Rarely does the government give you the option of going back to school instead of facing a legal penalty or a fine. But traffic school is one such exception. We’re here to tell you d how you might be eligible for it and why you should take the opportunity if presented with it.
What Are Traffic Schools?
Traffic school is essentially a course lasting no more than a few hours or days in total that can be done in person in a classroom or at home online. They are approved and licensed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Unsurprisingly, the online version of these courses is the most popular. However, it requires access to a computer and a good internet connection and consists mostly of videos and quizzes about what you’ve just seen.
As a driver, why should I consider going to traffic school as a driver?
It doesn’t matter how perfect you are behind the wheel. The average California driver is bound to get a traffic ticket at least once in their lifetime, and plenty of drivers are going to get more than one within several years. These things happen, whether it’s a traffic citation for speeding or accidentally running a red light.
Accepting the offer to go back to traffic school has several benefits, according to the California DMV, all of which involve avoiding some of the worst consequences of having multiple traffic violations on your record.
The main benefit will be to prevent points from accumulating on your driver’s license and record. Too many points within a certain period can lead to having your license suspended or, worse, revoked.
Also, thanks to attending traffic school, you’ll maintain your auto insurance rates low because any infraction or violation won’t remain there and might even evade court costs and added expenses involved with your ticket. If your license has already been suspended, you’ll need to go to traffic school to get driving privileges reinstated.
The requirements for traffic school in California
After you’ve received a traffic violation ticket, check first your court date. You need to show up to court on that date, plead guilty to the traffic violation, and pay the ticket. If you’re eligible for traffic school, you’ll most likely also be eligible to pay the ticket online.
Typically, you’re eligible if:
- You’ve only been cited for a minor moving violation or infraction, like speeding (no more than 26 mph over the speed limit) or running a red light. Moving violations and infractions will add a point to your driver’s license, and that’s what you’ll be looking to avoid by attending traffic school. You are still obligated to pay the fine and other court costs.
- That moving violation did not happen while under the influence of alcohol or another substance.
If you qualify for traffic school, then the court will send you a notice of eligibility. Make sure you receive the notice, and if you don’t, call the court and verify with them directly.
A California driver will not be able to keep their record clean by attending traffic school if they’ve received a ticket for an offense while driving a commercial vehicle or if any alcohol or drugs were involved. Neither will they be able to do so if they already had to attend traffic school for a previous citation in the last 18 months or if the offenses occurred with equipment while driving or were misdemeanors.
Non-moving violations like parking tickets are also not eligible for traffic school.
How to Remove Points From Your California Driving Record?
Once you’ve determined you’re eligible, and the court offers this opportunity, these are the most common steps:
1. Enroll in a California state-approved Traffic School.
As mentioned, the course is available in a classroom setting as well as online. California online traffic school is the quickest and most popular way to comply with the required education and continue with your life.
2. Complete Course and Pass the Final Exam.
Once you’ve completed all of the course’s lessons, you’re required to take the final test. Passing the final exam is when the court will consider the course complete.
3. Send to the DMV the Certificate of Completion.
Give the DMV your course completion report, showing you’ve met the court’s requirement.
A driver isn’t always the one to deliver the certificate to the DMV. Most schools send the certificates electronically automatically upon completion of the course.
Attending traffic school will not remove the violation or pardon your fine. Instead, the violation and the points will not appear on your driving record, and you’ll be avoiding higher insurance premiums and rates. Above all else, you’ll learn to be a better driver, making the roads and streets of California safer.
If you have more questions about points on your record, traffic school, or higher premiums on your car insurance, call Ticket Snipers to help you fight any ticket and provide you with professional guidance so you can move on with your life in the best way possible.