CAN YOU EXPUNGE A SPEEDING TICKET IN MISSOURI?

If you’ve received a speeding ticket in Missouri, you’re not alone. Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations across the state, especially in busy urban areas like Kansas City. While a speeding ticket might seem like a minor inconvenience, it can have long-term consequences on your driving record, your insurance rates, and even your employment opportunities.

So, the question becomes: Can you expunge a speeding ticket in Missouri? The short answer is no…most of the time. Let’s just say it’s rare. The Missouri legal system can sometimes be a slippery slope. That’s why it’s crucial to hire an experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyer near me to help.

Let’s break down what expungement means in Missouri, whether it applies to speeding tickets, and what you can do to protect your record.

WHAT IS EXPUNGEMENT?

Expungement is the legal process of sealing or removing a record of an arrest, charge, or conviction from public view. Once a record is expunged, it is generally no longer accessible to employers, insurance companies, or the general public. However, law enforcement agencies and courts may still have limited access.

In Missouri, expungement laws were expanded in 2018, giving more individuals a second chance to clear their records—including for some traffic-related offenses.

But not all violations qualify for expungement, and the process isn’t automatic.

CAN A SPEEDING TICKET BE EXPUNGED?

In most cases, a speeding ticket cannot be expunged in Missouri. That’s because minor traffic infractions, like basic speeding violations, are not typically eligible for expungement under Missouri law.

Under Section 610.140 RSMo, Missouri allows certain misdemeanor and felony offenses to be expunged, but infractions (such as most speeding tickets) are specifically excluded. However, there are important exceptions and alternative solutions that may help reduce the impact of a speeding ticket.

HOW CAN A SPEEDING TICKET BE EXPUNGED? WHAT’S THE CATCH?

There are a few limited scenarios where expungement—or an outcome that functions similarly—may apply:

Wrongful Convictions or Arrests: If you were wrongfully accused of speeding or the case was dismissed, you may be able to expunge the record of the arrest or charge, even if you were never convicted. This helps clear your name and ensure the charge doesn’t show up in background checks.

Expungement of Certain Traffic Misdemeanors: While minor infractions are generally excluded, some traffic misdemeanors, such as careless driving or excessive speeding that resulted in a misdemeanor charge, might be eligible for expungement after a waiting period of three years from the date the sentence was completed.

Juvenile Offenses: If the speeding ticket occurred when you were under 18, it might be possible to have it removed through the juvenile expungement process, depending on the circumstances.

ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR DRIVING RECORD IN MISSOURI

Even though expungement may not be an option for most speeding tickets, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. There are several steps a Kansas City traffic defense attorney can take to help you reduce the long-term consequences of a ticket.

Challenge the Ticket in Court

An experienced attorney can review the circumstances of your ticket—such as the accuracy of radar equipment, officer procedures, or whether proper signage was present. If there’s a valid defense, you may be able to get the ticket dismissed or reduced, preventing points from hitting your record.

Negotiate for a Non-Moving Violation

In many cases, your attorney can work with the prosecutor to amend a speeding ticket to a non-moving violation like “defective equipment.” This keeps points off your driving record and avoids the consequences of a conviction.

Take a Driver Improvement Program (DIP)

Missouri allows some drivers to take a state-approved DIP course to prevent points from being assessed. You typically must complete the course within 60 days of the violation, and it’s only available once every 36 months.

WHY YOUR DRIVING RECORD MATTERS IN MISSOURI

Speeding tickets in Missouri come with points on your license—typically 2 to 3 points, depending on whether the ticket was issued by a state or municipal officer. Accumulating too many points can lead to:

• License suspension or revocation
• Increased auto insurance premiums
• Loss of employment (for commercial drivers)

For this reason, even a minor speeding ticket can have a bigger impact than you might expect.

HOW A MISSOURI TRAFFIC DEFENSE LAWYER CAN HELP

At Speeding Ticket KC, our experienced and affordable Kansas City traffic defense lawyers help drivers throughout Kansas City and the surrounding areas fight speeding tickets, protect their licenses, and reduce long-term consequences.

Even if your speeding ticket cannot be formally expunged, we can help:

Prevent points from being assessed

• Amend your charge to a lesser offense
• Keep your insurance premiums down
• Preserve your driving privileges

Don’t assume you have no options. Our skilled Missouri traffic attorneys know how to navigate local court systems and work with prosecutors to protect your record.

CALL SPEEDING TICKET KC TODAY– WE ARE HERE FOR YOU

If you’ve been ticketed for speeding in Missouri and you’re worried about your driving record, it’s time to take action. Even if expungement isn’t available, we can help you fight the ticket and limit its impact.

Call Speeding Ticket KC today at (816) 750-2535 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Kansas City traffic defense attorney.