mail, the court case must still be processed through the court system. Therefore, the court costs must be paid. Court costs help fund the court system. Fine moneys help fund Missouri’s public schools. Fine Emergency Assistance moneys do not fund the Highway Patrol. 1 (800) 525-5555 or The trooper may provide you with an informa- tion sheet explaining the court’s mail-in procedures. cellular *55 Troopers do not collect fines. If you lose your copy of the ticket you must contact the associate circuit court of the county in Road Conditions which the ticket was written. It is the responsibility 1-888-275-6636 of the violator to handle all traffic tickets in a timely manner. A warrant may be issued by the court when an individual fails to comply with the requirements of Sex Offender Registry a traffic ticket. 1 (888) SOR-MSHP 1 (888) 767-6747 Conclusion For the Missouri State Highway Patrol headquarters Traffic laws are enacted to nearest you, consult your local phone directory. ensure the safety of the motor- ing public. Help make Missouri’s Produced By: highways safer — please obey our Public Information and Education traffic laws. Feel free to ask the Division trooper questions if you receive a traffic ticket. You may also call the Published By: Missouri State Highway Patrol county prosecuting attorney of the 1510 E. Elm Street county where you are to appear in Jefferson City, MO 65101 court. Employees at the nearest (573) 751-3313 Highway Patrol troop headquarters V/TDD (573) 751-3313 will also be willing to assist. A www.mshp.dps.mo.gov traffic ticket issued by one trooper [email protected] cannot be changed by another Pa- STOPPED trol employee. An Internationally Accredited Agency What To Do If You Are Do If You What To SHP-747 G 8/2015 The Motorist Important Note Introduction Missouri Law Section 304.022 RSMo. requires a If you are alone and uncertain if the person try- motorist to pull as far as possible to the right of the ing to stop you is legitimate police officer, pull over, traveled portion of the highway and stop when a police but keep your car doors locked. When your vehicle car approaches displaying emergency equipment. The is then approached, roll your window down only far motorist must remain stopped until the patrol car has enough to talk. Express your concern and desire passed, or a police officer directs them otherwise. to drive to the nearest public place. Most police When you see flashing red and blue lights on a officers will understand and allow this, unless they patrol car, don’t panic. Simply slow down, signal your suspect you are an impaired driver or your license is intention to turn onto the right shoulder, and drive off suspended. Once you have driven to a public place, the roadway to the right as far as is safe. remain in your secured vehicle until proper identifi- It is important that neither you nor your pas- cation is made. sengers make any sudden or undirected movements! The trooper does not know who you are or what your intentions are. For Your Information You look into your side The Trooper A traffic ticket is a legal document issued mirror and see a patrol car by troopers for traffic behind you with its emergen- After an explanation as to why violations. A space for you were stopped, the trooper may your signature is provided cy lights flashing. A trooper ask for your driver’s license, vehicle near the bottom of the is walking up to your car. This registration, and proof of insurance traffic ticket. By signing can be a stressful experi- identification card. While the trooper the traffic ticket, you are is approaching your vehicle, DO NOT not admitting guilt. Your ence. attempt to reach under your seat, into signature merely acknowl- However, knowing what a glove compartment, into a console, edges receipt of the traffic or any other place hidden from the ticket and your promise to do, and what not to do will trooper’s view. to appear in court on the make the experience less The trooper will sometimes given court date, or that stressful and will help ensure complete the contact without requir- you will contact the court ing you to leave your car. At other prior to the court date for disposal of the case. Refus- your safety, the safety of oth- times the trooper may ask you to take a seat in the ing to sign the traffic ticket will not eliminate your er motorists, and the safety patrol car. Court cases permit the officer to decide obligation to appear in court. Once the trooper gives which procedure is safest for the officer. As you exit you a copy of the traffic ticket, you have been served of the officer. This brochure your car, always keep your hands in plain view of the a summons (subpoena) to appear in court. is designed to inform you of trooper. Failure to appear on your scheduled court date what to do when stopped by a If a traffic ticket is issued by the officer, please is a violation of law and may result in additional maintain a polite and cooperative attitude. Do not at- charges being filed against you and/or your driver’s trooper. tempt to debate the merits of the traffic ticket on the license being suspended. side of the highway. The court is the proper place to In nearly all court cases where a fine is levied, contest any grievance. court costs must be paid. Even if you pay the fine by .