Points, tickets and licence suspension in Missouri
When you are convicted of a moving traffic violation in Missouri, the Department of Revenue adds points to your driving record. Too many points in a set time leads to a suspension or revocation.
For teens, points and convictions matter twice: they can also delay your next GDL step.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can give example point values for common violations.
- You can state the point totals that lead to an advisory letter, a suspension and a revocation.
- You can explain how points come off your record.
- You can name other reasons a license can be suspended.
What you need to know and understand
- Speeding is usually 2 or 3 points, depending on whether the court is municipal, county or state; the guide lists 3 for a state law conviction.
- Careless and imprudent driving is 4 points; driving on a suspended or revoked license is 12.
- 4 points in 12 months brings an advisory letter.
- 8 or more points in 18 months brings a suspension: 30 days the first time, 60 the second, 90 after that.
- 12 points in 12 months, 18 in 24 months, or 24 in 36 months brings a one-year revocation.
- Teens need a clean record: no traffic convictions in the last six months for an intermediate license and none in 12 months for a full license.
How points add up
Points are added only after a conviction for a violation while the vehicle was moving. Serious offenses carry heavy points: for example, a felony involving a vehicle, getting a license by lying, or driving while suspended or revoked all carry 12 points. Leaving the scene of a crash can mean 12 points and revocation.
Thresholds to remember
For a non-alcohol point suspension or revocation, you get your privilege back by filing proof of insurance (SR-22) and paying a $20 reinstatement fee.
- 4 points in 12 months: advisory letter
- 8 points in 18 months: suspension (30, 60 or 90 days)
- 12 points in 12 months: one-year revocation
- 18 points in 24 months: one-year revocation
- 24 points in 36 months: one-year revocation
Getting points off, and other ways to lose a license
After reinstatement, your total is reset to four points. Each year without new points lowers them further: by a third after one year, by half after two, and to zero after three. Some convictions stay on your record permanently.
Points are not the only risk. If you fail to appear in court or pay a ticket, you have 30 days to comply before the court tells the Driver License Bureau, which suspends you until the ticket is paid and a $20 fee is paid. Driving while suspended can lead to a one-year revocation. A parent or guardian of a driver under 18 can also ask the state to deny or cancel the teen's license.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring a ticket. Missing a court date can suspend your license even without points.
- Thinking points vanish on a set date. They reduce gradually over three clean years.
- Driving 'just to work' while suspended. It brings more points and a longer loss of license.
- Forgetting that one conviction can delay your intermediate or full license.
Test yourself: Points, tickets and licence suspension in Missouri
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Sources: Missouri Driver Guide, revised August 2026 (Missouri Department of Revenue). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the Missouri licensing agency.