How long do points stay on your license in Missouri?

How long do points stay on a Missouri license?

Up to three years, and they shrink along the way. Under RSMo 302.306:

• After the first full year without a moving-violation conviction, your total is reduced by one third.
• After the second year in a row, what remains is reduced by one half.
• After the third year in a row, the rest is withdrawn.

Start with 6 points and you have 4 after a year, 2 after two years and none after three.

Some websites say the second-year cut is another one third. The statute says one half.

What resets the clock?

A new conviction for a moving violation. The reduction is for years driven "without conviction for a moving violation," so a new ticket that ends in a conviction starts the count again.

Time under suspension doesn't count either. The law gives no credit toward point reduction while your license is suspended or revoked, or while you're driving on a limited privilege.

How long does the ticket stay on my record?

Longer than the points. The Department of Revenue says ticket convictions may be removed three years after the conviction. If the ticket led to a point suspension or revocation, it can be purged five years from the reinstatement date.

The Department also says some convictions "must remain listed permanently," and that the timelines vary by class of license.

Do I have to ask for an old ticket to be removed?

You can. The Department of Revenue takes purge requests by email at dlbmail@dor.mo.gov, by phone at 573-526-2407, or by mail to PO Box 200, Jefferson City, MO 65105-0200. Include your full name and your driver license number.

Do points matter after they drop?

The suspension rules look at short windows: 8 points in 18 months, or 12 in 12 months for a revocation. Old points that have been reduced count for less, but a new ticket adds its full value on the day you're convicted.

How do I keep a new ticket from adding points?

Ask the court for the Driver Improvement Program. If it's approved and you finish within 60 days, the points for that ticket are never added, so there's nothing to wait out. You can use it once in any 36 months. How the program works.