WHAT ARE MISSOURI’S SCHOOL ZONE SPEEDING LAWS AND PENALTIES?

Speeding in a school zone isn’t just a traffic violation in Missouri — it’s treated as a serious safety offense with harsher penalties than normal speeding tickets.

Missouri lawmakers, law enforcement, and courts all take a strict stance because speeding in these areas puts children at risk. If you get caught, you could face more than just a fine — you could be looking at points, higher insurance rates, and even criminal charges in extreme cases.

If you’re been charged with speeding in a school zone in Missouri, call Speeding Ticket KC today. Our experienced Missouri traffic defense attorneys want to help you. Don’t try to take on the Missouri justice system on your own.

We’ve got your back, KC.

WHEN SCHOOL ZONE SPEED LIMITS APPLY

School zones in Missouri are clearly marked with signs, and often flashing lights. The reduced speed limit is typically 15–25 mph, depending on the area.

Speed restrictions usually apply:

• When children are present (before and after school hours)
• During posted times on the school zone signs
• When flashing lights are activated

Failing to notice or obey these signs is no defense in court — drivers are expected to be alert and aware.

PENALTIES FOR SPEEDING IN A SCHOOL ZONE IN MISSOURI

Missouri law allows for enhanced penalties in school zones, including:

• Higher fines than for regular speeding tickets
• More points on your license (3 points for speeding, 4 points for careless driving)
• Possible misdemeanor charges for excessive speeding
• Steeper insurance rate increases

Even going 5 mph over in a school zone can cost more than a typical speeding ticket. Going 20+ mph over could result in a reckless driving charge.

WHY ARE THE PENALTIES HIGHER IN SCHOOL ZONES?

The reasoning is simple: children are less visible, less predictable, and more vulnerable in traffic situations. Courts and prosecutors want to send a message that school zone violations will not be tolerated.

COMMON DEFENSES IN SCHOOL ZONE CASES

While the law is strict, there are situations where a ticket may be challenged, such as:

• Improper or unclear signage
• Lights not flashing when alleged violation occurred
• Officer’s speed measurement device was inaccurate or improperly calibrated
• You were not in the school zone when clocked speeding

HOW AN EXPERIENCED MISSOURI TRAFFIC LAWYER CAN HELP YOUR CASE

At Speeding Ticket KC, we understand that a school zone ticket is a big deal — especially for drivers with clean records who want to keep it that way.

Our skilled Kansas City traffic defense attorneys can:

• Work to reduce the ticket to a non-moving violation
• Challenge the evidence and measurement methods
• Negotiate with prosecutors to protect your record and insurance rates
• Appear in court for you so you don’t have to take time off work

DON’T JUST “PAY THE FINE” — CALL SPEEDING TICKET KC TODAY

Paying a school zone ticket means pleading guilty. That conviction will:

• Put points on your license
• Increase your insurance premiums
• Stay on your record for years

Missouri takes school zone speeding seriously — and so should you. Even a small violation can have big consequences. Considering the long-term costs, fighting the ticket is often the smarter financial choice.

If you’ve been ticketed for speeding in a school zone in Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri, contact Speeding Ticket KC.

Our affordable Kansas City school zone speeding ticket attorneys will fight to protect your driving record, your license, and your wallet.

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.