Careless and Imprudent Driving Lawyer in St. Louis
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What careless and imprudent driving means
Missouri requires every driver to use the highest degree of care. Under RSMo 304.012, you must drive in a careful and prudent manner, and at a speed that doesn't endanger anyone's property, life or limb. Since 2025, the same section also bans "stunt driving" as defined in RSMo 304.145.
Because that standard is broad, careless and imprudent driving ("C&I") covers a wide range of conduct. It's frequently charged after a crash.
Penalties
| Charge under state law | Classification | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Careless and imprudent driving, no accident | Class B misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine |
| Careless and imprudent driving involving an accident | Class A misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and a $2,000 fine |
The maximums come from RSMo 558.011 and 558.002. Many C&I tickets are written under a city or county ordinance instead, which sets its own penalty.
An accident changes how the ticket is handled. A municipal ticket involving an accident or injury isn't a "minor traffic violation" (RSMo 479.350), so the $225 cap on fines and costs doesn't apply. A ticket involving personal injury or property damage also can't be paid through the court's violations bureau. You or your lawyer will have to deal with the court.
Points
According to DOR's current point table (Form 899, revised August 2026):
- Careless and imprudent driving: 2 points, whether charged under state law or a county or city ordinance.
- A careless-driving conviction under the passing statute: 4 points under state law. This statute (RSMo 304.016) covers driving left of center near the crest of a hill, on a curve, or near a bridge, tunnel, intersection or railroad crossing.
- Injury or damage: 2 more points, if the reporting court certifies that the violation caused a personal injury or property damage (RSMo 302.302).
For a CDL holder, careless or reckless driving can count as a serious traffic violation. See CDL tickets.
After a crash
A traffic ticket and a claim for damages are separate matters, but they arise from the same facts. If there may be an insurance claim or a lawsuit, especially if anyone was hurt, talk to a lawyer before you plead guilty to a ticket from the crash.
If you were hurt in the same crash, our personal injury team handles car crash cases too.
Leaving the scene of an accident
Under RSMo 577.060, a driver involved in an accident that causes injury, death or damage to another person's property must stop. Before leaving, the driver must give the other party or a police officer:
- their name;
- their address, including city and street number;
- the vehicle's registration or license number;
- their driver's license number.
If no officer is nearby, the driver must report to the nearest law enforcement agency.
| Circumstances | Classification | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Most cases | Class A misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and a $2,000 fine |
| Physical injury to another person, property damage over $1,000, or a prior leaving-the-scene offense | Class E felony | Up to 4 years in prison and a $10,000 fine |
| A death resulted | Class D felony | Up to 7 years in prison and a $10,000 fine |
A conviction carries 12 points under state law, or 6 points under a county or city ordinance. Twelve points within 12 months is enough for DOR to revoke your license. For a CDL holder, leaving the scene is a major offense that brings at least a one-year disqualification, even in a personal vehicle. Felony charges are handled as criminal cases. See our felony defense page.
Driving without insurance
Missouri requires vehicle owners to keep liability insurance, or another approved form of financial responsibility, on any vehicle they drive or let others drive (RSMo 303.025).
Penalties:
- A first violation is a class D misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $500.
- A second or later violation can bring up to 15 days in jail and a fine of $200 to $500.
What happens to your license. On top of the fine, the court must do one of these:
- Suspend your driving privilege. With no prior violation, the suspension ends when you pay a $20 reinstatement fee and file proof of insurance. With one prior violation in the past two years, it lasts 90 days and the fee is $200. With two or more priors, it lasts a year and the fee is $400 (RSMo 303.042).
- Send the conviction to DOR for 4 points.
- Enter an order of supervision instead of points. This is allowed no more than once in 36 months.
A defense if you were insured. You can't be found guilty if you show the court you met the insurance requirement when the ticket was written. If you were insured but couldn't show the card, bring proof of the policy in force on that date.
How we help
We look at the officer's report, any crash report, and the evidence about who caused what. Then we talk with the prosecutor and tell you what a conviction would mean for your points, your insurance situation and, if you drive for a living, your CDL. If the case involves a DWI allegation, see our DWI defense page. Call 314-827-6222 or contact us.
Back to Traffic Tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points is careless and imprudent driving in Missouri?
DOR's current point table lists careless and imprudent driving at 2 points, whether charged under state law or a county or city ordinance. A state careless-driving conviction tied to the passing statute (RSMo 304.016) is 4 points. If the court certifies that the violation caused an injury or property damage, 2 more points can be added.
Is careless and imprudent driving a crime?
Yes. Under state law it's a class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. If an accident is involved, it's a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $2,000 fine. City and county ordinance versions carry their own penalties.
Is leaving the scene of an accident a felony in Missouri?
It can be. It's a class A misdemeanor in most cases. It becomes a class E felony if someone was injured, if property damage was over $1,000, or if you have a prior leaving-the-scene conviction. It's a class D felony if someone died.
What if I had insurance but couldn't show proof when I was stopped?
Missouri law says you can't be found guilty of failing to maintain insurance if you show the court you had the required coverage when the ticket was written. Bring proof of the policy in force on that date.
