Traffic violations in Missouri can range from minor infractions to serious criminal offenses. If authorities consider a traffic ticket a crime and you could face jail time, the severity of the violation determines the outcome.
Knowing the differences between types of traffic tickets can help you understand the legal system. These include moving violations, non-moving violations, major traffic violations, and serious offenses like DWIs.
What Is a Traffic Ticket?
A traffic ticket is a notice issued by law enforcement to a driver who has violated traffic laws. Missouri traffic tickets have two primary categories: moving violations and non-moving violations.
- Moving Violations: What do we consider a moving violation? These happen when a car is moving. They often cause more severe penalties because they directly affect road safety or can damage property. Examples of moving violations include speeding, running a red light, and reckless driving.
- Non-moving violations include parking problems, broken taillights, or other issues that happen when the vehicle is stationary. These are generally less serious than moving violations, aren’t criminal, and carry a fine that can just be paid.
Moving Violations vs. Non-Moving Violations
Moving Violations Meaning
So, what do we consider a moving traffic violation? A moving violation occurs when the vehicle is in motion and involves the driver violating a traffic law. These violations include traffic tickets, which can affect your driving record and increase insurance premiums.
Non-Moving Violations
Non-moving violations, like parking issues or broken equipment, usually happen when the vehicle is not in motion. These infractions are less severe and usually result in fines without impacting your driving record.
Types of Moving Violations in Missouri
What is a Moving Traffic Violation?
The moving violation definition refers to any infraction that occurs while the vehicle is in motion. These more severe violations affect the safety of other road users. In Missouri, common types of moving violations include:
- Speeding: So, is speeding a moving violation? It is one of the most common moving violations. Speeding occurs when a driver exceeds the posted speed limit.
- This is usually a minor crime, like a misdemeanor or moving infraction, but it can get worse if you speed too much. Often, a speeding ticket is issued.
- Running a red light: Not stopping at a red light or stop sign is a traffic violation that endangers other drivers and pedestrians.
- Reckless driving: Reckless driving is a severe offense where a driver ignores the safety of others while operating a vehicle. It can result in higher fines, points on your driving record, and even criminal charges.
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI): A DWI is among the worst driving offenses. A DWI in Missouri can lead to criminal charges and severe administrative penalties, including license suspension.
List of Traffic Violations and Their Consequences in Missouri
Points System
Missouri operates under a point-based system for tracking traffic violations. Building up too many points in a certain period can lead to suspending or revoking your driver’s license.
- 4 points in 12 months: You will receive a warning letter from the Missouri Department of Revenue.
- 8 points in 18 months: Your license may be suspended for 30 to 90 days.
Major Moving Violations and Criminal Charges
What Are Major Moving Violations?
Major moving violations present a greater risk to public safety and often result in criminal charges. In Missouri, some of the most severe moving violations include:
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI): DWI ranks as one of the most severe traffic violations and qualifies as a criminal offense. Penalties for DWI in Missouri include heavy fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment.
- Vehicular manslaughter: Vehicular manslaughter occurs when a reckless or drunk driver causes an accident that results in someone’s death. That is a felony.
- Fleeing the Scene of an Accident: In Missouri, it is a crime to leave an accident scene. You must exchange information and help if needed. It can result in fines, jail time, and license revocation.
Is a Traffic Ticket a Criminal Offense?
Minor Infractions vs. Criminal Offenses
In Missouri, whether a traffic ticket is classified as a criminal offense depends on the severity of the violation:
- Infractions: Minor violations like speeding, improper lane changes, or failure to signal are usually classified as infractions, not criminal offenses. These violations typically result in fines and points on your driving record but do not lead to jail time.
- Misdemeanors: More severe traffic violations, such as reckless driving or driving without a valid license, are considered misdemeanors. These offenses can lead to criminal penalties, including fines, license suspensions, and possibly jail time.
- Felonies: The most severe traffic offenses, such as causing a fatal accident while driving under the influence, can be classified as felonies. These criminal offenses carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and permanent revocation of your driver’s license.
Moving Violations and Criminal Liability
While most moving violations are infractions, specific actions can elevate traffic violations to criminal offenses. For example, authorities typically classify reckless driving or DWIs as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances. These offenses may lead to court appearances, criminal penalties, and jail time.
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What Happens If You Don’t Pay a Traffic Ticket?
Failing to pay a traffic ticket in Missouri can lead to severe consequences, including:
- License Suspension: The Missouri Department of Revenue may suspend your license until you pay the fine and related fees.
- Warrants: If you fail to address the ticket within the required timeframe, authorities may issue a warrant for your arrest.
- Increased Penalties: If you fail to pay the original ticket, you may face additional fines, late fees, and points on your license.
Traffic violations in Missouri range from minor infractions to serious criminal offenses. Most traffic tickets, such as not signaling, count as infractions. But more serious violations like reckless driving or DUI are criminal offenses that carry harsher penalties.
Knowing Missouri’s different traffic violations helps you protect your driving record. Understanding the penalties for each violation can help you understand Missouri’s traffic laws. This knowledge can help you avoid consequences like license suspension or criminal charges.