FAQ: HOW DOES KANSAS CITY HANDLE RECKLESS DRIVING CHARGES?

Reckless driving in Missouri isn’t just “another ticket.” It’s one of the most serious moving violations you can receive and the consequences can affect your license, your insurance, and even your freedom.

If you’ve been charged with reckless driving in Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri, understanding the law is the first step in protecting yourself. At Speeding Ticket KC, we can help. Call today for a free case evaluation with one of our expert Kansas City traffic defense lawyers near me.

1. What is considered reckless driving in Missouri?

Missouri doesn’t have a statute literally titled “reckless driving,” but the offense is charged under “careless and imprudent driving,” which covers behavior that endangers people or property.

Police can charge you if they believe you were:

• Excessively speeding
• Weaving or aggressive passing
• Tailgating
• Street racing
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Losing control of your vehicle
• Driving in a way likely to cause an accident

If the officer thinks your driving showed “disregard for safety,” you’re at risk for this charge.

2. Is careless and imprudent driving a misdemeanor?

Yes. In Missouri, reckless/careless and imprudent driving is usually a Class B misdemeanor, carrying:

• Up to 6 months in jail
• Up to $1,000 in fines

If the driving resulted in an accident or injury, it can be elevated to a Class A misdemeanor, with up to 1 year in jail and heavier fines.

3. How many points will reckless driving add to my license?

A conviction typically adds:

• 4 points if charged under municipal ordinance
• 2 points if reduced to a minor moving violation
• 8 points if charged through the Missouri State Highway Patrol

Accumulating 8 points in 18 months triggers a 30-day suspension — and more points can lead to enhanced penalties. This is why hiring a Kansas City traffic lawyer is essential.

4. Can reckless driving cause my license to be suspended?

Yes. Depending on the level of the charge, reckless driving can lead to:

• Immediate point-based suspensions
• Revocations if you already have points
• Mandatory court appearances
• License consequences tied to accidents or injuries

Your attorney can negotiate amendments to avoid points altogether.

5. Will reckless driving affect my insurance?

Absolutely. Insurance companies consider Missouri reckless driving a high-risk violation, often leading to:

• Massive rate increases
• Policy cancellation
• Required SR-22 filings
• Difficulty finding affordable coverage

A conviction can follow you for years, so preventing it from hitting your record is critical.

6. What happens if my reckless driving charge involves an accident?

If your driving allegedly caused an accident, the charge can escalate. You may face:

• Higher misdemeanor classification
• Civil liability for damages
• Restitution orders
• Enhanced insurance consequences
• Possible felony-level charges if someone was injured

Your lawyer will examine accident reports, witness statements, and fault determinations to challenge the state’s narrative.

7. Can a reckless driving charge be reduced or dismissed?

Yes — often. An experienced Missouri traffic attorney can negotiate to have reckless driving amended to:

• “Improper driving”
• “Defective equipment”
• “Illegal parking”
• A “non-moving violation”

This keeps points off your license and prevents insurance hikes. Dismissals may be possible if the officer’s observations were unclear or inconsistent.

8. Do I have to appear in court?

Usually, yes — but your traffic attorney can often appear for you, depending on the jurisdiction. Many municipal courts allow the lawyer to handle everything while you continue with your normal schedule.

9. What defenses are available for reckless driving?

Your lawyer may challenge:

• Inaccurate speed readings
• Lack of dash cam or body cam evidence
• Incorrect accident reports
• Officer’s subjective judgment
• Road or weather conditions
• Witness credibility
• Whether your actions actually endangered anyone

Many reckless driving charges rely heavily on officer interpretation — which can be successfully contested.

10. What should I do immediately if I’m charged with reckless driving?

Take these steps:

1. Do not plead guilty.
2. Do not just pay the fine.
3. Contact a Kansas City traffic defense lawyer immediately.
4. Avoid discussing the case with anyone but your attorney.
5. Provide your lawyer with the ticket, any accident reports, and details of the stop.

Early legal intervention leads to better outcomes == reduced charges, fewer points, and a cleaner record.

NEED TO HIRE AN EXPERIENCED MISSOURI TRAFFIC ATTORNEY NEAR YOU?

Traffic tickets can follow you for years, but Speeding Ticket KC helps Missouri drivers keep their records clean and their insurance rates low. Our knowledgeable Kansas City traffic attorneys specialize in fighting speeding tickets, stop sign violations, and other moving infractions. We know how to handle cases efficiently — often without you ever having to appear in court. Every driver deserves a fair defense, and we make that process simple and affordable.

Don’t pay a ticket and assume it’s over; in Missouri, that payment counts as a conviction.

Protect your record. Protect your license.

A reckless driving charge can derail your job, your insurance, and your freedom — but it doesn’t have to. Speeding Ticket KC has helped thousands of drivers reduce or eliminate these charges and keep their records clean.

Contact Speeding Ticket KC today to speak with an affordable Kansas City traffic lawyer who can help you avoid fines, points, and long-term damage to your driving record.

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.