COMMERCIAL DRIVERS AND SPEEDING TICKETS IN MISSOURI

How to Protect Your CDL in the Show Me State

If you hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), one speeding ticket isn’t just a small bump in the road, it can be a career killer.

Missouri traffic law hits commercial drivers much harder than regular motorists. Why? Because the stakes are higher. Your CDL is your livelihood, and the law treats you like a professional behind the wheel, whether you’re in your rig or just running to QuikTrip in your personal vehicle.

If you’ve been ticketed for speeding in Missouri and you drive for a living, this guide is for you. Here’s what’s at risk, what your options are, and how a Kansas City traffic defense lawyer can help you keep your license—and your job.

CDL HOLDERS PLAY BY STRICTER RULES

CDL holders are governed by both Missouri state law and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). That means certain violations that might not seem like a big deal for a regular driver can result in disqualification or serious penalties for a commercial driver.

COMMON SPEEDING VIOLATIONS THAT CAN JEOPARDIZE YOUR CDL

Speeding 15 mph or more over the limit

• Considered a “Serious Traffic Violation”
• Two in three years = 60-day CDL disqualification
• Three in three years = 120-day disqualification

Speeding in a construction or school zone

• May carry enhanced penalties or disqualification

Excessive speeding in a personal vehicle

• Still counts toward CDL consequences (yes, even in your Camry)

Reckless or careless driving while speeding

• Could result in misdemeanor charges and immediate license suspension

WHAT’S AT STAKE IF YOU’RE CONVICTED IN MISSOURI WITH A CDL

Let’s break down what happens if you simply plead guilty or pay the fine:

• Points on your license (even in your personal car)
• FMCSA violation on your CDL record
• Increased insurance premiums
• Loss of job or disqualification from commercial work
• Ineligibility for future driving jobs
• Employer notification (yes, many companies check)

Even one conviction can put your entire career on ice.

WHAT’S THE #1 MISTAKE CDL HOLDERS MAKE IN MISSOURI

They pay the fine. By doing so, they plead guilty and hand over everything the court needs to add points, report the violation, and alert the Missouri Department of Revenue and the FMCSA.

Even a first-time offense can appear on your PSP (Pre-Employment Screening Program) report, making it harder to land jobs in the future.

IS TRAFFIC SCHOOL AN OPTION?

Nope. In Missouri, CDL holders are not eligible for diversion programs, traffic school, or point forgiveness for moving violations. You only get one shot to the legal fight and that means fighting it before you’re convicted.

HIRE THE RIGHT KANSAS CITY TRAFFIC DEFENSE LAWYER FOR YOUR CASE

An experienced Missouri traffic defense attorney can:

• Amend the ticket to a non-moving violation (no points, no CDL report)
• Negotiate with the prosecutor to avoid serious traffic violation classification
• Prevent a conviction from hitting your MVR or FMCSA record
• Represent you in court, so you don’t miss work
• Protect your job, especially if your employer has a zero-tolerance policy

This isn’t a DIY situation. One wrong move can cost you your license—and your income. You work hard. You drive safely. Don’t let one mistake—or one ticket—wipe out everything you’ve built.

At Speeding Ticket KC, our experienced Kansas City traffic lawyers near you fight for CDL drivers every day and understand the high stakes involved. Call Speeding Ticket KC now for a free case evaluation. We’ll help you protect your CDL, your record, and your job.