How to ask a Missouri court for the Driver Improvement Program

Who approves the Driver Improvement Program?

The court handling your ticket. The Missouri Safety Center says the court "has the authority to allow you to attend DIP to avoid point assessment," and that the decision "is made by the court on a case by case basis." The Department of Revenue records the result. It doesn't approve anyone.

How do I ask?

1. Find your court. It's printed on the citation, with a court date.
2. Call or email the clerk before that date. Say you'd like to complete the Driver Improvement Program so the points for this ticket aren't assessed, and ask how the court handles the request.
3. Do what the clerk tells you. Some courts want you to appear. Some have a form. Some prosecutors offer it as part of a plea.
4. Get the approval in writing if you can, with the date of your plea.

What should I say?

Keep it short:

I have a citation for [violation], number [citation number], with a court date of [date]. I have a Missouri license and I don't hold a CDL. I'd like to ask the court to let me complete the Driver Improvement Program under RSMo 302.302 so the points aren't assessed. How do I request that?

What will the court want to know?

• Whether you hold a commercial driver license. If you do, you can't use the program.
• Whether you've used the program in the last 36 months.
• What the ticket is for. Only certain violations qualify.

Can the court say no?

Yes. The Safety Center says "there is no guarantee that the court will allow you to attend DIP." If the answer is no, ask the clerk or the prosecutor what other options the court offers, or talk to an attorney.

What about the Fine Collection Center?

The Department of Revenue's FAQ still says "the court or the Fine Collections Center may authorize" the program. The Missouri courts now handle pay-without-appearing tickets through Plead and Pay on Case.net, which launched in 2019. Either way, the court on your citation is the one to ask.

What happens after the court says yes?

1. Pay the fine and court costs. The program doesn't replace them.
2. Take an approved 8-hour course within 60 days of your conviction.
3. Get MO Form 4444 from the course provider and take it to the court clerk for a signature.
4. Mail it to the Department of Revenue within 15 days of finishing.

Form 4444 and the 60-day deadline cover those steps.

Should I enroll before the court answers?

No. The Safety Center says you "must have a conviction date before you can enroll and take an approved D.I.P. class." If you enroll with us and the court then says no, we refund you in full, as long as you haven't finished the course.