Following too closely in Missouri: fine and points

What does the law say?

RSMo 304.017: a driver "shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonably safe and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon and the condition of the roadway."

There's no set distance in the statute. The officer and the court judge what was safe for the speed and conditions.

What is the fine?

Vehicle	Fine on the state schedule
Car, motorcycle, or truck under 18,000 lbs	$60.50
Truck 18,000 lbs or more, or bus	$130.50

Court costs are added. The municipal fine schedule lists the same $60.50 for a car. Look up your case on Case.net to see your total.

How many points?

Two. Form 899 lists following too close among the violations assessed 2 points under state, county or city law.

Can I pay it without going to court?

Usually, if there was no crash. Tickets that involve an accident are excluded from the pay-without-appearing schedule.

Can I keep the 2 points off?

Yes, with the court's approval. Ask for the Driver Improvement Program before you plead guilty or pay. Then finish the 8-hour course within 60 days of your conviction.

Is it worth using the program for 2 points?

It depends on your record. You can use the program once in 36 months, and points shrink by a third after a year without a new conviction.

If you have 6 points, use it. Two more is a suspension. If your record is clean, you might keep it in reserve. What 4, 8 and 12 points do.