Yes, Missouri does offer driving courses, commonly known as traffic school or defensive driving courses, as an option for ticket dismissal. This allows drivers to have certain traffic violations removed from their record.
Attending an approved driving course for ticket dismissal can be a highly beneficial strategy for Missouri drivers. It serves as an alternative to simply paying a fine and accepting the points on your driving record.
How Traffic School Works for Ticket Dismissal in Missouri
When a driver receives a traffic ticket in Missouri, they may have the option to attend traffic school instead of receiving points on their driving record. This process typically involves:
- Eligibility Check: Not all violations qualify for traffic school dismissal. It's crucial to check with the court or the prosecutor to determine if your specific ticket is eligible. Factors like the severity of the offense and your past driving record often play a role.
- Court Approval: Even if eligible, you usually need permission from the court or prosecutor to attend traffic school for dismissal. They might offer it as part of a plea agreement.
- Course Completion: Once approved, you must enroll in and complete an approved Missouri traffic school course. These courses are designed to educate drivers on safe driving practices, traffic laws, and defensive driving techniques. Many are available online for convenience.
- Proof of Completion: After completing the course, you'll receive a certificate or proof of completion, which you then submit to the court by a specified deadline.
Key Benefits of Driving Course Ticket Dismissal
Choosing to attend traffic school for ticket removal in Missouri offers significant advantages that go beyond just avoiding a fine.
- Avoid Points on Driving Record: This is perhaps the most critical benefit. Points on your driving record can lead to various negative consequences. By dismissing the ticket through traffic school, the violation is typically not reported to the Missouri Department of Revenue as a point-assessing offense.
- Prevent Insurance Premium Increases: Insurance companies often review your driving record when setting premiums. Accumulating points or having moving violations can flag you as a higher risk, potentially leading to substantial increases in your car insurance rates. Ticket dismissal via traffic school helps prevent these rate hikes.
- Maintain a Clean Driving Record: A clean driving record is valuable. It can be important for employment opportunities, especially for jobs requiring driving, and generally reflects positively on your responsibility as a driver.
- Improve Driving Skills: Beyond the legal and financial benefits, the courses themselves provide valuable education that can make you a safer, more informed driver, potentially preventing future incidents.
Summary of Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| No Points Added | Avoids negative impact on your official driving record. |
| Lower Insurance Premiums | Prevents potential increases in auto insurance costs. |
| Clean Record | Helps maintain a favorable driving history. |
| Enhanced Safety | Improves knowledge of traffic laws and defensive driving techniques. |
Frequency of Use
It's important to note that while driving courses are an excellent option for ticket removal, there are limitations. In Missouri, drivers can attend traffic school for ticket dismissal once every three years. This rule ensures that the option is used for occasional mistakes rather than as a recurring workaround for repeated violations.
For more detailed information on Missouri traffic laws and approved courses, you can often find resources on the Missouri Department of Revenue website or through various state-approved driving schools like American Safety Institute. Always consult with the specific court handling your ticket for precise instructions and eligibility criteria.
