CAN I FIGHT A SPEEDING TICKET IF THERE WERE NO SPEED LIMIT SIGNS?

What Missouri Law Says About Unposted Speed Limits—and How to Defend Yourself

You’re driving through a new part of town—or maybe a stretch of rural highway—when you get pulled over. The officer says you were speeding, but you never saw a speed limit sign. So now you’re wondering:

“Can I really be ticketed for speeding if I didn’t know the limit?”

And more importantly: “Can I fight this ticket?”

At Speeding Ticket KC, we get this question often. Missouri law does expect drivers to obey posted speed limits—but it also allows for default speed limits in unmarked areas. That doesn’t mean your ticket is fair or enforceable.

If you’ve been ticketed for speeding in Missouri but there were no speed limit signs, we can help. Call us today for a free case evaluation.

MISSOURI HAS DEFAULT SPEED LIMITS FOR UNPOSTED ROADS

Even if you don’t see a sign, you’re still expected to know and follow Missouri’s statutory speed limits, which are:

• 60 mph on lettered routes in rural areas (e.g., Route B or Route Y)
• 65-70 mph on state highways and interstates, unless otherwise posted
• 25-30 mph in residential and urban areas
• 20-25 mph in school zones, often posted during restricted hours

So yes, you can be ticketed for speeding even without a visible sign. Missouri law assumes that you are aware of the default speed limit based on the road type and location.

BUT WHAT IF THERE REALLY WAS NO SIGN OR IT WAS BLOCKED OR OBSTRUCTED?

This is where things get interesting. Just because there’s a default limit doesn’t mean the ticket is ironclad. You may have a strong defense if:

• The sign was missing, knocked over, or not clearly visible
• The area normally has signs, but they were removed or vandalized
• You were entering from a side street and never passed a posted limit
• It was nighttime or raining, and the sign was too faded or obstructed to read

In these situations, it’s possible to challenge the validity of the citation and argue that a reasonable driver wouldn’t have known they were violating the law.

WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY ABOUT SIGN VISIBILITY IN MISSOURI?

Missouri traffic enforcement must comply with standards set by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). If the officer claims you were going 45 in a 2 but there was no visible sign indicating 25, that can be grounds for:

• Challenging the officer’s assumption of the speed zone
• Requesting photographic evidence of signage
• Filing a motion to dismiss or reduce the charge

In court, the burden may shift to the prosecution to prove the limit was clearly posted or that the default limit applied and was reasonable under the circumstances.

HOW TO STRENGTHEN YOUR DEFENSE – CALL SPEEDING TICKET KC

If you believe the speed limit was not properly posted or visible, take action quickly:

• Return to the location and take dated photos of the area
• Note whether signs are missing, bent, blocked, or vandalized
• Write down the exact time, weather, and direction you were driving
• Contact Speeding Ticket KC to build a case before your court date

The more evidence you provide, the better chance we have of challenging the ticket or negotiating a favorable outcome.

CAN YOU STILL GET POINTS ON YOUR LICENSE IF YOU PAY THE TICKET?

Yes. If you just pay the fine, you are pleading guilty, which means:

• Points are added to your Missouri driving record
• Your insurance premiums may rise
• The violation remains on your record for several years

Even for minor tickets, this can cost you far more than the fine itself.

HIRE THE RIGHT KANSAS CITY TRAFFIC DEFENSE LAWYER FOR YOU

Getting a speeding ticket when no limit was clearly posted feels unfair—and sometimes, it is. Don’t just accept it and move on. With the right legal help, you may be able to:

• Get the charge dismissed or reduced
• Avoid points on your license
• Keep your insurance rates from spiking
• Stay off the radar of employers or CDL regulators

Call Speeding Ticket KC today and speak with one of our affordable Missouri traffic defense lawyers near you to find out how we can help you with your case. We’ll review your situation, the details, do our investigation and help you fight back.