doing so, he would have automatically pleaded guilty, accepted the points, and set himself up for years of higher insurance bills.

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The Legal Approach

Instead of paying, Mark called Rosenblum Robbins Law. Our attorneys:

1. Reviewed his driving history and the details of his stop

2. Communicated directly with the local prosecutor

3. Negotiated the charge down from a speeding ticket to a non-moving violation

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The Result

Mark’s case was resolved without him stepping foot in court. The outcome:

• His fine dropped to $85

• He received zero points

• His insurance premiums stayed the same

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Lessons for Missouri Drivers

Mark’s case is a common one, and there are clear takeaways for anyone facing a ticket in Missouri:

• Don’t just pay the ticket – it’s a guilty plea that adds points.

• Hire an attorney – experienced traffic lawyers know how to negotiate with prosecutors.

• Think long-term – protecting your insurance rates often saves you more than lowering your fine.

• Act quickly – the sooner you contact an attorney, the better the chances of reducing your charge.

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Why This Matters

Missouri’s point system is strict, and insurance companies watch your driving record closely. One ticket may not seem like a big deal, but multiple violations can lead to a suspended license—or even higher financial costs than you expect.

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Why Choose Rosenblum Robbins Law

Drivers in Missouri trust us because:

• We handle traffic tickets every week in courts across the state

• We provide clear communication and fast results

• We work to minimize fines, eliminate points, and protect your license

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Final Thoughts

Mark’s story is just one of many. At Rosenblum Robbins Law, we see drivers every day who don’t realize how much a speeding ticket can impact their future. The good news? With the right legal help, you can protect your record, your wallet, and your peace of mind.

If you’ve recently been ticketed in Missouri, don’t risk your license or your insurance. Call Rosenblum Robbins Law today for a consultation.

Introduction

If you’ve been pulled over in Missouri for speeding, you might be tempted to just pay the fine and move on. But before you do, it’s important to understand the long-term consequences. A simple speeding ticket can add points to your license, increase your insurance premiums, and even put your ability to drive at risk if you accumulate too many violations.

At Rosenblum Robbins Law, we’ve helped hundreds of Missouri drivers fight speeding tickets and keep their records clean. In this guide, we’ll answer the most common questions about Missouri speeding tickets—what they cost, what they mean for your driving record, and what you can do to fight them.

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1. How much does a speeding ticket cost in Missouri?

The cost depends on how fast you were going over the limit and where you received the ticket. Generally, the statewide fine schedule looks like this:

• 1–5 mph over: $85 fine

• 6–10 mph over: $99 fine

• 11–15 mph over: $124 fine

• 16–19 mph over: $149 fine

Keep in mind that court costs (often $30–$50) are added on top of these fines. Some cities and counties impose higher fines, so the exact amount may vary.

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2. Do speeding tickets add points to my license?

Yes. Missouri uses a point system to track driving violations:

• Speeding tickets typically add 2–3 points to your license.

• Accumulating 8 points in 18 months can lead to a license suspension.

• 12 points in 12 months can result in a license revocation.

Points don’t just threaten your license—they also drive up your insurance rates.

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3. How long do points stay on my record?

Points from traffic violations in Missouri stay on your record for three years. However, insurance companies may factor in tickets and points for longer than that. Even one ticket could cost you hundreds in higher premiums each year.

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4. Will my insurance go up after a ticket?

Most likely. Insurance providers see speeding tickets as a red flag for risky driving. After a ticket, you might see an increase of $200–$600 per year, depending on your driving history and insurance company.

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5. Can I fight a speeding ticket in Missouri?

Yes. You don’t have to accept the ticket as-is. By hiring a Missouri traffic attorney, you may be able to:

• Get the ticket reduced to a non-moving violation (no points)

• Negotiate a smaller fine

• Keep the violation off your record completely

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6. Do I have to appear in court?

In many cases, no. A Missouri traffic lawyer can appear on your behalf. This means you don’t have to take time off work or stress about standing in front of a judge.

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7. What happens if I just pay the ticket?

Paying the fine online or by mail is the same as pleading guilty. You’ll pay the fine, but you’ll also accept the points—and the higher insurance rates that follow. It may feel easier in the short run, but it can cost you much more in the long run.

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8. Can out-of-state drivers fight Missouri speeding tickets?

Yes. If you’re from Illinois, Arkansas, or another state but got pulled over in Missouri, a local traffic attorney can represent you. In many cases, you won’t even have to come back to Missouri for court.

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9. What’s the difference between municipal and state tickets?

• Municipal tickets are issued in city courts. They often involve smaller fines but can still add points.

• State court tickets usually involve highways and state patrol stops, with larger fines and longer-term consequences.

Either way, it’s worth fighting to protect your driving record.

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10. Why hire Rosenblum Robbins Law?

Because we know Missouri traffic courts inside and out. Our team helps drivers every week reduce or eliminate speeding tickets. We provide:

• Experience – decades of handling Missouri traffic cases

• Convenience – often no court appearance required for you

• Results – saving you points, insurance hikes, and stress

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Final Thoughts

A Missouri speeding ticket doesn’t have to derail your driving record or drain your wallet. By hiring an experienced St. Louis traffic lawyer, you can often reduce the ticket, avoid points, and protect your insurance rates.

If you’ve recently received a ticket, don’t plead guilty without exploring your options. Contact Rosenblum Robbins Law today to discuss your case and learn how we can help.