Driving without insurance in Missouri: points, fines and suspension

What does the law require?

An owner may not operate or register a vehicle, or let someone else drive it, without maintaining financial responsibility (RSMo 303.025). A driver may not drive someone else's vehicle knowing the owner has no insurance, unless the driver's own policy covers it.

I had insurance but couldn't show the card. What now?

Bring proof to court. The statute says no one shall be found guilty "if the operator demonstrates to the court that he or she met the financial responsibility requirements of this section at the time the peace officer" wrote the citation.

What are the penalties?

A first violation is a class D misdemeanor. A second or later one carries a fine of $200 to $500 and may bring up to 15 days in jail.

What does the court do with my license?

One of these, for a Missouri driver:

1. Suspend your driving privilege as of the date of the order.
2. Forward the conviction for 4 points.
3. Order supervision in place of points. With court-ordered supervision, no points are assessed. It can't be used more than once in 36 months.

Can the Driver Improvement Program keep the points off?

No. The program covers speeding, careless and imprudent driving and ordinary moving violations. A no-insurance conviction has its own line in the points table.

Supervision is the no-points route for this charge, and it's up to the court. Ask the court or the prosecutor about it, or talk to an attorney.

Can I pay this ticket online?

Often not. The Boone County court, for one, lists "no insurance/no proof of insurance" among the charges that are mandatory appearances and can't be paid online. Check your case on Case.net or call the clerk.

What does it take to get reinstated?

The requirements depend on the kind of suspension on your record. Call the Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407, or check the letter it sent you.

How close is 4 points to a suspension?

Halfway. Missouri suspends at 8 points in 18 months. If you get a speeding ticket later, ask for the Driver Improvement Program on that one. How the program works.