Missouri’s Traffic Violation Point System

In addition to fines and fees, most Missouri traffic violations result in the Missouri Department of Transportation (DOT) assessing points to the driver's record. This article explains how Missouri's traffic ticket point system works and the consequences you'll face if you get too many points on your record.

How Does Missouri's Traffic Ticket Point System Work?

The DOT receives notice of all traffic violation convictions and assesses a certain number of points to the driver's record. The number of points depends on the seriousness of the violation. (see chart below.) So more serious violations carry more points than minor offenses.

Missouri drivers who rack up too many points face license suspension or revocation. However, points eventually expire, and there are ways to get points off your record prior to expiration (explained below).

License Suspension and Revocation for Traffic Violation Points in Missouri

Prior to imposing any penalties, the DOT will send drivers who accumulate four points a warning letter. This letter simply outlines the driver's current point total and the penalties that can result under the demerit point system.

Demerit Point License Suspensions in Missouri

A driver who has accumulated at least eight points in 18 months will be suspended. The suspension length depends on the number of prior point-related suspensions. A driver with:

• no prior suspensions will receive a 30-day suspension
• one prior suspension will receive a 60-day suspension, and
• two prior suspensions will receive a 90-day suspension.

Suspended drivers must provide proof of financial responsibility prior to license reinstatement.

Point-Related License Revocation in Missouri

A driver will face license revocation if he or she has 12 points in a 12-month period, 18 points in a 24-month period, or 24 points in a 36-month period. However, a revoked driver can apply for a driver's license after one year of revocation. The driver must provide proof of financial responsibility and must retake the driving examination.

Getting Limited Driving Privileges During a Point Suspension in Missouri

Suspended or revoked drivers can petition the local court for limited driving privileges. If granted, these privileges will include operation to, for, and from work and school, but only during limited hours and by certain routes.

To be eligible for a limited license, the driver must provide proof of insurance and the assessed points can't be related to a felony incident. The court can also require an ignition interlock device for limited driving privileges if the driver's offense involved alcohol.

How Long Do Traffic Ticket Points Stay on Your Missouri Record?

Drivers with no convictions within a 12-month period will receive a one-third reduction to their current point total. After 24 months without a violation, the driver's point total will be reduced by another 50 percent. After three years without any violations, the driver's point total will be erased. Any time spent with limited driving privileges doesn't count towards point reductions.

Additionally, a driver's point total is reduced to four points after completing a suspension or revocation period.

Get Points Off Your Missouri Record by Completing a Defensive Driving Course

Within 60 days of a traffic ticket conviction, the driver can complete a driver improvement program to avoid the assessment of points. This option is available only once every 36 months.

Points Values for Traffic Violations in Missouri

Missouri assigns the following point values for each traffic violation listed below. Both in-state and out-of-state violations will be recorded.

Violation	Points Assessed
Unlisted violation	2
Municipal stop sign violation	1
Speeding	3
Municipal speeding violation	2
Leaving the scene of an accident	12 (6 if municipal violation)
Careless driving	6 (4 if municipal violation)
Driving without a license	2 (4 for second offense, 6 for third offense)
Driving while suspended or revoked	12
License fraud	12
DUI (driving under the influence)	8 (12 for second offense)
Felony involving motor vehicle	12
Permitting unlicensed driver to operate	4
No insurance	4
Endangerment of highway worker	4
Aggravated endangerment of highway worker	12
Endangerment of emergency worker	4
Aggravated endangerment of emergency worker	12

Points are generally only assessed for the most severe offense resulting from one traffic stop. But the DOT will add two points to any violation that resulted in injury or property damage.