Traffic School for Traffic Tickets

Written By | Doreen Almirol | 20+ years CA DMV Licensed Driving Instructor

When you receive a traffic ticket in California, attending a traffic school is often an option to mitigate the consequences. The primary purpose of these schools is to educate drivers on safe driving practices and reduce the likelihood of future traffic violations. Attending a traffic school can also prevent points from being added to your driving record, which can help keep insurance premiums in check.

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Understanding Traffic Schools in California

When you receive a traffic ticket in California, attending a traffic school is often an option to mitigate the consequences. The primary purpose of these schools is to educate drivers on safe driving practices and reduce the likelihood of future traffic violations. Attending a traffic school can also prevent points from being added to your driving record, which can help keep insurance premiums in check.

1  |  Eligibility Criteria

Not everyone is eligible to attend traffic school after receiving a ticket. Eligibility criteria may include:

Type of Violation:

Some minor traffic violations are eligible for traffic school, while major offenses may not qualify.

Frequency of Attendance:

In many cases, drivers are limited to attending traffic school once every 18 to 36 months.

Driving Speed:

The speed at which the violation occurred may impact eligibility.

Before enrolling, it’s essential to check with the court handling your case to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria.

2  |  Enrolling in Traffic School

If you meet the eligibility requirements, enrolling in a traffic school is a straightforward process. Here are the general steps:

Contact the Court:

Reach out to the court that issued the ticket to inform them of your intention to attend traffic school. They will provide you with a list of approved schools.

Choose a Traffic School:

Select a state-approved traffic school. Many schools now offer online courses, providing convenience and flexibility.

Complete the Course:

Once enrolled, complete the required coursework. The duration and format of the course may vary, but it typically covers topics such as defensive driving, traffic laws, and safe driving practices.

Submit Completion Certificate:

After finishing the course, obtain a completion certificate and submit it to the court within the specified timeframe.

3  |  Benefits of Traffic School

Point Reduction:

Completing a traffic school course can often result in the removal of points from your driving record.

Insurance Premiums:

Avoiding points on your record may prevent an increase in insurance premiums.

Knowledge Enhancement:

Traffic school provides an opportunity to refresh your knowledge of traffic laws and safe driving practices, contributing to overall road safety.

While receiving a traffic ticket can be a frustrating experience, California’s traffic schools offer a silver lining by turning a negative situation into an educational opportunity. By understanding the eligibility criteria, enrolling in an approved school, and completing the course, drivers can not only mitigate the immediate consequences of a ticket but also enhance their understanding of responsible driving.

In the end, traffic school is not just about fulfilling a legal requirement—it’s a chance to become a safer and more informed driver on California’s bustling roads.