“Going 5 Over the Limit Is Always Legal” — The Truth About ‘Buffer Zones’ in Missouri

We’ve all heard someone say it:

“You won’t get pulled over for going five miles per hour over the speed limit.”

It’s one of the most common traffic myths and one of the most dangerous assumptions Missouri drivers make.

At Speeding Ticket KC, our experienced Kansas City traffic defense attorneys near you have represented hundreds of clients who thought they were safe driving just a few miles over the posted limit. But the reality is clear: there is no guaranteed buffer when it comes to speed enforcement in Missouri.

THE ORIGIN OF THE MYTH

The “5 MPH rule” likely comes from inconsistent enforcement. Drivers may notice that police don’t always stop vehicles going slightly above the speed limit, leading them to believe it’s unofficially “allowed.” But that assumption overlooks how speed enforcement really works—and how Missouri law is written.

MISSOURI LAW IS CLEAR: THE SPEED LIMIT IS THE LIMIT

According to Missouri state law, speeding is defined as exceeding the posted speed limit. Even 1 mile per hour over is a technical violation. Officers are not required to give you a grace range. Whether you’re going 5 or 15 over, a citation can still be issued, and you can still face points on your license.

This is true whether you’re on I-70, a school zone in Kansas City, or a rural highway in Clay County. Speeding, even by a little, is still speeding.

OFFICER DISCRETION DOESN’T MEAN IT’S LEGAL

Yes, it’s true that officers use discretion when issuing tickets. Many won’t bother pulling someone over for a minor overage unless it’s in a construction zone, school zone, or during hazardous weather. But that doesn’t make it legal, it just means enforcement may vary.

If you’re thinking, “But I’ve gone 5 over for years with no problem,” remember: past luck doesn’t mean future immunity. And if you’re pulled over, you’ll have no legal practice grounds to argue “it was just 5 over.”

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU’RE CAUGHT GOING 5 M.P.H. OVER THE LIMIT IN MISSOURI?

Even small overages can have consequences:

• 2-3 points on your Missouri driving record
• Fines, court fees, and possible surcharges
• Insurance premium increases
• Driver’s license review for repeat offenses

Many drivers are shocked to learn that their minor ticket led to increased insurance rates or a license suspension due to accumulated points. That’s why it’s crucial to speak with Missouri traffic defense lawyers before simply paying a fine.

SPEED TRAPS AND “ZERO TOLERANCE” ZONES IN MISSOURI

Certain jurisdictions in Missouri, including parts of Kansas City and Jackson County, are known for aggressive speed enforcement. In school zones, work zones, or areas with known accident histories, police may issue tickets for even 2-3 MPH over.

These aren’t technically “speed traps,” but they can feel like it. Drivers who rely on the “5 over rule” in these areas are often hit with unexpected tickets and penalties.

WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER JUST “PAY THE TICKET” IN MISSOURI

Even for a minor speeding ticket, paying the fine means pleading guilty—and that adds points to your record. Over time, these points can:

• Lead to license suspension
• Trigger driver improvement courses
• Raise your car insurance rates
• Impact employment for CDL holders or drivers for hire

By hiring one of our Kansas City traffic defense lawyers, you may be able to reduce or eliminate points, negotiate alternative charges, or have the ticket dismissed entirely. We’ve helped thousands of Missouri drivers keep clean records—and we can help you too.

HIRE THE RIGHT KANSAS CITY TRAFFIC DEFENSE LAWYER FOR YOU

Don’t let an urban myth cost you points, money, and peace of mind. If you received a ticket — even for “just 5 over” — talk to our experienced and affordable Missouri traffic defense attorneys at Speeding Ticket KC. Our Kansas City traffic defense attorneys know the local courts, officers, and strategies to fight even minor violations.

If you’ve been Googling “Kansas City traffic defense attorney near me” or “Missouri traffic defense lawyer near me,” don’t wait — call Speeding Ticket KC now for a fast, free consultation with one of our dedicated traffic defense attorneys in Kansas City.

We fight tickets across Kansas City and beyond — because even 5 over isn’t always safe.