Key points
A speeding conviction can bring 2 or 3 points, depending on the court.
Source: Handbook p. 73
“For example, you may receive two or three points if you are convicted of speeding”
Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 73Leaving the scene of a crash can bring 12 points and revocation.
Source: Handbook p. 73
“you may receive 12 points and the revocation of your driving privilege if you are convicted of leaving the scene of a traffic crash.”
Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 734 points in 12 months brings a point accumulation advisory letter.
Source: Handbook p. 73
“If you accumulate a total of 4 points in 12 months, the Department will send you a point accumulation advisory.”
Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 738 or more points in 18 months means your license is suspended.
Source: Handbook p. 73
“If you accumulate a total of 8 or more points in 18 months, your driving privilege will be suspended.”
Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 73Your license is revoked for 1 year for 12 points in 12 months, 18 in 24 months, or 24 in 36 months.
Source: Handbook p. 73
“Your driving privilege will be revoked for one year if you accumulate: • 12 or more points in 12 months • 18 or more points in 24 months • 24 or more points in 36 months”
Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 73After reinstatement, your point total is reduced to 4.
Source: Handbook p. 74
“When your driving privilege is reinstated, the Department reduces your total points to four.”
Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 74If you fail to appear in court for a ticket, you have 30 days to pay before your license is suspended.
Source: Handbook p. 74
“The court will give you 30 days to pay the fines before the court notifies the Driver License Bureau (DLB).”
Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 74Speeding or passing in a state work zone costs at least $250 for a first offense and $300 for a later one.
Source: Handbook p. 22
“you could be fined a minimum of $250 for the first offense and a minimum of $300 for a second or subsequent offense in addition to any other fine authorized by law”
Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 22A littering conviction can bring up to a $1,000 fine and up to 1 year in jail.
Source: Handbook p. 34
“If a judge finds you guilty of littering, you may have to pay up to a $1,000 fine and/or spend up to one year in jail.”
Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 34
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 2 or 3 points | speeding, depending on the court level | Handbook p. 73 |
| 3 points | speeding in the state point table | Handbook p. 73 |
| 4 points | careless and imprudent driving | Handbook p. 73 |
| 5 points | failing to stop for a school bus | Handbook p. 73 |
| 12 points | leaving the scene of a crash | Handbook p. 73 |
| 4 points in 12 months | total that triggers an advisory letter | Handbook p. 73 |
| 8 points in 18 months | total that triggers a suspension | Handbook p. 73 |
| 12 in 12, 18 in 24, 24 in 36 | point totals (points in months) that bring a 1 year revocation | Handbook p. 73 |
| 3 years | time after which points are reduced to zero | Handbook p. 74 |
| 30 days | time to pay a ticket after failing to appear | Handbook p. 74 |
| $20 | reinstatement fee after a non alcohol point suspension | Handbook p. 73 |
| $250 and $300 | minimum work zone fines, first and later offenses | Handbook p. 22 |
| $1,000 and 1 year | maximum fine and jail for littering | Handbook p. 34 |
3 questions from the Missouri practice test
1. What minimum fine may apply to a first speeding or passing offense in a Missouri state construction or work zone?
- $100 in addition to other penalties
- No fine unless a worker is struck
- $500 instead of any other fine
- $250 in addition to other penalties
Show answer
$250 in addition to other penalties. The guide sets a minimum $250 fine for a first speeding or passing offense in a construction or work zone on Missouri state roadways. It is added to any other fine authorized by law, so the amount is not a replacement ceiling. A $100 figure understates the stated minimum, while waiting for an injury is not part of the condition. Orange work-zone signs should trigger immediate speed and lane discipline.
2. What minimum fine is listed for a second or subsequent speeding or passing offense in a Missouri work zone?
- $150
- $250
- The fine is waived for repeat offenses
- $300
Show answer
$300. A second or subsequent speeding or passing offense in a Missouri state construction or work zone carries a listed minimum of $300, in addition to any other authorized fine. The $250 amount belongs to a first offense, so it cannot be used for a repeat violation. The penalty does not decrease after the first event. A good cue is to treat every work-zone violation as costly, with the repeat minimum rising to $300.
3. Under current Missouri law, how is a first littering offense classified when it creates no substantial risk of injury or property damage?
- A class C misdemeanor
- A class A felony
- A class A misdemeanor
- A warning with no penalty
Show answer
A class C misdemeanor. Missouri law makes littering a class C misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $750 and up to 15 days in jail. It rises to a class A misdemeanor, with up to a $2,000 fine and up to one year in jail, when the littering creates a substantial risk of injury or property damage or the person has a prior littering finding. Older guides that list a $1,000 fine predate the 2017 criminal code. Keep a bag in the vehicle and dispose of trash at rest areas and stations.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with laws and paperwork questions from the free Missouri practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 11: The Point System. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.