CAN YOU GO TO JAIL FOR SPEEDING IN MISSOURI?

Most Missouri drivers think of speeding as a minor mistake — an expensive inconvenience, maybe, but not something that could lead to jail time. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

While most speeding tickets in Missouri are simple infractions, there are situations where speeding can escalate into a criminal offense that can result in jail time, license suspension, and a permanent mark on your record.

At Speeding Ticket KC, we know how important it is for every Missouri driver to know everything they need to know about the rules of the road before brushing off that next speeding citation. This is especially important for younger drivers. If you have been cited for speeding in the state of Missouri, give our experienced Kansas City traffic attorneys a call today.

Schedule a free and confidential case evaluation and let us explain what you need to know about what you’re up against, what you’re facing down the road and how you can side step a whole lot of trouble. But first you need to call us. Let’s talk. We can help.

WHEN A MISSOURI SPEEDING TICKET IS JUST A TICKET

In most cases, speeding is a moving violation handled in municipal or circuit court. You’ll typically face:

• A fine (usually between $100–$300, depending on speed and jurisdiction).
• Court costs.
• 2–3 points added to your Missouri driving record.

You won’t go to jail for a single minor speeding ticket, and if handled properly — often through an attorney — the violation can usually be amended to a non-moving violation that keeps points off your record.

But that leniency only goes so far. When your speeding is considered dangerous, excessive, or linked to an accident, Missouri law gets much tougher.

WHEN SPEEDING BECOMES A CRIMINAL OFFENSE IN MISSOURI

Missouri doesn’t have a specific “reckless driving” statute — instead, the law treats extremely unsafe speeding as “careless and imprudent driving” under RSMo 304.010.

That charge means you drove “without due regard for the safety of persons or property.” In plain English: you weren’t just speeding — you were putting others in danger.

Examples include:

• Driving 25 mph or more over the posted limit.
• Racing another vehicle on public streets.
• Speeding through a construction zone or school zone.
• Speeding in bad weather or heavy traffic.
• Causing an accident while speeding.

If charged with careless and imprudent driving, you’re no longer dealing with a traffic ticket — you’re facing a criminal misdemeanor.

PENALTIES FOR CRIMINAL SPEEDING IN MISSOURI

Here’s how the law breaks down:

Class B Misdemeanor (no accident):

• Up to 6 months in jail
• Up to $1,000 in fines
• 4 points on your record

Class A Misdemeanor (if an accident occurs):

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Up to $2,000 in fines
• License suspension or revocation possible

If your excessive speeding injures or kills someone, prosecutors can elevate the charge to felony vehicular assault or manslaughter, which can mean years in prison.

Additional Consequences of Serious Speeding Violations: Even if you avoid jail, a criminal speeding conviction can create long-term problems:

License suspension or revocation after repeated violations.

Skyrocketing insurance rates — or complete cancellation.

Employment consequences, especially for commercial or professional drivers.

Permanent criminal record that can affect housing and background checks.

The Missouri Department of Revenue also tracks your points and if you accumulate too many, you can lose your license:

• 8 points in 18 months = 30-day suspension.
• 12 points in 12 months = 1-year revocation.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE FACING A SERIOUS SPEEDING CHARGE IN MISSOURI

If you’ve been charged with excessive speeding or careless and imprudent driving in Missouri, take it seriously. Paying the ticket or pleading guilty can mean jail time, points, and long-term consequences.

An experienced Kansas City criminal defense attorney can:

• Review whether the officer’s radar or pacing evidence was accurate.
• Challenge the legality of the stop or citation.
• Negotiate to reduce your charge to a non-moving violation.
• Protect your record and help you avoid jail or license loss.
• Appear in court on your behalf — often without you needing to attend.

The sooner you act, the better your chances are of keeping the violation off your criminal record.

WHY YOU NEED AN EXPERIENCED MISSOURI TRAFFIC ATTORNEY

At KC Defense Counsel, we’ve handled thousands of speeding and traffic-related criminal cases across Missouri. We know how prosecutors handle these cases and how to fight them effectively.

Our experienced traffic defense lawyers can often get speeding-related misdemeanors amended or dismissed, protect your driving record, and keep you out of jail. We handle all the paperwork and court appearances so you can focus on moving forward.

CALL KC DEFENSE COUNSEL TODAY

Yes — under Missouri law, you can go to jail for speeding if your driving is considered reckless, dangerous, or causes harm. But that doesn’t mean a conviction is inevitable.

With the right legal defense, you can often reduce or eliminate the charge, protect your license, and avoid criminal penalties altogether.

If you’ve been charged with excessive speeding, careless and imprudent driving, or a related offense in Kansas City, contact Speeding Ticket KC today. Our team will fight for your rights, your record, and your freedom.

At Speeding Ticket KC, we make traffic defense simple. Our Kansas City traffic lawyers have helped thousands of drivers across Missouri save money, protect their licenses, and avoid insurance hikes. We handle everything — from speeding and red-light tickets to reckless driving and license suspensions. With years of experience in Missouri traffic courts, we know how to get results fast. You shouldn’t have to take off work or stress over paperwork — we do the heavy lifting for you.

Contact Speeding Ticket KC today to speak with an experienced traffic ticket lawyer who can help you fight back and move forward.

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.