Should you just pay your Missouri traffic ticket online?

What happens when I pay a Missouri ticket online?

You plead guilty. The Missouri courts say that by using Plead and Pay on Case.net, you acknowledge "the payment in full is considered a guilty plea and waiver of a court hearing." State law says the same about paying through the central violations bureau: payment is "a plea of guilty, waiver of trial and a conviction" for the points law (RSMo 476.385).

Points are assessed after a conviction. So the payment is the step that puts them on your license.

What are my options when I get a ticket?

The courts list them:

1. Plead guilty and pay through Plead and Pay on Case.net, if your case shows the Plead and Pay icon.
2. Mail the signed plea of guilty and waiver that came with the citation, with a check or money order.
3. Pay at the court listed on the citation.
4. Plead not guilty by appearing on the court date on the citation.

You have to do one of them by the court date.

Where does the Driver Improvement Program fit?

Between deciding to plead guilty and paying. The Missouri Safety Center says a driver "must appear in court and request the court's permission" to take the program. If you pay online first, you've pleaded guilty without asking.

Call the clerk of the court on your citation and ask two questions:

• Will the court let me complete the Driver Improvement Program for this ticket?
• How do I request it: at an appearance, in writing, or when I pay?

Can I get the program if I've already paid?

Call the clerk right away and ask. Missouri law says a person who pays through the central bureau "consents to attendance either online or in person at any driver-improvement program" the court orders, so some courts can still order it. Whether yours will is up to the court. Your 60 days started on the day you paid.

Is it ever fine to just pay?

Yes, in a few cases:

• The ticket carries no points, such as speeding by 5 mph or less.
• You can't use the program anyway, because you hold a CDL, have an out-of-state license, or used it in the last 36 months.
• You have no points, and you'd rather save the program for later. You only get it once every 36 months.

What if I do nothing?

The courts say failure to respond may result in suspension of your driver's license, and a warrant may be issued for your arrest. Under RSMo 302.341 the court notifies the Department of Revenue, and the suspension stays until the ticket is resolved and paid.

How much will I owe?

Look up the case on Case.net and click Plead and Pay to see the fine and court costs. Looking doesn't plead you guilty. The fines for state speeding tickets are in what a Missouri speeding ticket costs.