How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in Missouri
If you got a speeding ticket in Missouri, you can usually pay it, contest it in court, or pursue a dismissal/mitigation option. Missouri speeding fines under RSMo § 304.010 (approximate base amounts plus ~$73.50 court costs): 1–5 mph over = ~$50.50 base (infraction, 0 points); 6–10 mph over = ~$60.50 base; 11–15 mph over = ~$70.50 base; 16–19 mph over = ~$100.50 base; 20–25 mph over = ~$155.50 base.
How to fight a speeding ticket in Missouri, step by step
Decide how to plead
Pleading not guilty preserves your right to contest the speeding charge in Missouri and review the evidence against you.
Check Missouri's dismissal & mitigation options
Yes. Missouri courts require proper foundation for radar evidence, including officer training on the specific device and calibration records.
Request the evidence in your case
Ask the court for the officer's notes and any photos, device records, or calibration logs relied on to issue your speeding citation — you have a right to review what the case against you is built on.
Know exactly what you're contesting
Missouri speeding fines under RSMo § 304.010 (approximate base amounts plus ~$73.50 court costs): 1–5 mph over = ~$50.50 base (infraction, 0 points); 6–10 mph over = ~$60.50 base; 11–15 mph over = ~$70.50 base; 16–19 mph over = ~$100.50 base; 20–25 mph over = ~$155.50 base.
Show up prepared
Arrive early, dress neatly, and bring your documents plus a short, factual statement of your side.
Prepare for your Missouri court date — free
Get a guided prep chat for your exact violation, then a court-ready mock script you can rehearse.
Start my free court prep →Missouri Speeding ticket — frequently asked questions
What are the fines for speeding in Missouri?
Missouri speeding fines under RSMo § 304.010 (approximate base amounts plus ~$73.50 court costs): 1–5 mph over = ~$50.50 base (infraction, 0 points); 6–10 mph over = ~$60.50 base; 11–15 mph over = ~$70.50 base; 16–19 mph over = ~$100.50 base; 20–25 mph over = ~$155.50 base. Work zone with workers present: +$250 additional fine (1st conviction), +$300 (subsequent). Class B misdemeanor (20+ mph over) carries up to $1,000 fine and up to 6 months jail as maximums. Verify exact current amounts with your specific court.
How many points does a speeding ticket add in Missouri?
Under RSMo § 302.302: 1–5 mph over the limit = 0 points (infraction); 6–19 mph over = 2 points (Class C misdemeanor); 20+ mph over = 2–3 points (Class B misdemeanor). An SIS avoids all point assessment. Points reduce by one-third after 1 year of clean driving, by half after 2 years, and to zero after 3 years.
Is speeding a misdemeanor in Missouri?
It depends on the speed: 1–5 mph over the limit is an infraction (not a criminal offense, 0 points). 6–19 mph over is a Class C misdemeanor (criminal). 20+ mph over is a Class B misdemeanor (criminal). Class B misdemeanors carry up to 6 months jail and up to $1,000 fine. The misdemeanor classification means that speeding over 6 mph creates a criminal record upon conviction — another reason to pursue an SIS.
What is an SIS for a speeding ticket in Missouri?
A Suspended Imposition of Sentence (SIS) is a disposition where the judge suspends the sentence for a probationary period (typically 6–12 months). If you complete probation without further violations, no formal conviction is entered and the DOR assesses zero points. You must appear in court — you cannot get an SIS by paying the fine online. An SIS is at the judge's discretion and is most available to first-time offenders with clean records.
What is the Driver Improvement Program in Missouri?
The Missouri Driver Improvement Program is an 8-hour state-approved traffic safety course. It requires court approval before enrollment and must be completed within 60 days of the violation. It can only be used once every 3 years. With court approval, completing the course can help the court grant an SIS or avoid point assessment — but it does NOT remove existing points from your record. Submit the completion certificate (Form 4444) to the court.
What happens if I speed in a work zone in Missouri?
Work zone speeding with workers present carries an additional mandatory fine: +$250 for a first conviction within 2 years, +$300 for a subsequent conviction within 2 years (RSMo § 304.010). This is in addition to the standard speeding fine. Points are assessed at the standard rate for the speed tier.
What are the default speed limits in Missouri?
RSMo § 304.010 default limits: 60 mph on rural interstate highways; 70 mph on rural interstate highways where posted; 45 mph on rural roads; 25 mph in business or residential districts; 20 mph in school zones during school hours. Posted signs control where present. Verify posted limits for your specific roadway.
Can I challenge radar evidence at a Missouri traffic trial?
Yes. Missouri courts require proper foundation for radar evidence, including officer training on the specific device and calibration records. You may request calibration records through discovery and cross-examine the officer at trial. The state must prove the violation beyond a reasonable doubt — gaps in calibration documentation or officer training records can raise that doubt.
How do points from a speeding ticket reduce over time?
Missouri's natural point reduction schedule: after 1 year of clean driving (no new violations), points are reduced by one-third; after 2 years, reduced by one-half; after 3 years, reduced to zero. This means active management of your driving record — avoiding new violations — is the most effective long-term strategy. An SIS keeps points at zero from the start.
Does a speeding ticket affect my insurance in Missouri?
A conviction (including paying the fine without contesting) is reported to your insurer and typically increases premiums. An SIS avoids the conviction and any insurance reporting for state law purposes, making it the most valuable outcome. The natural point reduction over time also helps, but insurance rate increases from a conviction can persist for several years.
Zigpon is an educational self-help guide, not a law firm — this is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different; verify details with your court or a licensed attorney before acting.