The Missouri Point System Explained: How to Keep Your Driving Record Clean

When you get your Missouri driver's license, you also receive a clean driving record. Keeping it that way is one of your most important responsibilities. To encourage safe driving and identify high-risk drivers, the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) uses a demerit point system.

Understanding this system from the moment you get your license is crucial. Every time you are convicted of a moving violation, points are added to your record. If you accumulate too many points, you will face mandatory driver improvement programs and the suspension or revocation of your license.

How the Missouri Point System Works

The concept is straightforward: the state assigns a point value to different moving violations. The more serious the offense, the more points you receive. When you pay a ticket or are found guilty in court, the DOR adds those points to your driving record. Points remain on your record for three years, but the DOR will take action based on the number of points you accumulate within a specific timeframe.

Point Values for Common Missouri Traffic Violations

It's essential to know which actions carry the most weight. Here are the point values for some of the most common violations in Missouri:

• 2 Point Violations:

  • Most minor moving violations.

• 3 Point Violations:

  • Speeding (state law).
  • Failure to obey a stop sign or traffic light.

• 4 Point Violations:

  • Careless and imprudent driving.

• 8 Point Violations:

  • Driving with a suspended license.

• 12 Point Violations:

  • Leaving the scene of an accident.
  • Driving While Intoxicated (DWI): A conviction for DWI will also result in an immediate, mandatory license revocation.
  • Fleeing from a police officer.

The Consequences of Accumulating Points

The DOR takes progressive action as you accumulate points.

• At 4 Points in 12 months: The DOR will mail you a Point Accumulation Advisory Letter. This is your first official warning that you are accumulating points and are at risk of further action.

• At 8 Points in 18 months: This is the first critical threshold. Once you accumulate 8 points in an 18-month period, your driver's license will be suspended.

  • First suspension: 30 days
  • Second suspension: 60 days
  • Third or subsequent suspension: 90 days

• At 12 Points in 12 months: Your license will be revoked for one year.

• At 18 Points in 24 months: Your license will be revoked for one year.

• At 24 Points in 36 months: Your license will be revoked for one year.

A Powerful Tool: The Driver Improvement Program (DIP)

Missouri offers a way for some drivers to avoid a point-based suspension. If you are facing a suspension for accumulating too many points, you may be required to attend a Driver Improvement Program.

• How it Works: By completing the program, you may be able to avoid a suspension.
• Point Reduction: You can also voluntarily complete a DIP to reduce your total points.

How to Keep Your Record Clean

1. Drive Safely: The most effective method is to avoid getting tickets in the first place by obeying all traffic laws.
2. Understand GDL Laws: For teens, violating your driving restrictions is a moving violation that will add points to your record.
3. Request a "Suspended Execution of Sentence" (SES): In some courts, for a minor violation, you may be able to plead guilty and receive an SES. If you do not get any other tickets during a probationary period, the conviction may be kept off your record, and no points are assessed.

Your driving record is a direct reflection of your choices behind the wheel. By understanding the Missouri point system, you can make informed decisions that will keep your record clean and keep you safe on the road.