A common misconception we hear from drivers across Kansas City is this: “If I just…
IS IT EXPENSIVE TO GET A TRAFFIC TICKET AMENDED IN MISSOURI?

If you’ve received a speeding ticket or other traffic citation in Missouri, you may have heard about getting it “amended.” But what does that mean… and how much does it cost?
Amending a ticket in Missouri is the legal process of negotiating with the prosecutor to reduce a moving violation (which carries points and insurance hikes) to a non-moving violation (no points, no insurance impact). While it does cost more up front than simply paying the original ticket, amending your ticket is usually the smarter and less expensive option long-term.
If you’re dealing with a pesky traffic ticket, call Speeding Ticket KC and let our experienced Kansas City Traffic attorneys help you through your situation and get you back on the road.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO AMEND A TICKET?
When you pay a traffic ticket in Missouri, you are pleading guilty. That guilty plea results in:
- Points on your license
- A conviction on your driving record
- Higher insurance premiums for years
By contrast, an amended ticket is negotiated down to a non-moving violation. You still pay a fine, but the violation does not add points to your license or raise your insurance rates.
THE FINANCIAL COSTS OF AN AMENDED TICKET IN MISSOURI
Texting and Driving Laws are still relatively new in Missouri and the cost of amending a ticket in Missouri varies depending on the court and the violation, but typically includes:
Higher Fine: Instead of the original $100–$200 speeding ticket fine, an amended ticket may cost $200–$400 or more.
Attorney Fees: You’ll need an experienced traffic lawyer to negotiate the amendment. Fees vary, but in Kansas City and across Missouri, most attorneys charge a flat fee for routine traffic ticket amendments.
Court Costs: Courts add administrative fees, which can range from $25–$50.
At first glance, this looks more expensive than just paying the ticket. But the real cost isn’t the fine — it’s what happens if you don’t amend the ticket.
THE HIDDEN COSTS OF JUST PAYING THE TICKET
When you plead guilty by paying your ticket:
- You receive points on your record (2–3 for speeding).
- Your insurance company sees the conviction and can raise your premiums by hundreds of dollars per year.
- Those higher premiums usually last 3–5 years.
For many drivers, the insurance increase alone can cost $1,000 or more over time — far more than the cost of hiring a lawyer and paying the amended fine.
WHY YOU NEED TO HIRE AN EXPERIENCED KANSAS CITY TRAFFIC LAWYER
An experienced Missouri traffic defense lawyer knows how to:
- Negotiate with prosecutors for the best amendment deal.
- Get tickets reduced to non-moving violations that don’t affect your license or insurance.
- Handle the case without you needing to appear in court.
The attorney fee is an investment in keeping your record clean — and in most cases, it pays for itself by preventing years of higher insurance costs.
BENEFITS OF AMENDING A TICKET
Avoiding license suspension: If you’ve had multiple tickets in a short time, amending one may prevent you from hitting the 8-point suspension threshold.
Protecting employment: CDL drivers and others who drive for work risk losing jobs over moving violations. An amendment can keep your record clean.
Peace of mind: You don’t have to worry about accumulating points or dealing with future court hassles.
DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE — CALL SPEEDING TICKET KC TODAY
Is it expensive to get a ticket amended in Missouri? Compared to just paying the ticket, it may cost more upfront — but it almost always costs far less in the long run.
If you’ve been cited for speeding or another traffic violation in Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri, don’t just pay it and risk higher insurance and license points. Contact Speeding Ticket KC today. Our affordable Kansas City traffic defense lawyers will fight to keep your record clean, your insurance low, and your license safe.
Every traffic ticket is an opportunity to protect your license and your driving record, if you take action. At Speeding Ticket KC, we make fighting tickets fast, easy, and affordable for Missouri drivers. We’ve built a reputation for results, and we’re ready to put our experience to work for you. Contact Speeding Ticket KC today to see how we can help you.
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.