CAN I BE ARRESTED DURING A TRAFFIC STOP IF I WAS ONLY PULLED OVER FOR SPEEDING IN MISSOURI?

Most drivers think of speeding tickets as a minor inconvenience — you get pulled over, get a citation, and drive away. But in Missouri, a simple traffic stop can sometimes escalate into an arrest.

If you’re facing criminal charges after a speeding traffic stop in Kansas City or anywhere in the state of Missouri, our experienced Kansas City speeding ticket defense lawyers want to help. Give Speeding Ticket KC a call today and set up a free and confidential case evaluation.

While most speeding stops end with just a ticket, certain circumstances can turn the stop into something much more serious. When your situation gets worse, we can help.

WHEN SPEEDING ALONG LEEDS TO A TICKET NOT AN ARREST

For the majority of drivers, a routine speeding stop means:

• You provide your license, registration, and insurance.
• The officer issues a citation.
• You either pay the fine or contest it in court.

If you were driving slightly over the speed limit with no other issues, an arrest is highly unlikely.

WHEN SPEEDING CAN LEAD TO AN ARREST IN THE STATE OF MISSOURI

There are situations where speeding may escalate into a criminal charge or arrest, including:

Excessive Speeding: Going 20–25 mph or more over the posted limit can be charged as careless and imprudent driving, a misdemeanor offense.

• This charge allows for possible arrest and even jail time.

Outstanding Warrants: If the officer runs your license and finds an active warrant (even for unpaid tickets), you can be arrested on the spot.

Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License: A speeding stop often uncovers license issues. Driving while suspended is a 12-point violation and can absolutely lead to arrest.

No Proof of Insurance: Missouri law requires proof of insurance at all times. Driving without insurance can result in 4 points and possible arrest.

DUI/DWI Suspicions: If the officer believes you’re impaired by alcohol or drugs, they can arrest you for DWI — even if the stop started as a basic speeding violation.

Reckless Driving or Endangerment: Excessive speeding in a school zone, construction zone, or crowded area can lead to charges beyond a simple ticket.

YOUR RIGHTS DURING A MISSOURI TRAFFIC STOP

• You must provide your license, registration, and insurance.
• You are not required to answer questions beyond basic identification.
• If you are placed under arrest, you have the right to remain silent and request an attorney.

HOW AN EXPERIENCED MISSOURI TRAFFIC DEFENSE ATTORNEY CAN HELP

At Speeding Ticket KC, our skilled Missouri speeding defense lawyers defend clients who’ve had their traffic stop escalate into criminal charges. We can:

• Challenge the basis of the stop if it was improper.
• Fight excessive speeding charges.
• Handle license suspension or insurance violations.
• Protect your rights in court if the arrest was unlawful.

Yes, in Missouri, you can be arrested after being pulled over for speeding but usually only if other circumstances are involved, such as excessive speed, outstanding warrants, driving while suspended, or suspicion of DUI.

If your simple speeding stop turned into an arrest in Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri, don’t face it alone.

Contact Speeding Ticket KC today — our affordable Kansas City traffic attorneys will fight to protect your license, your record, and your freedom.

Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland,  Drexel, Fairview,  Ferrelview,  Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview,  Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill,  Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy,  Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.

Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact our experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyers near me in Missouri and let us help begin building your defense. Let us help.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult qualified counsel regarding your unique situation.