In Missouri, which of the following can impact the severity of traffic fines?

The number of previous violations is a significant factor that can impact the severity of traffic fines in Missouri. When a driver has a history of prior violations, it often indicates a pattern of unsafe driving behavior, which can lead to increased penalties. This is due to the premise that repeat offenders may pose a higher risk to public safety. As a result, traffic laws in Missouri may enforce stiffer fines and consequences for individuals with multiple violations, aiming to discourage further infractions and promote safer driving habits.

In contrast, while factors like the time of day or location of the violation might influence law enforcement practices or safety considerations, they do not inherently change the structured fines prescribed for specific offenses. Similarly, the age of the driver does not typically increase the severity of the fines; fines are more related to the actions taken rather than demographic characteristics. Therefore, the history of previous violations is a clear criterion that authorities consider when determining the seriousness of traffic penalties.