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Lesson 19 of 20 · Chapter 11: The Point System

The point system and traffic penalties

Missouri adds points to your record for moving violations, and too many points in a set time lead to suspension or revocation. Some offenses, like speeding in a work zone or littering, also carry their own fines.

Topic
Laws and paperwork
Key points
9
Numbers
13
Manual
Handbook pp. 22 to 74
What you must know

Key points

  1. 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. 73
  2. Leaving 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. 73
  3. 4 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. 73
  4. 8 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. 73
  5. Your 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. 73
  6. After 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. 74
  7. If you fail to appear in court for a traffic ticket, the court gives you 30 days to pay the fines before it notifies the Driver License Bureau.

    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. 74
  8. Speeding 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 are caught speeding or passing in a construction zone or work zone on Missouri state roadways, you could be fined a minimum of $250 for the first offense and a minimum of $300 for a second or subsequent offense”
    Missouri Driver Guide, Handbook p. 22
  9. A 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
Exact figures

Numbers to know

NumberWhat it meansManual
2 or 3 pointsspeeding, depending on the court levelHandbook p. 73
3 pointsspeeding in the state point tableHandbook p. 73
4 pointscareless and imprudent drivingHandbook p. 73
5 pointsfailing to stop for a school busHandbook p. 73
12 pointsleaving the scene of a crashHandbook p. 73
4 points in 12 monthstotal that triggers an advisory letterHandbook p. 73
8 points in 18 monthstotal that triggers a suspensionHandbook p. 73
12 in 12, 18 in 24, 24 in 36point totals (points in months) that bring a 1 year revocationHandbook p. 73
3 yearstime after which points are reduced to zeroHandbook p. 74
30 daystime to pay a ticket after failing to appearHandbook p. 74
$20reinstatement fee after a non alcohol point suspensionHandbook p. 73
$250 and $300minimum work zone fines, first and later offensesHandbook p. 22
$1,000 and 1 yearmaximum fine and jail for litteringHandbook p. 34
Check yourself

3 questions from the Missouri practice test

  1. 1. What minimum fine may apply to a first speeding or passing offense in a Missouri state construction or work zone?

    1. $100 in addition to other penalties
    2. No fine unless a worker is struck
    3. $500 instead of any other fine
    4. $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. 2. What minimum fine is listed for a second or subsequent speeding or passing offense in a Missouri work zone?

    1. $150
    2. $250
    3. The fine is waived for repeat offenses
    4. $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. 3. How many points within 12 months cause Missouri to send a point accumulation advisory?

    1. 2 points
    2. 8 points
    3. 4 points
    4. 12 points
    Show answer

    4 points. A total of 4 points in 12 months brings a point accumulation advisory letter from the Department. Eight or more points in 18 months brings a suspension, and 12 or more in 12 months brings a one year revocation. Two points is below the advisory level. The advisory is a warning, not a suspension, so the driving privilege continues, but further convictions can move the driver toward the 8 point suspension level. Speeding, for example, carries 3 points in the state law table.

Next step

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.