This message pertains only to traffic violations in the St. Louis City and St. Louis County Municipal Court. If you have a traffic case pending outside these courts you should contact the Court for an attorney in that jurisdiction and determine the proper procedure for handling your traffic case.

If you have received a complaint or summons for a traffic charge in St. Louis City or County, your ticket will indicate whether or not the charge against you requires your appearance in Court. If so, you should be in the specific courtroom indicated approximately 5-10 minutes prior to the time shown on the ticket. If you are late, a warrant for your arrest will be ordered and you will be forced to post a bond or to obtain a new court date.

If the charge against you does not require your appearance in court and if you wish to plead not guilty to the charge you must call the Municipal Court to obtain a court date. The telephone number for the Municipal Court Building is on the (uniform) complaint and traffic summons. If you wish to plead guilty to the charge, no court appearance is required. The amount of the fine will appear on the face of the ticket. The ticket will also instruct you how and where to pay the fine.

If you are convicted of a moving violation such as a speeding or stop light infraction, usually 1 to 3 points will be accessed against your drivers license. The assessment of points may affect the cost of your car insurance. On any traffic charge you have the right to be represented by an attorney. If you decide to be represented, you should retain an attorney sufficiently prior to the court date to allow your attorney time to prepare. If you are unable to afford an attorney and if the charge against you could result in a jail term, you may be entitled to appointment of an attorney without paying an attorneys fees.

If you are assessed 8 points against your Missouri drivers license within an 18 month period, your license will be suspended for 30 days the first time this occurs. Questions regarding points and/or licenses should be directed to an attorney or the Missouri Dept. of Revenue. Because of the seriousness of some violations, you should seek the advice of an attorney if you are charged with at least one of the following violations or if you carry assessment of 4 - 12 points: 1) driving while your license is suspended or revoked, 2) driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 3) driving a motor vehicle with blood alcohol content above allowable levels, 4) eluding or failing to stop for a police officer or an emergency vehicle and also leaving the scene of a property damage or injury accident and finally, giving false information to a police officer.