Careless and imprudent driving in Missouri: points and penalties

What is careless and imprudent driving?

RSMo 304.012 requires every driver to drive "in a careful and prudent manner and at a rate of speed so as not to endanger the property of another or the life or limb of any person" and to "exercise the highest degree of care."

Since August 28, 2025, the same section also bans stunt driving.

What is the penalty?

A class B misdemeanor, "unless an accident is involved then it shall be a class A misdemeanor." The court sets the fine and any other sentence.

How many points is it?

The Department of Revenue's points chart, Form 899, has two lines:

Charge	State law	County or city ordinance
Careless and imprudent	2	2
Careless and imprudent under RSMo 304.016	4	2

A court can add 2 more points if the violation caused injury or property damage.

Can I pay it online?

Probably not. Careless and imprudent driving isn't on the statewide fine schedule for tickets that can be paid without appearing, and violations that involve an accident are excluded from that schedule by law. Expect a court date.

Consider talking to an attorney first. This is a misdemeanor, and we don't give legal advice.

Can the Driver Improvement Program keep the points off?

It can. RSMo 302.302 lists careless and imprudent driving among the violations the program covers, along with the extra 2 points for injury or property damage. The court has to approve it, and you have to finish the 8-hour course within 60 days of your conviction.

CDL holders and out-of-state license holders can't use the program.

Can speeding in a work zone count as careless and imprudent?

Yes. Driving over a posted work zone speed limit "shall be deemed prima facie evidence of careless and imprudent driving" (RSMo 304.351.7).

What should I ask the court?

• Is the charge under state law or a city ordinance?
• Will the court approve the Driver Improvement Program for this charge?
• What is my conviction date, so I can count the 60 days?

How to ask the court.