Based on the significant number of errors in driving skill and judgment teen-age motorists make, it only follows that driver license conviction points accumulate more quickly for young drivers compared to all drivers.

In fact, teen-age drivers from 16–18 years of age make up less than 7 percent of the driving population in Missouri, but they account for a disproportionate percentage of the point-assessable convictions.

During 1999, teens were overrepresented in many categories of traffic convictions, especially speeding. No conviction type even approached the frequency of speeding violations for young drivers. More than 35,000 youths age 16–18 years were convicted of speeding, which accounted for more than 9 percent of all speeding convictions that year.

Also, more than 1,400 teen-agers were convicted of violating stop sign laws in 1999, more than 12 percent of all stop sign convictions during the year. More than 1,500 16–18 year-olds were found guilty of driving while intoxicated, more than 6 percent of the total drivers. And about 1,300 teens were convicted of careless and imprudent driving, roughly 12 percent of all convictions for the violation in 1999.

Considering the varied traffic violations committed during the year, teens were found guilty in more than 52,000 cases. In all, drivers age 16–18 accounted for more than 9 percent of the total 567,000 traffic convictions during 1999 in Missouri.

The number of points assessed to a motorist's record reflects the seriousness of the traffic violation. For example, drivers receive three points for being convicted of speeding and 12 points for leaving the scene of a crash. Motorists can have their license suspended by the Missouri Department of Revenue if they accumulate eight or more points in a period of 18 months. A license can be revoked if the motorist receives 12 or more points in a period of 12 months.

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