Common Traffic Violations and Their Consequences
In Missouri, traffic laws are designed to promote safety, order, and efficiency on the roads. Violating these laws can have serious consequences, ranging from fines and points on your driving record to license suspension and even jail time in extreme cases.
Attorney Jeff Jarrett has over 30 years of experience providing Kansas City, Missouri, and those in Kansas as well, with quality legal advice when faced with traffic violations. Here are some of the most common traffic violations in Missouri and the consequences that could result.
1. Speeding
Missouri enforces speed limits to reduce accidents, fatalities, and injuries caused by excessive speeds. Speed limits vary depending on the type of road:
Residential areas: 25 mph
Highways: Typically between 55-70 mph
Construction zones: Often reduced to 45 mph or lower
If a driver is caught speeding in Missouri, the consequences depend on how much over the limit they were traveling. For example:
1-5 mph over the limit: This may result in a fine, but generally doesn't add points to a driving record.
6-10 mph over the limit: A fine and 1 point may be added to your record.
11-15 mph over the limit: Fines are increased, and 2 points are added to your license.
16 mph or more over the limit: Higher fines, possible court appearance, and 3 or more points added.
If a driver is caught speeding in a construction zone, the fines can be doubled, and the offense may carry more serious consequences.
2. Running a Red Light or Stop Sign
These are serious traffic violations primarily because they put drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk of accidents. In Missouri, a red light or stop sign violation can lead to:
Fines: A standard fine may range from $100 to $250, depending on the location.
Points on your driving record: Violators will likely receive 2 points.
Increased insurance premiums: Insurance companies may raise rates for those who accumulate points on their driving records.
In the case of an accident caused by running a red light or stop sign, the penalties can become more severe. Drivers may face increased fines, a court appearance, and possible civil liability for damages or injuries.
3. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most dangerous traffic violations in Missouri. Missouri law prohibits driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, though there are lower thresholds for commercial drivers and drivers under the legal drinking age.
Consequences of a DUI in Missouri can include:
Fines: For a first offense, fines may range from $500 to $1,000.
License suspension: A first offense DUI may lead to a 30-day suspension of your driver's license, but this can be extended depending on the circumstances or if you refuse to take a chemical test.
Jail time: A first offense may result in up to 6 months in jail, though this may be avoided with probation.
Probation and court-ordered classes: DUI offenders may be required to attend alcohol or drug education classes as part of probation.
Increased penalties for repeat offenders: Those with prior DUIs on their record face steeper fines, longer license suspensions, and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicle.
Insurance increases: A DUI conviction will result in higher insurance premiums for several years.
Missouri has a strict policy for handling DUI offenses, especially if an accident occurs or if a driver has a BAC much higher than the legal limit. Aggravated DUI charges, which involve factors such as having a child passenger or refusing to take a breathalyzer test, can result in even more severe penalties.
4. Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is a charge that applies to a variety of driving behaviors, including excessive speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, or driving aggressively. In Missouri, reckless driving is generally classified as a misdemeanor, though it can be upgraded to a felony in more serious cases, especially if it leads to injury or death.
Penalties for reckless driving in Missouri include:
Fines: Fines for reckless driving can range from $100 to $1,000, depending on the severity of the offense.
Jail time: First-time offenders may be sentenced to up to 90 days in jail. However, repeat offenders or those involved in accidents may face longer sentences.
Points on your driving record: Reckless driving typically results in 4 points on your record.
Increased insurance premiums: Just like with DUI convictions, reckless driving can lead to significant increases in insurance premiums.
If the reckless driving leads to an accident resulting in serious injuries or death, the driver could face felony charges, which carry much steeper penalties, including years in prison.
5. Failure to Yield
Failure to yield the right-of-way is another common violation in Missouri. This typically occurs when a driver doesn't yield to pedestrians, other vehicles, or cyclists in situations where the law requires them to do so.
Some common scenarios where failure to yield might occur include:
Turning left at an intersection without yielding to oncoming traffic.
Failing to stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk.
Not yielding to emergency vehicles that have their sirens or lights on.
If you fail to yield in Missouri, some of the common consequences you may run into include:
Fines: A fine of $50 to $200 is common for failure to yield violations.
Points on your driving record: A failure to yield typically results in 2 points on your record.
Insurance increases: Drivers who accumulate points may see their insurance premiums rise.
Failure to yield violations becomes even more serious if they lead to an accident, especially if other people are injured. In such cases, the driver could face civil lawsuits in addition to the legal penalties.
6. Driving Without a License or Insurance
Both of these offenses carry serious legal ramifications. If a person is caught driving without a valid license (whether because they never had one or because their license was suspended or revoked), they face fines, possible jail time, and may be required to attend court hearings. A first offense typically carries a fine of $200, but repeat offenders face higher fines and potential jail time.
Missouri law requires drivers to carry liability insurance. Driving without insurance can result in fines, points on your driving record, and the suspension of your driver’s license. Penalties include a fine of up to $500 for a first offense, with the possibility of jail time for repeat offenders.
Both offenses also pose serious financial risks, as uninsured drivers who cause accidents may be liable for damages, and those who drive without a valid license may face difficulties when attempting to reinstate their driving privileges.
7. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents in Missouri and across the United States. While Missouri doesn't have a statewide ban on handheld cell phones for all drivers, there are restrictions in place for certain groups:
Texting while driving: Missouri prohibits texting for all drivers, regardless of age.
Novice drivers (under the age of 21: These drivers are prohibited from using any handheld mobile devices while driving.
Violating the texting ban can result in a fine of up to $200 for the first offense. For subsequent offenses, fines can rise. If distracted driving leads to an accident, the penalties can include both criminal charges and civil liability.
Traffic violations in Missouri range from relatively minor offenses like speeding or failing to yield to more serious crimes such as DUI or reckless driving. By following traffic laws and being aware of the consequences of violations, Missouri drivers can help make the roads safer and avoid the risks that come with breaking the law.
Contact a Traffic Violation Attorney Today
When you find yourself being charged with a traffic violation, it's in your best interest to contact a lawyer. Attorney Jeff Jarrett serves clients in Kansas City, Missouri, as well as Jackson County, and Clay County. He also serves clients in Johnson County, Kansas; Wyandotte County; and Leavenworth County.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Jeff Jarrett Law Office today.