Traffic Ticket vs. DUI: How the Legal Consequences Differ
Getting pulled over by law enforcement can be a nerve-wracking experience, whether it's for rolling through a stop sign or something much more serious like driving under the influence (DUI). These traffic situations can leave people feeling anxious, embarrassed, or even scared about what comes next.
At Foulk Law Firm LLC, we’ve worked with many clients facing traffic charges. Whether it’s a simple speeding ticket or a DUI arrest, each case deserves personal attention, clear guidance, and an honest explanation of what's at stake. With an office in Brentwood, Missouri, our firm serves clients throughout St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Jefferson County in Missouri, as well as Madison County, Saint Clair County, and Monroe County in Illinois.
We're here to help drivers understand the real difference between a traffic ticket and a DUI charge—and what each could mean for your future. Both might happen behind the wheel, but the consequences and legal paths they lead to couldn’t be more different. Reach out to us today if you or someone you care about is facing a driving-related charge in Missouri.
What Makes a Traffic Ticket Different From a DUI?
At the most basic level, a traffic ticket is usually considered a minor infraction or misdemeanor, while a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is often treated as a criminal offense—especially if it’s not your first.
A traffic ticket might come with a fine and points on your license, while a DUI could result in jail time, a suspended license, mandatory alcohol education classes, and thousands of dollars in penalties. But the differences don't stop there.
Common Types of Traffic Tickets
Traffic tickets can range from minor to serious, but they generally fall into a few common categories. Most don't involve arrest or court appearances unless you choose to fight the ticket or fail to pay it on time.
Some examples of typical traffic tickets include:
Speeding: Exceeding posted limits or driving too fast for road conditions.
Running a red light or stop sign: Disobeying basic traffic signals.
Illegal lane changes or failure to signal: Violating rules of the road that affect other drivers’ safety.
Driving without insurance or registration: Failing to meet legal vehicle requirements.
Using a cellphone while driving: Distracted driving violations in jurisdictions with hands-free laws.
Though they might seem minor, these violations can add points to your license, raise your insurance premiums, or even lead to license suspension if they add up.
We help clients fight traffic tickets, reduce fines, or keep points off their driving records. A single citation might not seem like a big deal, but ignoring it—or having several—can become a real problem.
What Happens When You're Charged With a DUI?
A DUI isn’t just a traffic violation—it’s a criminal charge. That means you're not just dealing with points or fines; you’re facing possible jail time, a criminal record, and major disruptions to your life.
Some common consequences of a DUI charge may include:
License suspension or revocation: Losing your driving privileges for months or even years.
Fines and court costs: Ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Jail time or probation: Even first-time offenders may face jail time or community service.
Alcohol or drug education programs: Mandatory courses, often at your own expense.
Installation of an ignition interlock device: A breathalyzer attached to your vehicle.
Increased insurance rates or SR-22 requirements: Special high-risk insurance filing.
Missouri and Illinois take DUI charges seriously. Even a first offense can impact your job, family life, and reputation. And repeat offenses carry much harsher penalties.
For clients facing DUI charges, we strive to safeguard their rights, assess the legality of the traffic stop, challenge evidence, and advocate for reduced penalties or alternative resolutions.
Points on Your License With Traffic Tickets vs. DUIs
Both traffic tickets and DUIs can add points to your driving record, but the consequences of those points are very different.
Here's how points typically affect your record:
Traffic tickets: Speeding five-10 mph over the limit might add two points; running a red light might add three. Too many points in a short time can lead to license suspension.
DUIs: A first-time DUI in Missouri adds eight points to your license. In Illinois, the penalties depend on the outcome of your court case but can include automatic suspension.
While you can sometimes remove points from minor tickets through traffic school, DUI points stick—and can lead to longer suspensions and higher penalties.
At Foulk Law Firm LLC, we work with drivers to help protect their driving privileges and keep their records clean when possible.
Long-Term Consequences
Many people think the worst part of a traffic ticket or DUI is the fine, but the longer-term consequences can be even more serious.
Some long-term impacts of traffic tickets include:
Increased insurance premiums: More points can mean higher monthly rates.
License suspension: Accumulating too many tickets within a short period can trigger administrative action.
Difficulty obtaining commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs): CDL holders are held to stricter standards.
In comparison, some long-term impacts of a DUI conviction include:
Criminal record: A DUI will appear on background checks.
Employment issues: Some employers may refuse to hire or retain individuals with a DUI conviction.
Travel limitations: Some countries may restrict entry for those with criminal convictions.
Professional license problems: Nurses, teachers, and other licensed professionals may face disciplinary action.
The personal, financial, and professional effects of a DUI conviction often linger long after the court case is closed. That’s why it’s so important to have a strong legal advocate by your side.
Court Process and Legal Defenses
The way traffic tickets and DUI charges move through the legal system is also very different. One can usually be handled quickly with a payment or short court appearance, while the other often involves multiple hearings, discovery, and negotiation.
Here are some of the differences in how the court handles each, including:
Traffic tickets: In most cases, you can pay the fine or request a hearing to contest it. These are usually handled in municipal or traffic court.
DUI charges: These are criminal matters that require arraignment, pre-trial hearings, and potentially a jury trial.
Possible legal defenses we use for traffic tickets include:
The officer's error or inaccurate radar readings
Lack of proper signage
Mistaken identity or wrong vehicle
Possible legal defenses we use for DUI cases include:
Illegal stop or lack of probable cause
Inaccurate field sobriety or breathalyzer tests
Medical conditions that affect test results
Violation of constitutional rights during the arrest
Each case is different, and we take the time to examine every detail. A mistake in procedure or a weak piece of evidence could change the entire outcome of your case.
What Drivers in Missouri and Illinois Should Know
Because we serve clients across Missouri and Illinois, it’s important to know that each state treats these offenses differently.
Some differences between Missouri and Illinois DUI laws:
Missouri: First-time DUI (DWI) is a Class B misdemeanor, with possible jail time up to six months. Missouri uses a points-based system for driving records.
Illinois: DUI is also a criminal offense, and drivers may face automatic license suspension even before a conviction due to "statutory summary suspension" laws.
Traffic ticket procedures also vary:
Missouri: Some tickets may be paid online, but doing so means accepting guilt and points on your license.
Illinois: In some counties, traffic court is mandatory, even for minor infractions.
We help clients in both states weigh their options, request hearings, and pursue outcomes that minimize the long-term damage.
Contact an Experienced Traffic Law Attorney
Whether you're dealing with a traffic ticket or facing the serious consequences of a DUI charge, the decisions you make right after the stop can affect your future for years to come. These cases aren't just about driving—they're about your finances, your freedom, and your future.
At Foulk Law Firm LLC, we're proud to help drivers in Brentwood, Missouri, as well as in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Jefferson County, Missouri, and in Madison County, Saint Clair County, and Monroe County, Illinois. Our attorney provides practical, straightforward advice in every case, enabling clients to move forward with confidence and clarity. Reach out to us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you protect your rights and your record.