Understanding Speeding Tickets in Hannibal, Missouri
Speeding tickets in Hannibal and throughout Marion County, Missouri, can have serious consequences. If you’ve recently received a ticket, understanding your options can help you avoid fines, increased insurance rates, and even a suspended license. At Bond Law Firm, LLC, we specialize in handling traffic violations and can help you protect your driving record.
How Do Speeding Tickets Work in Missouri?
In Missouri, speed limits are enforced by local law enforcement, state troopers, and county sheriffs. When you exceed the posted limit, an officer may issue a citation that requires you to either pay a fine or appear in court.
Speeding violations are categorized based on how fast you were driving over the limit:
- 1-5 mph over the limit – Minor infraction, but can still impact insurance rates.
- 6-10 mph over the limit – Typically results in a higher fine and points on your license.
- 11-15 mph over the limit – Increased penalties, higher fines, and possible mandatory court appearance.
- 16-25 mph over the limit – Considered a more serious offense that may require a mandatory court appearance.
- 26+ mph over the limit – Could result in license suspension or even reckless driving charges.
The impact of a speeding ticket extends beyond the initial fine. In Missouri, points are added to your driving record, and accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension.
How Many Points Do You Get for a Speeding Ticket in Missouri?
Missouri uses a point system to track driving violations:
- 2 points – If ticketed by a city or county officer.
- 3 points – If ticketed by a Missouri State Trooper.
If you accumulate 8 or more points in 18 months, your license may be suspended. More severe violations can lead to longer suspensions or revocations.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay Your Ticket?
Ignoring a speeding ticket in Missouri can lead to:
- Additional fines and late fees.
- A warrant for your arrest.
- License suspension or revocation.
- A negative impact on your insurance premiums.
Handling your ticket promptly can prevent these complications and keep your driving record clean.
Should You Fight a Speeding Ticket?
Many drivers assume they should just pay the fine and move on. However, fighting a speeding ticket can be a smart move, especially if:
- The officer used a radar gun with potential calibration issues.
- There were poor weather conditions that impacted your driving speed.
- You were wrongly identified as the speeding driver.
- The speed limit signs were unclear or obstructed.
Why Consider Hiring an Attorney?
We provide several advantages when handling your speeding ticket case:
- We understand Missouri traffic laws – We know how to challenge citations and identify errors in the officer’s report.
- We can negotiate lower penalties – In many cases, we can have your ticket reduced to a non-moving violation, which won’t add points to your record.
- We save you time – we can represent you and handle all legal procedures on your behalf.
- We help protect your insurance rates – A single speeding ticket can cause your car insurance to spike. Avoiding points on your record helps prevent costly rate increases.
How to Handle a Speeding Ticket in Hannibal, MO
If you’ve been cited for speeding in Hannibal, here’s what you should do next:
- Don’t ignore the ticket – Failing to respond can lead to a warrant for your arrest.
- Check the details – Review the citation carefully to ensure all information is accurate.
- Contact an attorney – Getting professional legal help can improve your chances of reducing or dismissing the ticket.
- Attend court if required – Some speeding violations require a court appearance. We can appear on your behalf in many cases.
Get Help with Your Speeding Ticket Today
At Bond Law Firm, LLC, we have extensive experience handling speeding tickets and traffic violations in Hannibal, Missouri. Our goal is to protect your driving record, minimize fines, and keep your insurance rates low.
Call us today at 573-769-6155 for a free consultation.
Website:bondlawfirm.com
Email:eric@bondlawfirm.com
Don’t let a speeding ticket cost you more than it should. Get professional legal help now!