Traffic Violations

Missouri State Traffic Violation Points System

3 min read

Missouri’s traffic violation point system is designed to identify high-risk drivers and promote safer driving habits. When you commit a moving violation, points are added to your driving record by the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR). Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension or revocation.

How the Points System Works

Each moving violation is assigned a point value based on its severity. These points remain on your record and can result in disciplinary action if they accumulate quickly.

4 points: Speeding 20+ mph over the limit, driving while suspended
2 points: Speeding under 20 mph over the limit
12 points in 12 months: License suspension for 30 days (first offense)
18 points in 24 months: 90-day suspension
24 points in 36 months: One-year revocation

Once points are assessed, they remain on your driving record for three years, but the violation itself stays on the record longer, depending on its nature.

Common Violations and Point Values

Here are some of the most frequently cited violations and the corresponding point penalties:

| Violation | Points | |-------------------------------------------|--------| | DUI (first offense) | 8 | | Leaving the scene of an accident | 12 | | Driving without insurance | 4 | | Running a red light or stop sign | 2 | | Careless and imprudent driving | 4 | | Failure to yield | 2 | | Excessive speeding (over 20 mph) | 4 | | Minor speeding (under 20 mph) | 2 |

For a detailed breakdown of specific violations, refer to Missouri DUI Penalties Overview.

Consequences of Accumulating Points

The Missouri DOR takes action based on how many points you accumulate within a specific time frame:

4 points in 12 months: You’ll receive a warning letter
8 or more points: Possible suspension
12 or more points: Automatic suspension or revocation

You can view your current driving record and point total through the Missouri DOR website.

Removing Points from Your Record

Points on your driving record can gradually be reduced if you maintain a clean record:

After one year: Total points reduced by one-third
After two years: Reduced by one-half
After three years: All remaining points removed

Additionally, attending a state-approved driver improvement program may help prevent points from being added for minor offenses.

Paying or Contesting a Ticket

You can choose to pay a traffic ticket or contest it in court. Paying the fine usually results in points being assessed, whereas a successful court contest may prevent points. More details are available at Pay or Contest a Missouri Traffic Ticket.

Tips to Avoid Points

Maintaining safe driving habits is the best way to avoid accumulating points. Follow all traffic signals, obey posted speed limits, and remain alert—especially when driving through Missouri Road Rules for Rural Highways and Missouri Construction Zone Sign Guidelines. It's also important to understand Missouri Speed Limit Changes on Interstates, which frequently affect speeding violations.