WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RECKLESS DRIVING AND SPEEDING IN MISSOURI?

At first glance, speeding and reckless driving might seem like two versions of the same mistake — but under Missouri law, they’re treated very differently. One is a traffic infraction; the other is a criminal offense that can leave a lasting mark on your record.

Understanding that difference could mean the difference between paying a fine and facing jail time. At Speeding Ticket KC, our experienced Kansas City traffic defense attorneys want you to know what every Missouri driver should know about careless and imprudent driving in the state of Missouri.

Speeding: The Most Common Traffic Violation in Missouri

Speeding is one of the simplest and most frequent violations on Missouri roads. Under RSMo 304.010, you’re required to drive at a speed that’s “reasonable and prudent” under the circumstances — not just below the posted limit.

That means you can still get a speeding ticket even if you weren’t technically over the limit, especially if you were driving too fast for rain, snow, or traffic conditions.

Typical speeding penalties include a fine (usually between $100 and $300), two or three points on your Missouri driving record, and possible increases to your car insurance premiums. For most drivers, it’s an inconvenient but manageable infraction.

But when speed becomes dangerous — when it endangers others or involves poor judgment — prosecutors can upgrade that simple ticket into something much worse: reckless driving.

CARELESS AND IMPRUDENT DRIVING: A MISSOURI CRIMINAL OFFENSE

Missouri doesn’t actually use the phrase “reckless driving.” Instead, the law refers to it as careless and imprudent driving — a criminal offense that goes far beyond an ordinary ticket.

Reckless driving means you operated your vehicle in a way that showed a disregard for the safety of others or property. This doesn’t just mean speeding; it’s about how you were driving.

Common examples include:

• Driving 25 mph or more over the limit.
• Weaving through lanes or tailgating other vehicles.
• Running stop signs or red lights aggressively.
• Racing other drivers or showing off in traffic.
• Driving distracted or texting at high speeds.

You don’t even have to cause an accident to be charged — if an officer believes your actions created unnecessary danger, you can still be cited for careless and imprudent driving.

The Legal Difference: Intent and Risk: The key difference between speeding and reckless driving is intent and risk. Speeding is typically viewed as negligence — a mistake or lapse in judgment. Reckless driving, however, implies a willful disregard for safety.

For example, going 10 miles over the speed limit on an empty road might result in a ticket. But going 30 miles over during rush hour, swerving through lanes, or racing another driver could be considered reckless — even if you didn’t crash.

Because reckless driving carries criminal penalties, police officers and prosecutors take it far more seriously.

PENALTIES FOR RECKLESS DRIVING VS. SPEEDING IN MISSOURI

A speeding ticket is a traffic infraction, punishable by a fine and points on your license. It typically does not involve jail time or a criminal record.

Reckless driving, on the other hand, is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000. If your reckless driving causes an accident, it can be elevated to a Class A misdemeanor, which carries up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

In both cases, the Missouri Department of Revenue can suspend your driver’s license if you accumulate too many points. But reckless driving adds more points and carries the additional weight of a criminal conviction.

Why It Matters to Your Record: Speeding will show up on your driving record for about three years. Reckless driving, however, appears on both your driving record and your criminal record — meaning employers, insurers, and even landlords can see it.

A single conviction can raise your insurance premiums for years, cost you your job if you drive for a living, and make it harder to get certain professional licenses.

HOW AN EXPERIENCED MISSOURI TRAFFIC DEFENSE ATTORNEY CAN HELP

At Speeding Ticket KC, our affordable Kansas City traffic defense team has defended drivers throughout Kansas City and across Missouri who have been charged with reckless or careless driving. Our experienced attorneys can:

• Review your traffic stop for errors or lack of probable cause.
• Challenge officer testimony or radar readings.
• Negotiate to have reckless charges reduced to a non-moving violation.
• Protect your license, minimize fines, and keep your record clean.

Even a first-time reckless driving charge can be reduced or dismissed with the right legal defense.

Don’t let a simple speeding ticket turn into a long-term headache. At Speeding Ticket KC, our Kansas City traffic lawyers help drivers fight tickets quickly, affordably, and effectively. A single violation can raise your insurance rates and add points to your license — but it doesn’t have to. We know how to negotiate with Missouri courts and prosecutors to reduce or dismiss your ticket altogether. Whether it’s speeding, careless driving, or failure to yield, our experienced attorneys can help you avoid costly penalties.

CALL SPEEDING TICKET KC TODAY

With Speeding Ticket KC, you get fast, local service from lawyers who know Kansas City traffic laws inside and out. Contact us today for a free consultation and protect your record before it’s too late.

Speeding is a traffic ticket. Reckless driving is a crime. The difference is more than just semantics — it’s the difference between paying a fine and having a criminal record.

If you’ve been charged with careless and imprudent or reckless driving in Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri, contact Speeding Ticket KC today. Our experienced traffic defense attorneys will fight to protect your license, your record, and your future.

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.