HOW MISSOURI’S TRAFFIC POINTS SYSTEM WORKS AND HOW TO KEEP POINTS OFF YOUR LICENSE

Most Missouri drivers have heard of the state’s point system but few fully understand how it works until it’s too late.

Get too many points, and you could be facing license suspension, skyrocketing insurance rates, and even job loss if driving is part of your work.

The good news? With the right legal help, you can often avoid points entirely, even after getting a ticket.

If you’re dealing with a speeding ticket in Kansas City, call Speeding Ticket KC today. Our experienced Missouri traffic attorneys can help you navigate the often confusing Missouri legal system.

WHAT IS THE MISSOURI POINTS SYSTEM?

The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) assigns points for moving violations.

These points stay on your driving record and are used to track your driving history.

The more serious the offense, the more points you receive. For example:

• Speeding: 2–3 points (depending on where it occurred)
• Running a red light or stop sign: 2 points
• Driving without insurance: 4 points
• DUI/DWI: 8–12 points (automatic suspension or revocation)
• Driving while suspended: 12 points

HOW LONG DO POINTS STAY ON YOUR RECORD IN MISSOURI?

In Missouri, points can remain for 3 years from the conviction date. But here’s the catch: the suspension or revocation caused by points can last much longer in its effects, especially on your insurance premiums.

What Happens If You Get Too Many Points?

Missouri has clear thresholds for point-based penalties:

• 8 points in 18 months ? 30-day suspension (longer for repeat offenses)
• 12 points in 12 months ? 1-year revocation
• 18 points in 24 months ? 1-year revocation
• 24 points in 36 months ? 1-year revocation

If you’re a commercial driver (CDL holder), the stakes are even higher, certain offenses can cause immediate disqualification.

WHY YOU SHOULD AVOID POINTS AT ALL COSTS

Points don’t just threaten your license, they hit your wallet hard. Insurance companies check your record and may raise your rates significantly for even a single moving violation. Over time, that extra cost can far exceed the original ticket fine.

And for certain professions — delivery drivers, truckers, ride-share operators — points can mean losing your job.

HOW TO KEEP POINTS OFF YOUR RECORD

This is where an experienced Missouri Kansas City traffic attorney makes all the difference.

At Speeding Ticket KC, we can often:

• Negotiate a ticket amendment to a non-moving violation (no points)
• Get charges dismissed entirely
• Recommend driving courses that may reduce points or prevent them from being assessed
• Appear in court on your behalf so you don’t have to miss work

Example: Turning a Speeding Ticket Into a No-Points Outcome

A driver gets a ticket for going 12 mph over the limit. If they pay online, they get 3 points.

But with legal representation, we may be able to amend it to “illegal parking” or another non-moving violation, meaning zero points and no insurance spike.

CALL THE TRUSTED MISSOURI TRAFFIC DEFENSE LAWYERS AT SPEEDING TICKET KC

Missouri’s point system is designed to penalize repeat offenders but it can punish good drivers for one mistake. Don’t let points threaten your license, your insurance, or your livelihood.

Whether you’ve been cited for speeding, reckless driving, or running a red light, you need an affordable and skilled Kansas City traffic defense attorney who understands Missouri’s traffic laws. At Speeding Ticket KC, we help clients keep clean driving records and avoid costly penalties.

Don’t pay that ticket — fight it!

Contact Speeding Ticket KC today for a free consultation. We’ll fight to keep points off your record and keep you on the road.

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.