TRAFFIC SCHOOL
Enrolling in traffic school, sometimes referred to as defensive driving or driver improvement, is a great way to develop your driving skills while helping to protect your driving record. The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) allows drivers to erase points earned as the result of traffic tickets.
NOTE: THIS OPTION IS AVAILABLE ONLY IF YOU HAVE NOT COMPLETED A TRAFFIC SCHOOL PROGRAM IN THREE YEARS.
This option is not available to CDL drivers since it is considered "masking" and thus prohibited under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act (MCSIA).
Enrolling in Traffic SchoolGenerally, most online and in-person traffic schools can be used for the purpose of reducing points on your driving record as long as they are at least eight hours in length and meet the standards of the state of Missouri. Missouri law defines an acceptable driving course as "A required course of study for certain drivers who have shown cause that their driving skills are not acceptable. The course must meet or exceed the standards of the National Safety Council’s eight-hour “Defensive Driving Course”. These days, online programs allow driver's to complete these requirements conveniently from their homes. To find out more about online traffic programs, Click Here.
If you're hoping to lower your auto insurance premiums, check with your insurance carrier before you enroll in a specific program.
The law requires you to complete a SATOP for reinstatement if your driving privilege was taken away for:
Any alcohol-related traffic offense.
Any offense involving the possession or use of alcohol or drugs.
Any offense involving the alteration, modification, or misrepresentation of a driver license.
SATOP is not required if you do not have a substance abuse related offense and if you are simply seeking to avoid points.