What Are the Penalties for Criminal Traffic Violations?
What Are the Penalties for Criminal Traffic Violations?
Traffic offenses in Missouri range from minor infractions to serious criminal charges. While basic speeding tickets may result in fines or points on a driving record, criminal traffic violations can lead to harsher penalties, including license suspension, hefty fines, and even jail time. Understanding the potential consequences of these charges is essential for drivers facing legal trouble in Kansas City and throughout Missouri.
License Suspension and Revocation
A criminal traffic violation can put your driving privileges at risk. Offenses such as reckless driving, DUI, or driving without a valid license can lead to temporary or permanent license suspension. Missouri’s point system assigns penalties for each offense, and accumulating too many points within a certain timeframe may result in an automatic suspension. Some violations, like leaving the scene of an accident, can result in immediate revocation of driving privileges.
Fines and Court Costs
Financial penalties for criminal traffic violations can be steep. Depending on the severity of the charge, fines may range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Court costs and additional fees can also add up, making it an expensive mistake. Repeat offenses or aggravated circumstances—such as excessive speeding in a construction zone—can lead to even higher fines and extended penalties.
Jail Time and Probation
Certain traffic offenses carry the possibility of jail time. A first-time DUI conviction, for example, can result in up to six months behind bars, while repeat offenses or more severe crimes—such as vehicular assault—can lead to years in prison. In some cases, probation may be an alternative to jail, requiring compliance with strict conditions such as community service, drug and alcohol testing, or mandatory driving courses.
Impact on Insurance and Employment
A criminal traffic conviction can have lasting consequences beyond legal penalties. Insurance rates often increase significantly following a conviction, sometimes making coverage unaffordable. Additionally, individuals with certain traffic-related convictions may face difficulty obtaining or keeping jobs that require a clean driving record. Commercial drivers, in particular, risk losing their ability to work if their commercial driver's license (CDL) is suspended or revoked.

Criminal traffic violations in Missouri come with serious penalties that can affect multiple aspects of life. From losing driving privileges to facing hefty fines and possible jail time, these offenses should not be taken lightly. If charged with a criminal traffic violation, taking action quickly can make a significant difference in the outcome of the case.
