CAN I FIGHT A TEXTING AND DRIVING TICKET IN MISSOURI?

Texting while driving is one of the most common traffic violations in Missouri and with stricter distracted driving laws now in place, more drivers are getting ticketed than ever before. Many people wonder: “Do I just have to pay it, or can I fight a texting while driving ticket in Missouri?”

The answer is yes — with the help of an experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyer, you can fight a texting ticket, and in many cases, keep it off your driving record.

MISSOURI’S TEXTING AND DRIVING LAW

Missouri law prohibits drivers from manually sending, reading, or writing electronic messages while operating a motor vehicle. This includes:

• Text messages
• Emails
• Social media posts
• Instant messages

For years, this law applied only to drivers under 21 and commercial drivers. However, Missouri recently expanded its texting ban to apply to all drivers. This means anyone caught texting while driving can be cited.

PENALTIES FOR A TEXTING WHILE DRIVING TICKET IN MISSOURI

Fines: Usually between $50–$100 for a first offense, but can be higher with court costs.

Points: In certain cases, points may be added to your license.

Insurance Increases: Insurers view texting tickets as risky behavior, which often leads to higher premiums.

CDL Drivers: Face harsher penalties, including the risk of losing commercial driving privileges.

If texting contributed to reckless driving or caused an accident, you could face even more serious charges.

WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER JUST “PAY THE TICKET”

Paying a texting ticket may feel like the easy way out, but it’s the same as pleading guilty. That guilty plea becomes a conviction on your record, which can:

• Raise your insurance rates for 3–5 years.
• Put you closer to license suspension if you accumulate additional points.
• Hurt your employment opportunities if your job requires driving.

WAYS TO FIGHT A TEXTING WHILE DRIVING TICKET IN MISSOURI

Challenge the Officer’s Observations: Did the officer truly see you texting, or were you dialing GPS or using your phone hands-free? Misinterpretation is common.

Question the Legality of the Stop: Was there valid probable cause to pull you over? If not, your case may be dismissed.

Prove You Were Not Operating the Vehicle: Missouri law applies only while a vehicle is in motion. If you were parked or legally stopped, you may have a valid defense.

Negotiate With the Prosecutor: A skilled Missouri defense lawyer can often reduce texting tickets to non-moving violations that carry no points and don’t raise insurance rates.

HOW AN EXPERIENCED KANSAS CITY TRAFFIC ATTORNEY HELPS

At Speeding Ticket KC, we know how prosecutors handle texting while driving cases in Kansas City and across Missouri. Our attorneys can:

• Review the officer’s evidence for errors or weaknesses.
• Negotiate with prosecutors to protect your record.
• Represent you in court so you don’t have to miss work.
• Work to get your ticket dismissed or reduced to a non-moving violation.

The upfront cost of hiring a lawyer is often far less than the long-term cost of insurance increases and points on your license.

CALL SPEEDING TICKET KC AND LET US BEGIN BUILDING YOUR DEFENSE

Yes — you can fight a texting while driving ticket in Missouri. It’s not easy — but it’s worth it.. Paying the ticket is a guilty plea that puts a conviction on your record, raises your insurance rates, and risks your license.

If you’ve been cited for texting while driving in Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri, don’t plead guilty without exploring your options. Contact Speeding Ticket KC today. Our affordable Kansas City traffic defense lawyers will fight to protect your record, your license, and your future.

A speeding ticket or traffic violation might seem minor, but it can cost you in fines, points on your license, and higher insurance rates. At Speeding Ticket KC, we help drivers across Missouri fight tickets, keep points off their records, and avoid costly consequences.

Call Speeding Ticket KC today for a free and confidential case evaluation. We can help with those pesky traffic tickets.

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.