What are "points" and what do they mean to my driving record?
In Missouri, when you are convicted of a moving violation the Missouri Department of Revenue receives notice of the conviction and adds "points" to your driving record. When you accumulate too many points, you may lose your driving privilege.
How do I know how many points go on my record for a violation?
Below is a list of common traffic violations and the amount of points you will receive if convicted of each violation (please note this list is not exhaustive):
| Speeding (State law violation). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 3 points |
| Speeding (County or municipal ordinance violation) . . . . . . |
2 points |
| Careless and Imprudent Driving (State law violation) . . . . . | 4 points |
| Careless and Imprudent Driving (County or municipal ordinance violation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 2 points |
| Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility (a.k.a. No Insurance) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 4 points |
| Leaving the Scene of an Accident (State law violation). . . . | 12 points |
| Leaving the Scene of an Accident (County or municipal ordinance violation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 6 points |
| Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License . . . . . . . . . . | 12 points |
| Operating without a Valid License | |
| 1st Offense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 2 points |
| 2nd Offense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 4 points |
| 3rd Offense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 6 points |
How many points will it take for my license to be suspended?
If you accumulate 8 or more points in an 18 month period, your driving privilege will be suspended. For a first suspension, your license will be suspended for 30 days. A second suspension, 60 days. A third or subsequent suspension, your license will be suspended for 90 days.
How many points will it take for my license to be revoked?
Your driving privilege will be revoked for one year if you accumulate any of the following number of points in the following time periods:
- 12 or more points in 12 months
- 18 or more points in 24 months
- 24 or more points in 36 months
How do points come off my driving record?
Every year you drive without getting new points on your driving record your points will be reduced. After 1 year, your points will be reduced by one-third. After 2 years, your remaining points will be reduced by one-half. After 3 years, your points will be reduced to zero. As well, if your license has been suspended or revoked, when your driving privilege is reinstated your total points will be reduced to 4.
Are there other potential consequences to being convicted of a traffic violation?
Yes. Adding points to your driving record is only one aspect of being convicted of a driving offense. There are other potential serious consequences to driving offenses. Most driving violations are misdemeanors which are punishable by fines and/or jail time. Depending on the number of prior offenses, some offenses become a felony if you have been convicted of the same offense multiple times in the past. There are some offenses that require mandatory jail time. As well, even for a first offense for a minor moving violation your insurance rates can be increased. It is important to contact a Columbia, Missouri Traffic Lawyer if you have any questions about the potential impact of a traffic violation.