Traffic Ticket in Kansas City? Here’s What You Need to Know

Introduction

Receiving a traffic ticket in Kansas City is frustrating and stressful. Regardless of what it was for, speeding, red light running, or whatever other moving violation, knowing what to do next is important. This guide takes you through the whole process you need to know Kansas City traffic tickets, from categories of violation, fines, how to contest a ticket, and advice on how not to get ticketed in the future.

Kansas City Traffic Ticket Types

Kansas City traffic tickets have generally been classified as moving and non-moving offenses.

Moving Offenses

They are the type of offenses in which the motorist of the vehicle ignores traffic laws while the vehicle is on the move. They include:

• Speeding – Overtaking speed where a speed was indicated
• Reckless Driving – Speeding at a conscious loss of carelessness
• Running Stop Sign or Red Light – Disobedience of the stop when there was a need to stop
• Driving While Intoxicated (DUI) – Driving while intoxicated on alcohol or drugs
• Improper Lane Change – Failure to signal or abrupt cutting in front of an automobile
• Failure to Yield – Failure to yield right-of-way

Non-Moving Violations

These are normally parking, vehicle maintenance, or document infractions. Some of them include:

• Parking Violations – Stopping in no-parking area or stopping in front of driveway
• Expired Registration – Failure to maintain vehicle registration up to date
• Tail Lights or Headlights Out – Operating with faulty headlights or taillights
• Seat Belt Violations – Failure to wear a seat belt as required by law

Kansas City Traffic Fines

Traffic ticket penalties vary based on the type of violation. Some of the available penalties include:

• Fines – Tickets in traffic have fines of $50 up to a few hundred, depending on the violation.
• Points on Your Driving Record – Kansas City employs the Missouri Department of Revenue point system. Too many points accumulate to more insurance costs and suspension of your license.
• Suspension or Revocation of Your License – Receive 8 or more points in 18 months and your license is suspended.
• Higher Auto Insurance Rates – Moving traffic tickets can cause your auto insurance rates to go up.
• Traffic School Requirement – In some states, attending traffic school is a means of keeping points from being assessed on your license.

What to Do If You Get a Traffic Ticket

Read the Ticket

Read the ticket carefully so that you know why you are being ticketed, “the amount of the fine, and how long you have to respond.”

Select How to Respond

You usually have three options

• Pay the Fine – This is the quickest way to have it over with, but it is a plea of guilt, and this will also get you points on your license.
• Fight the Ticket – If you believe the ticket was unfairly issued, you can contest it in court.
• Take Traffic School – Some minor offenses will permit you to take traffic school so that you can keep points off your record and insurance rates from rising.

Pay or Contest the Citation

• Online Payment – The majority of Kansas City traffic citations can be paid online via the municipal court website.
• Mailing Payment – If payment online is not feasible, then the citation can be sent by mail in check to the concerned court.
• Appearing in Court – If you want to fight the ticket, you can be called to appear before a judge to present your case.

Contesting a Kansas City Traffic Ticket

Gathering Evidence

If you’re set on fighting the ticket, gather any records that will be in your best interest, such as:

• Dashcam footage
• Witness statements
• Photographic records

Hiring a Traffic Lawyer

A lawyer can advise you in law and defend you in court, increasing your chances of having your ticket reduced or dropped.

Pleading Your Case in Court

Be prepared to justify why you feel the ticket was not justified. A good case supported by facts can increase your chances of success.

Steering Clear of Future Traffic Tickets

Tips that can keep you ticket-free are:

• Respect Speed Limits – Always pay attention and respect speed signs posted.
• Respect Traffic Signals and Signs – Red lights must be slowed down to and yielded when necessary.
• Stay Off Your Phone – Do not let yourself be distracted on the road.
• Use Turn Signals – Signal well in advance when turning or merging lanes.
• Keep Your Car in Working Order – Lights, brakes, and registration need to be current.

Wrap Up

A Kansas City traffic ticket is not the end of the world, but it does have to be taken care of right away. Learning about the types of infractions, what they cost, and what you can do in terms of how you pay for or contest a ticket can help make the best decision for your circumstances. For payment, contesting, or attending traffic school, knowing is key to navigating the procedure without a hitch. And of course, defensive prudent driving will prevent you from getting tickets in order to keep you coming back in the future.