Kansas City Speeding Ticket Lawyer Explains Missouri Fines and Penalties
No surprise then that a Kansas City speeding ticket. It can lead to insurance concern, driver’s license points, and fines. Knowing about Missouri speeding laws places you on notice about what you have facing you. Below is an overview of the penalties and fines for speeding in Missouri. This article also illustrates how a Kansas City speeding ticket attorney can help you.
What You Do If You Get a Speeding Ticket in Missouri
If you are found to be exceeding the speed limit by a police officer, you can be given a speeding ticket. On the ticket will be useful information: your speed, the posted speed limit, and the amount you need to pay as fines. You have the option to either pay the fine or appear in court. Paying the fine is considered guilt. You will also be assessed points on your driving license. Not paying the ticket can lead to further issues, including a warrant for your arrest.
Missouri Speeding Ticket Fines
Missouri employs differential fines based on how much above the speed limit you are traveling. The following is an estimate of fees:
- 1-5 mph over speed limit: Around $10 to $15 and court fees
- 6-10 mph over speed limit: Around $15 to $35 and court fees
- 11-15 mph over speed limit: Around $35 to $100 and court fees
- 16-20 mph over speed limit: Around $75 to $150 and court fees
- More than 20 mph: Fines are more and jail can be added as well
Fees may vary depending on the city or on the county. Kansas City may be distinct from the rest of Missouri. Court charges may also be a part of what you are paying.
Missouri’s Point System for Speeding
Missouri also has a points system that it uses to monitor traffic tickets. Points are put on your driving record when you receive a speeding ticket. They stay there for two years. Get too many points and you lose your license.
The speeding points are:
- 1-5 over: 1 point
- 6-10 over: 2 points
- 11-15 over: 3 points
- 16-25 over: 4 points
- Over 25 over limit: 5 points
You can have your car insurance rates raised by the point scoring. Accumulate lots of points and you can lose your right to drive.
Missouri Other Speeding Offenses
Fine and points aren’t the only punishment. Listed below are other punishments you might receive:
- License Suspension: Your driver’s license might be suspended by the state when you accumulate too many points.
- Court Appearance: Some tickets come with a court appearance.
- Jail Time: Reckless driving or speeding will earn you jail time.
- Traffic School: Judges will send you to a driving safety course.
- Increased Insurance Rates: Your insurance rates will typically go up after receiving a speeding ticket.
Why You Should Consider a Kansas City Speeding Ticket Attorney
Missouri traffic law is complicated. A skilled Missouri dui defense lawyer who handles traffic tickets knows the law. They will take a look at your ticket and determine what they can do for you. A lawyer is permitted in most cases to have your charge reduced or dismissed.
Here is what a lawyer will do for you:
- Clearly explain your rights and options
- Prepare your case for trial
- Negotiate with the prosecutor for you
- Make the effort to reduce or remove points from your record
- Spare yourself from having your insurance rates increase substantially
An attorney will save you money, time, and hassle.
Mistakes People Make After Receiving a Speeding Ticket
After receiving a speeding ticket, people will make mistakes that will ultimately cost them more. There are some typical blunders that must be avoided:
- Do Not Ignore the Ticket: Doing nothing can lead to arrest warrants and fees.
- Pay Without Consideration: Ticket payment is an admission and puts points on your record.
- Missing Court Dates: Missing court, when you are supposed to show up, can lead to a warrant.
- Not Seeking Legal Help: Trying to do it yourself will come back to haunt you.
- Missing to Check Your Record: You must monitor your points and your driving record.
Steps to Take If You Receive a Speeding Ticket in Kansas City
Follow these steps to effectively handle your ticket:
- Read Your Ticket: View the speed, fine, and court appearance.
- Pay or Fight: Paying is a concession; fighting can clear your record.
- Hire a Lawyer: They can improve your chances for a favorable result.
- Get Evidence: Pictures, GPS, or witness testimony can do the trick.
- Show Up in Court: Be punctual, dress nicely, and be polite.
How Speeding Increases Your Insurance
Following a speeding ticket, your auto insurance rates will increase. Insurance companies consider speeding to be a risk factor. The greater your speed and your past driving record, the higher your rates will increase.
- How to maintain low insurance rates:
- Attend an accident prevention course if offered
- Maintain a good driving record following the ticket
- Shop around for insurance quotes
- Get a lawyer to limit your ticket’s impact
When Can You Get Your Points Taken Away?
Missouri permits you to get your points taken away by attending a defensive driving course. The course must be endorsed by the Missouri Department of Revenue. Once you have attended the course, you can have a maximum of three points taken away. Point removal stops license suspension and keeps your insurance rate low.
Final Thoughts
Kansas City speed tickets have fines, points, and possible court fines. The higher you were speeding, the more you’ll pay. Missouri also uses a point system to track offenses and license suspension. Insurance goes up after tickets too. Consult a local Kansas City speeding ticket lawyer near me and it may make all the difference. Lawyers are knowledgeable about the law and can help guide you in making the right decisions. They lower fines and eliminate points from your record. Should you get a speeding ticket, don’t wait. Get educated about your rights and consider carefully seeking the help of an attorney.
FAQs
Q1: What does it cost to speed 10 mph over the speed limit in Missouri?
A1: Fines are $15 to $35 with charges, depending on the location.
Q2: How many speeding points do I receive in Missouri?
A2: Points vary with how much over the limit you were driving, from 1 point for a low-level offense to 5 points for gross over-speed.
Q3: Can I contest a speeding ticket without an attorney?
A3: Yes, but with a lawyer your odds of a favorable result are better.
Q4: Will my insurance rate go up as the result of a speeding ticket?
A4: Yes, rates will increase after a ticket by insurers.
Q5: What happens if I don’t pay my Kansas City speeding ticket?
A5: You’ll have arrest warrants, surcharges, and license suspension.
