Missouri driving laws do not clearly define the offense of aggressive driving, but do have a provision that criminalizes what can be reasonably considered aggressive conduct when operating a vehicle or automobile on roads and highways. Generally, aggressive driving involves a combination of traffic offenses that could endanger the safety of other persons or property. This is more of an umbrella definition that includes all forms of dangerous and risky operation of vehicles on the roadways. The offense of aggressive driving falls under the provision of careless and imprudent driving as stated in Section 340.170 of Missouri traffic laws. Going by this provision, aggressive driving puts other persons or their property at risk, and individuals who commit the offense do so due to failure to exercise the highest degree of care.

Examples of acts that could be considered aggressive driving in Missouri include: racing, tailgating, speeding beyond limits, disregarding signs and regulations, driving slowly in the passing lane, erratic lane changes, confrontation with other road users, rude gestures, excessive headlight flashing and others.   More often, people misconstrue aggressive driving as road rage but they are slightly different. Road rage describes violent roadway incidents like physical assault.

A driver who’s given a ticket for aggressive driving in Missouri is obligated to pay the fine or appear in court. Failure to appear in court could result in a warrant of arrest being issued against the offender. Depending on the severity of the violation and whether the offender has other traffic violations on their record, they could face monetary fines and license suspension or revocation.

Penalties for aggressive driving in Missouri

Missouri law classifies aggressive driving as Class C misdemeanors, Class B misdemeanors, or Class A misdemeanors punishable by monetary fines, potential imprisonment, probation, and other administrative penalties such as suspension of driver’s license.  A person who’s convicted or pleads guilty to an aggressive driving offense that resulted in an accident is charged with a Class A misdemeanor which comes with a jail term not exceeding one year, and/or a fine not exceeding $1000. A conviction for aggressive driving which does not involve an accident is considered a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a jail term of up to six months and/or a fine of up to $1000. Speed violations are classified under Class C misdemeanors punishable by up to 15 days in jail and a fine up to $750.

Aggressive driving points on license

Aggressive driving in Missouri could lead to loss of driving privileges if a driver accumulates a specific number of points as stipulated in the Department of Revenues Point System. A driver who is cited for aggressive driving under the state jurisdiction is assigned 4 demerit points against their driving record.  If a driver is cited under the municipal jurisdiction, they are assigned 2 demerit points against their driving record. Accumulating demerit points too quickly could result in suspension or revocation of a driver’s license.  If a driver accumulates 4 demerit points on their driver’s license within 12 months, the Missouri Department of Revenues will send them an advisory letter that serves as warning. If they accumulate 8 points within 18 months, the driver’s license is suspended. If they accumulate accrue 12 points within 12 months, 18 points within 24 months, or 24 points in 36 months, then their driver’s license stands revoked.

If an aggressive driving ticket in Missouri isn’t reduced to non-moving violation, then the offense appears on the offender’s Missouri driving record for a minimum of three years. But a conviction that results in the suspension of a driver’s license stays on a driving record for up to 5 years at least.