Bond Law Firm, LLC | Missouri Traffic Ticket Defense
You received a speeding ticket in Missouri. You’re concerned about points on your driver’s license, insurance rates, or possibly losing your driving privileges.
You may have heard that taking a driving course can help.
Missouri has a Driver Improvement Program (DIP) that allows eligible drivers to complete an approved defensive-driving course and avoid the assessment of points for certain traffic convictions.
But there are important restrictions. Not everyone qualifies, and simply taking an online driving course does not automatically prevent points.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Missouri’s Driver Improvement Program?
Missouri’s Driver Improvement Program allows qualifying drivers, with court authorization, to complete an approved driving course to prevent the assessment of certain points.
Under Section 302.302.5, RSMo, the Missouri Department of Revenue may stay the assessment of qualifying points when the statutory requirements are satisfied.
The distinction is important: DIP does not erase the underlying conviction. It addresses the assessment of points.
How Many Points Does a Missouri Speeding Ticket Carry?
Missouri generally assesses points according to the offense of conviction.
| Traffic violation | Typical Missouri points |
| Speeding under Missouri state law | 3 |
| Speeding under a county or municipal ordinance | 2 |
| Certain other moving violations | Varies by offense |
| Certain careless and imprudent driving offenses | 2 or 4 |
Important exception: Missouri law provides exceptions for certain low-level speeding violations, including qualifying speeding violations involving no more than five miles per hour over the posted limit. Not every speeding conviction results in points. The applicable statute, speed, and circumstances must be reviewed.
Accumulating points can eventually lead to suspension or revocation of driving privileges.
How Does the Driver Improvement Program Work?
The process generally involves five steps:
- Receive a qualifying citation. Not every traffic offense is eligible.
- Obtain court approval. Participation requires appropriate court authorization.
- Resolve the underlying charge. DIP generally operates in connection with a qualifying conviction rather than replacing the court proceeding.
- Complete an approved course. The program generally requires completion within 60 days after conviction.
- Ensure completion is properly reported. The court and Department of Revenue must receive the required information.
Drivers should retain proof of completion and confirm that the process has been completed correctly.
Can I Complete DIP Online?
Yes. Missouri permits approved online and in-person courses.
However, not every online traffic school qualifies. Confirm the course is approved for Missouri’s program and obtain the required court authorization before enrolling.
How Often Can I Use DIP?
Missouri generally limits use of the program to once during a 36-month period.
That makes it important to consider whether using DIP for a particular citation is the best available option.
Does DIP Remove the Conviction?
No.
A qualifying conviction can remain on the driving record even when the associated Missouri points are stayed.
This may matter for insurance, employment, and future traffic cases.
Will DIP Prevent My Insurance Rates From Increasing?
Not necessarily.
Insurance companies may consider the underlying conviction even when points are not assessed.
DIP is not a guarantee against higher premiums.
Can CDL Drivers Use DIP?
Missouri’s point-avoidance program generally excludes individuals who hold, or are required to hold, a commercial driver’s license.
Commercial drivers also face federal and state restrictions concerning the masking of traffic convictions.
Those restrictions can apply even when a CDL holder receives a citation while driving a personal vehicle.
CDL holders should obtain an individualized review before resolving a traffic citation.
Can Out-of-State Drivers Use Missouri’s DIP?
Out-of-state drivers may face different eligibility and reporting considerations.
Completing DIP in Missouri does not guarantee protection from consequences in the driver’s home state.
For example, an Illinois or Iowa driver who receives a Missouri speeding ticket should not assume that Missouri’s treatment of points determines how the conviction will affect the driver’s home-state record.
Home-state licensing and reporting rules must be considered separately.
Is DIP Better Than Reducing a Speeding Ticket to a Nonmoving Violation?
That depends on the circumstances.
Driver Improvement Program:
- The underlying conviction generally remains.
- Qualifying Missouri points may be stayed.
- Court authorization and timely completion are required.
- Use is generally limited to once every 36 months.
Negotiated amendment:
- The original charge may be amended to another legally permissible offense.
- The amended offense may carry fewer or no Missouri points.
- Prosecutorial agreement and court approval may be necessary.
- An amendment is not guaranteed, and special restrictions apply to commercial drivers.
For some drivers, an appropriate amendment may offer advantages over DIP. For others, DIP may be a useful alternative.
Can I Just Pay My Ticket and Take a Course?
Do not assume so.
Paying a traffic ticket may constitute a guilty disposition. Completing a defensive-driving course afterward does not automatically prevent the assessment of points.
Before paying, determine whether an amendment, DIP, or another resolution may be available.
Do I Need an Attorney?
An attorney is not necessarily required to request DIP.
However, legal advice may be particularly valuable for drivers with prior violations, commercial licenses, possible suspension exposure, or tickets issued outside their home state.
How Bond Law Firm Can Help
Bond Law Firm, LLC represents drivers facing speeding tickets and other traffic violations throughout Northeast Missouri, including Marion, Ralls, Lewis, Clark, Shelby, Monroe, and Pike counties.
We can review your citation, driving history, and available options, including negotiated amendments and the Driver Improvement Program.
Received a Missouri speeding ticket? Contact Bond Law Firm before paying it.
Bond Law Firm, LLC
102 N. Main St.
Palmyra, MO 63461
Phone: (573) 769-6155
Website: https://bondlawfirm.com
This article provides general information about Missouri traffic law and is not legal advice. Eligibility, court procedures, and available dispositions depend on the individual circumstances.
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