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Speeding ticket 20 over Missouri drivers receive is not an ordinary traffic fine. Under state law, going 20 mph or more above the posted limit is a class B misdemeanor. That is a criminal charge, not a simple infraction. Most people assume the only difference is a bigger dollar amount.
However, the classification, the points, and the permanent record all change at that 20 mph line. A speeding ticket 20 over Missouri courts process typically carries a base fine near $208, plus court costs. It also adds points to your driving record. Knowing how a speeding ticket 20 over Missouri handles works helps you decide whether to pay or fight it.
Missouri Law Draws a Hard Line at 20 MPH Over
Missouri’s basic speed statute is RSMo 304.010. It sets a tiered penalty structure. Going 5 mph over or less is an infraction, which is not a crime. Going more than 5 mph over is a class C misdemeanor. However, exceeding the posted limit by 20 mph or more is a class B misdemeanor. That single sentence in the statute is why a speeding ticket 20 over Missouri issues is treated so differently.
The maximum penalties matter here. A class C misdemeanor in Missouri carries up to 15 days in jail and a $750 fine. A class B misdemeanor carries up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. In most cases, first-time drivers do not go to jail. Typically, the court accepts the scheduled fine. But the exposure is real, and judges have discretion.
There is a second track, too. Many tickets are written under a city ordinance instead of state law. In that situation, the charge is a municipal violation. A speeding ticket 20 over Missouri cities prosecute locally often carries fewer points but its own local fine schedule.
How Much a Speeding Ticket 20 Over Missouri Actually Costs
The Missouri Supreme Court publishes a statewide uniform fine schedule used by the State Fine Collection Center. For speeding 20 to 25 mph over the posted limit, the scheduled fine is roughly $208. Court costs are added on top, usually about $30 to $50 depending on the county. As a result, most drivers pay somewhere between $240 and $260 total.
Work zones change the math sharply. In a marked construction zone, the same violation is scheduled near $243. If workers are present, the amount jumps to roughly $458. For example, a driver clocked at 20 over on I-70 through an active work zone can pay more than double the standard amount.
| Situation | Approximate fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 20–25 mph over (state charge) | ~$208 + court costs | 3 |
| 20 mph over in a work zone | ~$243 + court costs | 3 |
| 20 mph over, workers present | ~$458 + court costs | 3 |
| Municipal ordinance version | Varies by city | 2 |
| Class B misdemeanor maximum | Up to $1,000 + up to 6 months jail | 3 |
Points are the hidden cost. Under RSMo 302.302, a state speeding conviction adds 3 points. A municipal ordinance conviction adds 2. A speeding ticket 20 over Missouri drivers simply pay online becomes a conviction, and the points follow automatically. Insurance rate increases usually follow the points, not the fine.
Points, Suspension, and Why Paying Fast Can Backfire
Missouri suspends licenses based on accumulated points. Eight points within 18 months triggers a 30-day suspension for a first occurrence. A second suspension runs 60 days. A third runs 90 days. Revocation for a full year applies at 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 24 months, or 24 points in 36 months.
Points do fade. After one year with no new violations, your total is reduced by one-third. After two clean years, it drops by half. After three clean years, the total reaches zero. However, the underlying conviction stays on your driving record even after the points clear.
This is why paying a speeding ticket 20 over Missouri mails you is not always the cheapest move. Paying the fine is a guilty plea. It creates a misdemeanor conviction on a criminal record check. For example, drivers who hold a CDL or need a clean background for work often face bigger consequences than the $208 itself.
What to Do Next
Start by reading the citation carefully. Check whether the charge cites RSMo 304.010 or a city ordinance number. That one detail changes the points and the court. Next, confirm your court date and location. Missing it can lead to a failure-to-appear and a warrant.
Then consider your options. Many Missouri municipal courts allow an amendment to a non-moving violation, sometimes called “defective equipment” or “excessive noise.” That amendment typically costs more in fines but carries zero points. In most cases, a traffic attorney handles this without you appearing in court. Fees often run $100 to $300 for a routine amendment.
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Finally, gather evidence if you plan to contest a speeding ticket 20 over Missouri troopers wrote. Note the radar or lidar unit used, weather conditions, and posted sign placement. Request the officer’s calibration records through discovery. You can also order your driving record from the Department of Revenue for about $1.53 to see your current point total before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 20 over the limit really a misdemeanor in Missouri?
Yes. Under RSMo 304.010, 20 mph or more over the posted limit is a class B misdemeanor. Below that threshold, it is typically a class C misdemeanor or an infraction.
Will I go to jail for a speeding ticket 20 over Missouri issued me?
Jail is legally possible, since the maximum is six months. However, first-time offenders almost never serve time. In most cases, courts accept the scheduled fine or an amended charge.
How many points does a speeding ticket 20 over Missouri conviction add?
A state-law conviction adds 3 points. A municipal ordinance conviction adds 2 points. Eight points in 18 months triggers a 30-day suspension.
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Official Sources & Resources
For verified traffic law and speeding ticket information:
- NHTSA (Speed Data): nhtsa.gov
- NCSL (State Traffic Laws): ncsl.org
- AAA Foundation: aaafoundation.org
- IIHS (Insurance Data): iihs.org
- State DMV Websites: Check your state DMV for official point values and fine schedules
Content last reviewed August 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.
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- Driving Points by State
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- Speeding Ticket Cost Calculator
- Insurance Impact Estimator
Disclaimer. The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Fine amounts, point values, and traffic laws vary by jurisdiction and may change without notice. The creators assume no liability for accuracy or completeness. Always verify with your local court, DMV, or a qualified traffic attorney for advice specific to your situation.