Columbia traffic ticket: how to pay it, and how to keep the points off

Where is the Columbia Municipal Court?

In the Howard Building at 600 East Broadway. The court's phone number is 573.874.7230.

How do I pay a Columbia traffic ticket?

The court says the judge "may designate certain types of offenses to be paid without a court appearance" and that "you must plead guilty to your offense to pay out of court." The payable violations are listed in the court's Violations Bureau Schedule.

Which tickets need a court appearance?

The court lists these as not payable out of court:

• Any violation the prosecutor submits for a court appearance
• Any violation with a summons to appear
• Any violation resulting in personal injury or property damage
• DWI or excessive blood alcohol
• Driving with a counterfeited, altered, suspended or revoked license
• Fleeing or attempting to elude an officer

What does the court say about the Driver Improvement Program?

The Boone County Circuit Court, which handles state traffic cases in Columbia, says: "If the court has allowed/ordered you to attend the Driver Improvement Program (DIP) you must do so within 60 days of case disposition. Neither the court nor Department of Revenue can give you an extension on the 60 days." It asks for the original certificate to be forwarded to its office promptly, and gives its court originator number for online classes as MO010033J.

That number is Boone County's. For a city ticket, ask the Municipal Court at 573.874.7230 for its own.

How do I keep the points off?

Ask the court to let you complete the Driver Improvement Program before you plead guilty or pay. Paying is a guilty plea, and the points follow the conviction. If the court approves it, you have 60 days from your conviction to finish an 8-hour course on the Missouri Safety Center's approved list.

The program covers speeding, careless and imprudent driving and ordinary moving violations. It isn't available to CDL holders or drivers licensed in another state, and you can use it once in 36 months. How to ask the court.

What if my ticket isn't from Columbia police?

It goes to the Boone County Circuit Court, 705 E. Walnut, Columbia, MO 65201. Traffic dockets are Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. The court says traffic payments have to be made at least 24 hours before your court date, and that no valid license, no insurance, speeding in excess of 25 mph and accident tickets are mandatory appearances. Call (573) 886-4025.

What happens after the course?

The course provider gives you MO Form 4444. Take it to the court for a signature, then get it to the Department of Revenue within 15 days of finishing. Form 4444.