Missouri Traffic Laws Lawyer in St. Louis
Let Combs Waterkotte Defend Your Driving Privileges and Interests
This content has been written and edited by professional legal writers and individually reviewed and verified by Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte, attorneys who have over 40 combined years in the criminal defense industry.
Missouri Traffic Laws Lawyer in St. Louis:
Keeping Your Driving Privileges Intact
At Combs Waterkotte, we have handled all sorts of Missouri traffic law cases ranging from simple speeding tickets to felonies resulting from car accidents. Our firm understands that the vast majority of drivers follow all applicable traffic laws at all times, but every so often bend the rules hoping to get away with, for instance, speeding or not properly wearing their seatbelts. If you are ever pulled over and charged with violating a traffic law in Missouri, we will work tirelessly to ensure that your driving record is not impacted by your Missouri traffic law violation and your driving privileges are protected.
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Driver's License Requirements in Missouri
The ability to legally drive a car in Missouri is not a right--it is a privilege. In order to get a Driver's license, one must pass a written test, correctly identify various road signs by shape and design, pass a standard vision test (corrective devices, such as glasses or contact lenses, can be worn for this test), and then successfully demonstrate to an examiner that you can safely pilot your car. The state has published a full guide to these tests, which you can view here.
We help people with traffic cases just like yours every day. Speak to a St. Louis traffic lawyer today at (314) 900-HELP.
To apply for a Driver's license in Missouri, one must be a legal resident of the United States and be age 16 or older. One can apply for a learner's permit at the age of 15, which allows them to drive when accompanied by a parent, guardian, or someone 21 or older with a valid Driver's license. Missouri has also adopted what is called a "graduated driver license" law, which sets a number of limits on young Driver's privileges. For instance, drivers between the ages of 16 and 18 cannot drive with more than one other passenger age 19 or under for the first six months of their license, and cannot drive alone between the hours of 1 am and 5 am unless they are going to work. Driver's licenses must be renewed every six years, or every 3 years if you are age 70 or older.
Missouri driver's licenses can be suspended or revoked for a large number of reasons. Some of the most common reasons for the loss of driving privileges include:
- Being arrested and convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Not paying traffic tickets (both for moving violations and parking tickets)
- Not having proper insurance
- Not paying child support
- Accumulation of license penalty points
Points can be put on Missouri Driver's licenses for violating various traffic offenses. A complete list of violations, and the number of points they carry, can be viewed here. If you get four points put on your license in a 12-month period, the Missouri Department of Revenue will send you a warning letter. 8 points in an 18-month span results in a minimum 30-day driving suspension, while 12 points in a 12-month period means your driving privilege is revoked for a year. Following the restoration of your driving privileges after a point-based ban, your point total is reset to 4. Point totals can be automatically lowered if you drive for a year without any additional traffic offenses, with all points being erased after 3 straight years of clean driving.
If you're currently dealing with a traffic ticket, upload a photo of it here and out attorneys will be in touch:
Missouri Traffic Laws You Should Know
While most traffic laws in Missouri are obvious to experienced drivers (pass on the left on highways, obey all posted speed limits, and so forth), there are a number of traffic regulations that many St. Louis, MO drivers did not know existed. Before you get ticketed for them and have to call a top St. Louis traffic law firm like Combs Waterkotte, here are a few Missouri traffic laws that many of our St. Louis, MO traffic ticket clients unknowingly violated:
- Not having headlights on when using windshield wipers
- Moving over for first responders/emergency crews
- Texting and driving
- Not wearing a seatbelt
- Violations in work zones increase fines by $250
- Endangering a worker
What to Do if You Get Pulled Over in St. Louis, Missouri
Getting pulled over in Missouri can be stressful. Here’s a brief guide on how to handle it:
- Pull Over Safely: Find a safe spot to pull over, turn off your engine, and roll down your window.
- Stay Calm: Keep your composure, be polite, and follow the officer’s instructions.
- Provide Documents: Hand over your license, registration, and insurance when asked.
- Answer Concisely: Answer questions briefly and truthfully; you have the right to remain silent.
- Refuse Searches: You can decline a vehicle search politely, unless an officer believes you are involved in criminal activity and there is evidence inside.
- Follow Orders: Comply with lawful orders, like stepping out if requested.
Remember to know your rights but also be respectful and responsible during the stop. If you believe your rights were violated, consult with Combs Waterkotte later.
A Top-Rated St. Louis, MO Traffic Law Firm Can Be Your Best Friend
At Combs Waterkotte, we encourage all our Missouri clients to adopt good driving habits: buckle up, never exceed the speed limit, never drive drunk, and drive defensively. However, we understand that many people try to bend the rules of the road whenever they get behind the wheel, and police officers all around St. Louis, MO are on the lookout for speeders and dangerous drivers. If you are ever pulled over for violating Missouri traffic laws, call the experienced Missouri traffic lawyers at Combs Waterkotte. We work with all our Missouri traffic ticket clients to ensure that their driving records are not adversely affected and they can stay on the road. Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP today to discuss your particular Missouri traffic ticket case.
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Guiding you through the entire process, from start to finish.
We know most people who come to us haven't had to deal with the justice system in this way before. We understand how overwhelming and confusing the process can be, which is why we ensure clarity and support at every turn. From our initial consultation to the the final resolution of your case we strive to make the process easy for you to understand and leave you without any doubts that your case is being handled the right way.
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Whether you've got questions about what to do when served with an order of protection, the juvenile delinquency process, how to defend a DWI case or anything in between, we have answers. Check out our blog and FAQs for answers to common questions, or contact Combs Waterkotte today to speak directly to an attorney about your case.
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