If you’ve recently been pulled over and issued a speeding ticket in Missouri, you may…
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO AMEND A SPEEDING TICKET IN MISSOURI?
Turning a moving violation into a non-moving violation — Does it matter?
You got a speeding ticket. You’re worried about points, insurance hikes, or even losing your license. Then someone says:
“You should get it amended.”
But what does that actually mean?
Good question. At Speeding Ticket KC, our experienced Kansas City traffic defense attorneys help drivers across Missouri amend speeding tickets every day. Here’s what that process looks like, why it’s worth it, and how it can save your driving record and wallet from long-term damage.
WHAT DOES “AMENDED” MEAN?
In Missouri traffic law, to “amend” a ticket means to change the original charge—usually from a moving violation (like speeding) to a non-moving violation (like a parking offense or defective equipment).
An amended charge:
- Does not add points to your driving record
- Typically does not appear on your public driving history
- Prevents insurance premium increases in most cases
- Allows you to plead guilty to a lesser offense instead of fighting the ticket at trial
WHY IS THIS A BIG DEAL?
Missouri uses a point system to track traffic violations. Speeding tickets, for example, can result in:
- 2–3 points on your license
- Higher insurance premiums for 3–5 years
- Possible license suspension if you already have points
- Trouble with commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs)
- Red flags during background checks for certain jobs
Amending your ticket avoids those consequences, without requiring a full trial.
HOW THE AMENDMENT PROCESS WORKS IN MISSOURI?
How the Amendment Process Works
- Hire a traffic attorney: Prosecutors typically will not amend tickets if you represent yourself. A lawyer negotiates on your behalf.
- File an entry of appearance: This tells the court you’ve retained legal counsel.
- Submit an amendment request: Your attorney will request that the prosecutor amend the ticket to a non-moving violation.
- Pay an adjusted fine: You’ll usually pay a higher fine than the original ticket—but you avoid points and record damage.
- No court appearance needed: In most cases, we handle everything behind the scenes. No need to take time off work or appear in court.
COMMON AMENDMENTS IN MISSOURI
Speeding tickets are often amended to one of the following:
- Defective equipment
- Littering
- Parking violation
- Excessive noise (in rare cases)
These are non-moving violations, meaning they carry no points and won’t affect your insurance.
IS EVER TICKET ELIGIBLE FOR AMENDMENT?
Not always. Several factors determine eligibility:
- Your driving record
- The severity of the violation (e.g., 10 mph over vs. 30 mph over)
- Whether your ticket involved an accident or injury
- The jurisdiction and prosecutor’s policy
- Whether you’ve had recent amendments
That’s why it’s important to work with a skilled Missouri traffic defense lawyer near you who knows the local courts and can negotiate effectively.
IS AMENDMENT WORTH THE EXTRA COST?
In most cases, yes. While the amended fine may be higher (e.g., $200–$300 instead of $100), it’s a one-time payment that can save you thousands in insurance hikes and protect your license.
Think of it as an investment in your driving future.
WHAT IF I’VE ALREADY PAID THE TICKET
If you already paid the fine, you’ve pled guilty, and the violation goes on your record. At that point:
- You cannot request an amendment
- Points will be assessed
- Your insurance may increase
Always talk to a lawyer before paying any Missouri speeding ticket.
CALL SPEEDING TICKET KC — LET US HELP YOU
Our team of Kansas City traffic defense attorneys will:
- Review your ticket for amendment eligibility
- File all paperwork with the court
- Negotiate directly with the prosecutor
- Handle the entire process for you
- Help you avoid points, court dates, and insurance increases
HIRE AN EXPERIENCED KANSAS CITY TRAFFIC DEFENSE ATTORNEY NEAR ME
At Speeding Ticket KC, our affordable Missouri traffic attorneys have helped thousands of Missouri drivers get their tickets amended—and we can do the same for you.
Call Speeding Ticket KC today to speak with a trusted Missouri traffic defense lawyer and get your speeding ticket amended the right way—before it costs you points, premiums, or peace of mind.
