Do I Need to Go to Traffic School in California?

Traffic violations can be a headache, especially when it comes to understanding the potential consequences of your offense. One common question that arises is whether or not attending traffic school is necessary after receiving a citation in California. This article will provide in-depth information about traffic school, who is required to attend, and how it can benefit you.

What is Traffic School?

Traffic school is an educational program that teaches drivers about traffic laws and safe driving practices. In California, traffic school can help you reduce the points on your driving record from certain minor traffic violations. Completing traffic school can also prevent your insurance rates from going up due to a ticket.

Why Consider Traffic School?

1. Point Reduction: Successfully completing traffic school allows you to remove one point from your driving record for a qualifying violation.
2. Insurance Benefits: Many insurance companies offer discounts or avoid rate increases for drivers who complete traffic school.
3. Traffic Offense Improvement: Traffic school can help you become more aware of safe driving practices, potentially preventing future violations.

Who is Eligible for Traffic School?

Not every driver cited for a traffic violation will be eligible for traffic school. In California, you can typically attend traffic school if:

• You receive a Minor Traffic Violation: Common infractions eligible for traffic school include speeding, running a stop sign, and failing to yield.
• You hold a Valid California Driver’s License: Drivers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) may not be eligible for traffic school.
• You are not a Repeat Offender: If you have attended traffic school for a ticket in the last 18 months, you may be ineligible for a second course.

Step-by-Step Process to Determine Eligibility

1. Check Your Violation: Review your ticket to determine the specific violation and check if it qualifies for traffic school.
2. Read the Court’s Instructions: Your ticket usually includes instructions about your eligibility for traffic school.
3. Consult Your Insurance Provider: Speak with your insurance agent to confirm if attending traffic school would help lower your premium.

How to Enroll in Traffic School

Enrolling in traffic school is a straightforward process. Here are the steps you can take to enroll:

1. Check Eligibility: Before enrolling, ensure your violation qualifies for traffic school.

2. Select an Approved Course: In California, traffic schools are certified by the DMV. You can find a list of approved traffic schools on the California DMV website.

3. Complete the Registration: After selecting a course, register online. Most schools require payment at this stage.

4. Take the Course: Traffic school courses are often available online, allowing you to complete them at your convenience.

5. Notify the Court: Once you have completed the course, ensure that the traffic school notifies the court, which will update your driving record.

Timeframes and Deadlines

You typically must complete traffic school within 60 days of the citation. Always check court instructions for any specific deadlines to avoid additional penalties.

Benefits of Traffic School

Attending traffic school in California not only helps with point reduction but also has several additional benefits:

1. Increased Driving Knowledge

Courses teach drivers about recent traffic laws, safe driving practices, and accident prevention strategies.

2. Avoiding Higher Insurance Rates

Completing traffic school can prevent your insurance company from raising your rates due to the citation, potentially saving you money in the long run.

3. Peace of Mind

Going through the process can provide added peace of mind. Knowing your points are reduced and your insurance rates are stable allows you to focus on driving safely.

Costs Associated with Traffic School

While the expense varies, you can generally expect to pay a fee for both the traffic school course and associated court fees:

• Traffic School Fee: Generally ranges from $20 to $100.
• Court Fees: May vary depending on the county but can be around $50 to $100.

Always check with the specific traffic school and court for the most accurate fee structure.

Common Misunderstandings about Traffic School

1. Do I Have to Go to Traffic School for Every Ticket?

Not necessarily. You can attend traffic school only once every 18 months for point reduction on your record. More serious violations, such as DUIs, are not eligible for point reduction through traffic school.

2. Will Attending Traffic School Automatically Remove My Points?

While attending traffic school typically allows you to avoid having points added to your driving record for the specific violation, it’s essential to follow all instructions. If you fail to complete the course or notify the court, the points may still be added.

3. Can I Choose an Online Course?

Yes! Many traffic schools offer online courses that allow you to complete the program at your own pace. Ensure the course you choose is approved by the DMV.

Conclusion

Whether you’ve received a minor traffic violation or just want to stay aware of safe driving practices, traffic school in California can be highly beneficial. While not every violation qualifies for attendance, it can provide numerous advantages—including point reduction, better insurance rates, and enhanced driving knowledge. If you find yourself in a situation where traffic school is an option, take the time to enroll and complete the course to reap these benefits effectively.

FAQs

1. How long is a typical traffic school course in California?

Most traffic school courses take about 6 to 8 hours to complete, but many are offered in segments, allowing you to progress at your own pace.

2. What happens if I do not complete traffic school on time?

If you fail to complete traffic school by the deadline, the points from the traffic violation will be added to your driving record.

3. Can I attend traffic school for a DUI?

No, you cannot attend traffic school to reduce points from a DUI or certain serious offenses.

4. How will I know if the court received my traffic school completion?

The traffic school will typically send your completion certificate to the court on your behalf. You can verify this by checking with the court a few weeks after completion.

5. Is there a fee for traffic school in California?

Yes, there are fees associated with traffic school, including the course fee and possible court fees. Check with the school for accurate pricing.

By understanding these key points, you can navigate the complexities of traffic school in California with ease. Whether you’re looking for peace of mind or hoping to avoid insurance increases, attending traffic school is a smart decision for many drivers.