I GOT A TRAFFIC TICKET IN A RENTAL CAR — NOW WHAT DO I DO?

How to Handle Traffic Violations in a Rented Vehicle in Missouri

You’re on a trip or handling business, cruising through Missouri in a rental car—then suddenly, you’re pulled over. The officer hands you a ticket, and now you’re left wondering:

“Is this my problem, or the rental company’s?”

“Will they charge me extra?”

“How do I fight this?”

At Speeding Ticket KC, our experienced Missouri traffic defense lawyers near you help out-of-town visitors, business travelers, and vacationers navigate Missouri traffic tickets in rental cars.

The good news? Yes, you can fight it.

And no, the rental company doesn’t get a free pass to ruin your wallet.

WHO IS LEGALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR A TICKET RECEIVED IN A RENTAL CAR?

You are. Sorry, but that’s just the bottom line. Even though you don’t own the vehicle, if you were the driver at the time of the violation, you’re on the hook for the ticket.

This applies whether the ticket is for:

• DUI/DWI
• Speeding
• Failure to yield or stop
• Illegal turn
• Texting while driving
• Or any other moving violation

It doesn’t matter that the car isn’t yours—Missouri law holds the driver responsible, not the vehicle owner.

WHAT IF IT WAS A TRAFFIC CAMERA-GENERATED TICKET?

If the violation came from a photo radar or red-light camera (which some Missouri cities still use), the ticket may be sent directly to the rental company because it’s tied to the license plate, not the driver.

Here’s what happens next:

• The rental company receives the notice
• They forward it to you or pay it and charge your credit card
• Some charge “administrative fees” of $25 to $75 just for processing

Even if the ticket isn’t valid or is contestable, if they pay it on your behalf, you’ll likely be billed anyway. That’s why it’s critical to act fast, before the company gets involved.

CAN A RENTAL CAR TRAFFIC CITATION AFFECT MY DRIVING RECORD OR INSURANCE?

Yes, it can. If the ticket is a moving violation and it gets reported to the Missouri Department of Revenue (or your home state if you’re out-of-state), it can result in:

• Points on your license
• Increased insurance rates
• Issues for CDL holders or drivers with prior violations

If the ticket is simply paid without contest, it counts as a guilty plea and that can have long-term consequences.

CAN’T I JUST IGNORE THE TICKET SINCE IT WAS ONLY A RENTAL CAR?

Definitely not. Ignoring the ticket will almost certainly lead to:

• Late fees and collection notices from the rental company
• A hold on your driver’s license in Missouri (if reported to the DMV)
• Bench warrants if a court appearance was required and missed
• Problems with renting cars in the future if flagged by major agencies

And if you’re from out-of-state, Missouri could report the ticket to your home state, which may affect your license there, too.

How Speeding Ticket KC Can Help

We handle rental car tickets across Missouri—even for out-of-state drivers or tourists. We can:

? Appear in court on your behalf (so you don’t have to fly back)

? Challenge the evidence, including radar/lidar use or unclear signage

? Negotiate for a reduced charge (often to a non-moving violation with no points)

? Help avoid insurance increases

? Prevent your rental company from billing you unnecessarily

We’ve helped thousands of drivers protect their records—even when the ticket came from a car they don’t own.

LOOKING FOR A KANSAS CITY TRAFFIC DEFENSE LAWYER NEAR YOU?

The search is over. Speeding Ticket KC can help you now. A Missouri traffic ticket in a rental car can feel like a paperwork nightmare, but you’re not stuck with it. With the right help, you can keep your record clean and your trip from turning into a legal detour.

Call Speeding Ticket KC today and speak with one of our knowledgeable and affordable Missouri traffic defense attorneys. We’ll review your case fast, fight your ticket, and help you keep your driving record rental-car drama-free.