Traffic offenses can have serious consequences for drivers of all ages. However, Missouri driving laws often result in much more severe impacts on teenagers. While a traffic violation attorney can offer personalized guidance with the case, understanding the basics can help juvenile drivers and their parents navigate the process. Review this guide to learn more about traffic violations and their impact on teen drivers. 

What Are the Major Traffic Violations? 

From parking zone tickets to littering, there are a huge number of citable traffic violations in Missouri. However, some incidents hold more significance in the eyes of the law. For instance, drinking and driving violations are taken incredibly seriously, resulting in both criminal and traffic charges. 

Speeding is also a concern for drivers. Missouri utilizes a point system for moving violations, assigning a specific number to each type of charge. Accumulating too many points within a certain period can result in complete loss of privileges, including short-term suspension and long-term revocation. 

How Do Juvenile & Adult Cases Differ?

Missouri's Graduated Driver License Law places restrictions on drivers under the age of 18. Along with limited driving hours, the law results in more acute repercussions for traffic violations than their adult counterparts. For instance, a DWI conviction for someone 21 years or older requires a 0.08% blood alcohol level. Teens, on the other hand, are subject to a zero-tolerance law that lowers the BAC down to 0.02%. 

What Are Some Possible Penalties?

Being convicted of a DWI as a juvenile results in an automatic 90 day suspension. Not only does it result in temporary driving privilege loss, it also extends the timeframe required to obtain a full license. Permit and intermediate license drivers can't graduate to the next level with alcohol-related offenses from the prior 12 months. 

A first DWI for a minor also comes with the risk of up to six months in a juvenile facility and $500. Underage drivers can also face minor in possession charges if alcohol is present in the vehicle, resulting in extra criminal law consequences as well as another two driver's license points. A traffic violation attorney can help you reduce the severity of charges.

Points from speeding tickets can also quickly add up and put a teen's license at risk. A standard violation of driving five miles above the speed limit results in a three-point placement. However, accumulating eight points within an 18-month period results in an automatic suspension at a 30 day minimum. It also pushes out the ability for a teen to graduate with their license for another six months. 

The Law Office of Mike Hamilton in Missouri understands that mistakes happen, which is why the law firm is committed to fighting for second chances. The local lawyer offers over 20 years of criminal law and trial experience, providing personalized legal guidance to drivers across Boone and Callaway counties, including Columbia and Fulton. From DWI to minor in possession, find out how the traffic violation attorney can assist your case online or call (573) 825-5698 to speak with a member of their legal team.
 

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