CARELESS AND IMPRUDENT DRIVING IN MISSOURI

What Is C and I charge ?

Missouri law requires all drivers to operate their vehicles with the highest degree of care. The state’s careless and imprudent (C&I) driving statute is broad, leaving room for interpretation by law enforcement officers.

If you’ve been cited for careless and imprudent driving in the state of Missouri, you may be facing serious penalties that could affect your driving privileges, finances, and even employment.

Navigating Missouri’s traffic laws without proper legal representation can be risky. Having an experienced Missouri traffic defense attorney on your side can make all the difference in fighting your ticket, minimizing penalties, and keeping your driving record clean. Be sure to call Speeding Ticket KC and talk to one of our affordable traffic defense lawyers.

WHAT IS CARELESS AND IMPRUDENT cni DRIVING IN MISSOURI?

Missouri’s careless and imprudent driving statute is found in Section 304.012 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo). This law requires all drivers to operate their vehicles in a “careful and prudent manner” at a speed that does not endanger others or their property. The vague wording of this law allows officers to cite drivers for a wide range of behaviors.

Common examples of careless and imprudent driving in Missouri include:

• Excessive speeding

• Aggressive driving or road rage

• Racing another vehicle

• Texting while driving or distracted driving

• Passing another vehicle on a hill or curve

• Ignoring road signs, such as stop signs or yield signs

• Crossing into restricted or hazardous areas, such as flood barriers

• Performing stunts or dangerous maneuvers on public roads

Because this law is open to interpretation, drivers may receive a citation even if they did not intentionally drive recklessly. If you have been ticketed for careless and imprudent driving, do not assume you have no defense. An experienced Kansas City traffic lawyer can help challenge the ticket and work to reduce or dismiss the charges.

PENALTIES FOR CARELESS AND IMPRUDENT DRIVING IN MISSOURI

The consequences of a C&I ticket in Missouri depend on the specific circumstances of the case. Missouri classifies careless and imprudent driving as either a Class A misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor, and in some cases, the offense can escalate to a felony.

Class B Misdemeanor Penalties

• Up to six months in jail

• A fine of up to $1,000

• 2 to 4 points added to your driving record (depending on whether it was issued by a state trooper or a municipal officer)

Class A Misdemeanor Penalties (If an Accident Occurs)

• Up to one year in jail

• A fine of up to $2,000

• 4 points added to your driving record

FELONY CHARGES — (if Injury, Death, or Major Property Damage Occurs)

In severe cases, careless and imprudent driving may be upgraded to a felony, leading to much harsher penalties, including:

• Prison time

• Permanent loss of driving privileges

• Hefty fines

• A lifelong criminal record

Impact on Your Driving Record

• Standard C&I violations remain on a driving record for three years (four years for commercial drivers).

• If a driver’s license is suspended due to a C&I offense, the ticket remains on the record for five years.

• In some cases, the violation may stay on the driver’s record permanently.

HOW A MISSOURI TRAFFIC ATTORNEY CAN HELP YOUR  C AND I CASE

Careless and imprudent driving is not just a simple traffic ticket—it carries significant consequences. Hiring an experienced traffic defense lawyer in Missouri can help you fight these charges and protect your driving record.

Here’s how:

Getting Your Ticket Reduced or Dismissed

An attorney can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce your C&I charge to a lesser offense, such as improper lane use or a non-moving violation, which won’t add points to your record. In some cases, they may even be able to get the ticket dismissed entirely.

Preventing License Suspension

Too many points on your record can lead to a suspended driver’s license. In Missouri, accumulating 8 points within 18 months results in a 30-day suspension, and accumulating 12 points in 12 months leads to a one-year suspension. An attorney can help prevent you from reaching these thresholds.

Avoiding Increased Insurance Rates
A C&I ticket on your record can cause your insurance premiums to skyrocket. Insurance companies view C&I violations as high-risk behaviors, often resulting in hundreds or even thousands of dollars in increased insurance costs over time. A skilled Missouri traffic lawyer can help you avoid or reduce these penalties.

Keeping Your Record Clean

Having a careless and imprudent driving ticket on your record can affect employment opportunities, especially if you drive for a living. Employers often check driving records before hiring, and a C&I violation could disqualify you from jobs that require a clean driving history.

Protecting Commercial Drivers (CDL Holders)

If you hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL), a C&I violation can put your career at risk. Unlike regular drivers, CDL holders face stricter penalties, and even a single offense can lead to license disqualification. A Missouri traffic attorney can help protect your livelihood by working to reduce or eliminate the charge.

CHOOSE SPEEDING TICKET KC FOR YOUR TRAFFIC DEFENSE

At Speeding Ticket KC, we provide modern, efficient legal services with a personal touch. Our Kansas City-based traffic attorney, Chris Simons, handles every case personally and ensures clients receive direct, one-on-one legal representation.

What Sets Speeding Ticket KC Apart?

Electronic Case Management: You can handle your traffic matter online without leaving home.

Direct Access to Your Attorney: Chris Simons provides his personal email and cell phone number so you can reach him directly.

Fast Response Times: We respond to all online inquiries the same business day if submitted before 4 PM CST.

If you have been charged with careless and imprudent driving in Missouri, don’t wait to take action. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to fight the charge. Use the “Get a Quote” link on this page to provide basic details about your case.

Your information is confidential, and we will respond as soon as possible. For immediate assistance, call us at (816) 826-1815.

HIRE AN EXPERIENCED KANSAS HIT AND RUN CITY TRAFFIC DEFENSE LAWYER TODAY

Missouri takes careless and imprudent driving seriously, and a conviction can have long-lasting effects on your finances, driving privileges, and even your freedom. The good news is that you don’t have to face these charges alone.

An experienced Kansas City traffic defense attorney can help protect your record, reduce your penalties, and give you the best chance of a favorable outcome. If you’ve received a C&I ticket, contact Speeding Ticket KC today for skilled legal representation.

TRAFFIC LAWYER SERVING THE KANSAS CITY METRO AND BEYOND

Speedingticketkc.com is a modern traffic law firm in the digital age with an old fashioned personal touch by our Traffic Attorney.

Our electronic process allows you to handle your basic traffic matter without ever leaving home. But, you will always know our traffic lawyer is available to answer your questions by just making a call. Kansas City local traffic attorney Chris Simons handles your matter from beginning to end, giving each client his direct email and personal cell phone number.

OUR TRAFFIC ATTORNEY HANDLES TRAFFIC TICKETS IN THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS