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How do I fight a speeding ticket in Missouri?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-05-17

Missouri prosecutor amendments and Driver Improvement Program (DIP) make most speeding tickets fixable.

1. Pay vs. Contest

  • Pay: guilty plea; conviction reported to Department of Revenue (DOR).
  • Prosecutor amendment: very common in MO — call the prosecutor's office to amend to 'Illegal Parking' (RSMo 304.010 — no points, no insurance impact) for an additional fee. Available roughly once per 12 months per driver per prosecutor.
  • Trial: bench in associate circuit; appeal to circuit court for trial de novo within 10 days.

    • 2. Speed Limits & Reckless Threshold

    RSMo 304.010 sets the basic rule and posted limits (70 mph rural interstate, 60 mph urban).

  • Careless and imprudent driving (RSMo 304.012): misdemeanor.
  • Excessive blood alcohol and reckless driving prosecuted under 577.001 chapter.

    • 3. Points & Suspension

    DOR point system (RSMo 302.302):

  • 2 points: speeding (county/state — most)
  • 3 points: speeding (municipal — 1st offense often)
  • 4 points: careless/imprudent driving

    • 8 points/18 months = 30-day suspension; 12+/12 months = 1-year revocation. Point Reduction Course (RSMo 302.302.4) can subtract 3 points; available once per 36 months.

    4. Driver Improvement Program (DIP)

    A DOR-approved 8-hour DIP can be ordered by a judge as a condition of suspended imposition of sentence (SIS) — keeps conviction off public record. Court files SIS; you complete probation; case is dismissed.

    5. Defenses & Discovery

  • Subpoena under Mo. R. Crim. P. 25 or Civ. R. 57.09 for officer's radar/lidar calibration log.
  • State v. Hill and progeny govern radar foundation.
  • Officer no-show typically yields dismissal.

    • 6. CDL Holders

    49 CFR § 384.226 — no SIS or amendment to mask a CMV conviction.

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Careless/imprudent driving misdemeanor or excessive speed
    • CDL holder facing any moving violation
    • License suspension imminent (8+ points/18 months)
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • Mo. Rev. Stat. § 304.010
    • Mo. Rev. Stat. § 304.012
    • Mo. Rev. Stat. § 302.302
    • Mo. Rev. Stat. § 557.011 (SIS)
    • Mo. Rev. Stat. § 302.304

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.