Understanding Missouri Traffic Tickets and How to Protect Your Record
Traffic tickets may seem like minor annoyances, but in Missouri, they can lead to serious consequences, including points on your driving record, increased insurance premiums, and even license suspension. At Rosenblum Robbins Law Firm, we know how important it is to protect your record and your rights. In this blog, we’ll break down what you need to know about traffic tickets, common violations, penalties, and how legal representation can help you avoid long-term issues.
Common Traffic Violations in Missouri
Traffic violations in Missouri can range from simple infractions to more serious offenses. Some of the most common include:
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Speeding: Exceeding the posted speed limit is one of the most frequent reasons drivers receive tickets. Missouri uses a points system, and speeding violations can add 3 points to your driving record.
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Running a Red Light or Stop Sign: Failure to stop at a red light or stop sign can result in a 2-point violation.
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Reckless Driving: Behaviors such as excessive speeding, aggressive lane changes, and racing may lead to reckless driving charges, which carry harsher penalties and 4 points.
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Driving Without Insurance: Missouri requires all drivers to maintain liability insurance. Driving without coverage can result in fines, points, and potential license suspension.
Missouri’s Points System
Missouri operates under a points system to track traffic violations. Accumulating too many points can lead to consequences such as:
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4 points in 12 months: You may receive a warning letter from the Department of Revenue.
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8 points in 18 months: Your license may be suspended for up to 90 days.
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12 points in 12 months: This can lead to a one-year revocation of your license.
Points also stay on your record for varying lengths of time. After 18 months, you may receive a one-third reduction of points for maintaining a clean record.
How Traffic Tickets Impact Insurance Rates
One of the hidden costs of traffic violations is the impact on your car insurance premiums. Insurance companies view tickets as signs of risky driving behavior, which can result in rate increases that last for years. Avoiding or reducing points through legal representation can help protect you from these increases.
How a Traffic Ticket Attorney Can Help
Many drivers assume that paying a ticket is their only option, but doing so is essentially an admission of guilt. An experienced attorney from Rosenblum Robbins can help you:
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Challenge the Ticket: We can review the circumstances of your case to identify errors or weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
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Negotiate for Lesser Charges: In some cases, we can negotiate to have your ticket reduced to a non-moving violation, which carries fewer or no points.
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Represent You in Court: If necessary, we can represent you in court to fight for a dismissal or reduced penalties.
If you’ve received a traffic ticket, don’t just pay the fine and accept the consequences. Contact Rosenblum Robbins for a consultation to discuss your options.