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

Where is the Independence Municipal Court?

At 223 N. Memorial Dr, Independence, MO 64050. Phones are answered from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday. The court closes for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the cashier closes at 4:00 p.m. The number is 816-325-7235 and the email is imc@indepmo.org.

How do I pay a Independence traffic ticket?

The court's website has a Court Date Search and Pay Ticket Online page. You can also pay at the cashier.

The court's Traffic Violation Bureau publishes its fine schedule. Some examples:

Violation	Amount
Stop sign or red light	$96.00
Failed to yield	$96.00
Failed to yield to a pedestrian	$136.00
Failed to yield to an emergency vehicle	$186.00
Seat belt	$10.00

Which tickets need a court appearance?

The court keeps a Mandatory Courtroom Appearance page. If your violation is on it, or your ticket doesn't show as payable, you have to appear on the date on the citation.

What does the court say about the Driver Improvement Program?

The Independence court pages we read don't describe the Driver Improvement Program. State law gives every court the authority to approve it. Call 816-325-7235 during phone hours, or email imc@indepmo.org, and ask before you pay.

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 Independence police?

A ticket from the Highway Patrol or the county sheriff goes to the circuit court, not the city court. Use the court named on your citation.

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.