302.304. Notice of points — suspension or revocation of license, when, duration — reinstatement, condition, point reduction, fee — failure to maintain proof of financial responsibility, effect — point reduction prior to conviction, effect — surrender of license — reinstatement of license when drugs or alcohol involved, assignment recommendation, judicial review — fees for program — supplemental fees.
This law explains how driver license points work and when your license can be suspended or revoked.
If you get too many points on your license, it can be suspended or revoked. This statute explains when that happens, how long it lasts, and what you need to do to get your license back.
1. You’ll be notified by mail if you get 4 or more points in 12 months.
2. Points are counted from the conviction date. Conviction records must be sent to the Department of Revenue.
3. Your license will be suspended if you get 8 points in 18 months.
4. If suspended:
- 1st time: 30-day suspension
- 2nd time: 60-day suspension
- 3rd or more: 90-day suspension
Suspension lasts up to 2 years unless you file proof of financial responsibility.
5. For certain serious offenses (like DWI or drug-related offenses):
- 30-day suspension + 60 days of restricted driving
- May skip suspension by using an ignition interlock device for 90 days
- If alcohol violations occur during that time, 30 more days of restriction are added
6. If you don’t keep your proof of insurance or interlock device, your license will be suspended again.
7. If you get:
- 12 points in 12 months
- 18 points in 24 months
- 24 points in 36 months
Your license will be revoked. With proof of insurance, you can get it back after 1 year. Without it, revocation lasts 2 years.
8. If your points drop below the limit before a conviction, your license won’t be suspended or revoked.
9. If you don’t turn in your license, police can be sent to collect it.
10. After reinstatement, points drop to 4 — or to 0 for active military serving overseas (with proof).
11. You don’t get credit for time spent suspended or revoked when trying to reduce points.
12. You must pay a $20 reinstatement fee to get your license back.
13. If you don’t pay the $20 fee after 2 years (except for certain offenses), your license will be reinstated anyway.
14. If your suspension was for DUI or drug offenses, you must complete a Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program. You can challenge the program assignment in court.
15. You must pay for the program and an extra fee to help fund it. Program providers must send this fee to the state each month.
16. If providers don’t pay the fees, they can be penalized, and the attorney general may take legal action.
17. If you had a DUI and a prior alcohol offense, you must install an ignition interlock device for at least 6 months after reinstatement. If you mess with the device or fail the test, the period extends. If you don’t follow the rules, your license will be suspended again and you may be charged with a misdemeanor.
Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to talk with a Missouri traffic and DWI defense lawyer.
