Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Speeding Ticket—Call a Kansas City Lawyer Today

Updated: 3 Jul 2025

Don’t Shrug Off That Ticket

You might be thinking that the speeding ticket you received is little. But if you decide to toss it aside, it can cost you far more than just money. In Kansas City, even a speeding ticket can lead to fines, points added to your license, increases in insurance, and even a suspended license. Many drivers believe that paying the fine is an option and they can just move on. That decision often creates a nightmare. When you pay that fine, you are pleading guilty to the charges, which appear on your permanent driving record. A skilled and affordable Kansas City traffic lawyer can help you avoid those problems. An attorney understands the law, and most of the time, will be able to have your ticket lowered or eliminated altogether.

What Happens When You Ignore a Speeding Ticket?

You may feel tempted to pretend the ticket never came. You might think the court won’t follow up. That’s a mistake.

Here’s what happens if you ignore a Kansas City speeding ticket:

Late Fees Stack Up
You will get extra fines for not paying on time. These costs grow fast.
A Warrant May Be Issued
If you don’t show up in court or pay, a judge can issue a bench warrant. This means police could arrest you during a routine stop.
Your License Can Be Suspended
The Missouri Department of Revenue can suspend your driver’s license. You could lose your right to drive.
Points Go on Your Record
Missouri uses a point system. Speeding adds points. Too many points can lead to a revoked license.
Insurance Rates Increase
Once you get points, your insurer sees you as a high-risk driver. Your premiums can rise for years.

Ignoring a ticket never makes it go away. It always makes things worse.

Why Paying the Fine Isn’t Always Best

Paying the fine feels simple. But in Kansas City, it’s an admission of guilt. That guilty plea can haunt you later.

Points stay on your record. Insurance costs can climb. If you get more tickets, you might lose your license.

Even if you were only speeding a little, it still matters. A lawyer can often help you get a lower charge. Sometimes, they can get the ticket dismissed.

How a Kansas City Lawyer Helps You

A traffic lawyer has one job—defend you. They know local courts, judges, and prosecutors. Here’s what they can do:

Review every detail of your ticket.
Spot mistakes that could get it thrown out.
Talk with the prosecutor to reduce the charge.
Help you avoid points on your license.
Go to court for you so you don’t have to appear.

Hiring a lawyer often saves you money in the long run. You protect your record and avoid high insurance costs.

Common Reasons Speeding Tickets Get Dismissed

Many people don’t know tickets can be fought. Some common reasons for dismissal include:

Faulty Radar or Lidar Readings
Devices used to clock speed must be calibrated. If they’re not, the reading is invalid.
Errors on the Ticket
Mistakes in your name, car details, or location can make the ticket invalid.
Lack of Proper Signage
If speed limit signs are missing or unclear, the charge may not hold.
Officer’s Failure to Appear
If the officer who wrote the ticket doesn’t show up in court, the judge may dismiss it.

A skilled lawyer knows how to look for these problems.

Costs of Ignoring a Speeding Ticket

Still think it’s no big deal? Look at the costs:

Fines for speeding on average: $100 – $500
Late fee: $50 – $200
Increased insurance premiums: $300 – $1000 a year
License reinstatement fee: $20 – $100
Court and attorneys’ fees if you take so long you’ll plead guilty

These costs add up. In fact, there are many situations in which hiring a lawyer is cheaper than paying all of the costs that come with your speeding ticket.

What If You Live Out of State?

If you live outside Missouri, you still have to handle the ticket. Kansas City courts will report your ticket to your home state. This can still lead to points and higher insurance.

A Kansas City lawyer can appear in court for you so you don’t have to travel. This saves you time and trouble.

Don’t Risk a Criminal Record

Many speeding tickets are infractions. However, if you were driving way over the limit while also driving recklessly, the charge may be a misdemeanor, which is in the criminal realm. Misdemeanors can show up on background check reports. Driving records are a common background check for employers and landlords. If an employer sees a conviction, you might be passed up for a job. If you call a lawyer, you will be protecting your future.

What to Do After You Get a Speeding Ticket

Read the Ticket
Check all the details. Make sure it lists the correct time, place, and your information.
Mark the Deadline
Every ticket has a date when you must pay or appear. Don’t miss it.
Call a Kansas City Lawyer
Don’t wait until the last day. The sooner you call, the more options you have.
Gather Evidence
If you have dashcam footage or photos, save them.
Follow Your Lawyer’s Advice
They’ll guide you on the best way to handle the case.

Why You Should Act Now

Waiting doesn’t help. Each day you wait increases the risk of extra fees, points, or a warrant. An experienced Kansas City dui lawyer can start working for you today.

You don’t have to handle this alone. One call can save you stress, money, and time.

FAQs About Kansas City Speeding Tickets

1. Will my insurance company find out if I just pay the ticket?
Yes. Once you pay, it goes on your record. Insurance companies can see it and may raise your rates.

2. What if the officer made a mistake on my ticket?
Errors can help your case. A lawyer can often use mistakes to reduce or dismiss the ticket.

3. Can I get a payment plan for the fine?
Some courts offer payment plans. A lawyer can help you ask for one if needed.

4. Do I have to go to court if I hire a lawyer?
In many cases, your lawyer can appear for you. You may never need to set foot in court.

5. How many points will a speeding ticket add to my license?
It depends on how fast you were going. Most tickets add 2–3 points. Too many points can lead to suspension.