Missouri Moving Violation

A Missouri moving violation is a traffic violation committed in a moving vehicle.  This type of traffic infraction is typically a speeding ticket, stop sign ticket, illegal u-turn ticket, red light ticket, or driving the wrong way ticket.  A non moving violation is a traffic violation that can be committed even while a vehicle is not in motion.  Some examples of non moving violations include failure to register a motor vehicle, loud muffler, illegal window tint, and no proof of inspection.

Most moving violations in Missouri are strict liability offenses.  This means that the Prosecutor doesn’t need to prove that you intended to commit a traffic violation.  The only proof required to convict on a moving violation is that a Defendant committed a prohibited act.  For example, if you are charged with rolling through a stop sign, all the Prosecutor needs is proof that you drove through the stop sign without stopping.  This is different from specific intent crimes such as murder and robbery which require proof that a Defendant intended to commit a crime.

A guilty plea to a Missouri moving violation will result in points on your license.  These marks on your driving record can cause your insurance to go up, keep you from attains certain types of employment, and can ultimately result in the loss of your driving privileges.  While every traffic infraction should be taken seriously, a moving violation can have a much greater impact on your life than a non moving violation.  If you have been charged with a Missouri traffic infraction, you owe it to yourself to make sure it is not a moving violation before you send in your fine money.  The Missouri Department of Revenue has a list to help you determine what kind of traffic infraction you have.