Does Traffic School Remove My Ticket? Removing a Ticket off Your Record in 2024
Did you just violate a traffic law? Too bad! Not only do you have to pay the fines, but you have points on your driving record now, which your insurance provider will somehow find out, like it or not. And when they do, we are all so well aware of what’s going to happen next. Higher premiums and greater insurance rates.
Is there any way that you can hide your traffic violation from insurance companies and the general public? Yes! Traffic schools are a solution, but you have to seek approval from a court, and meet a number of requirements. Attending these schools does hide the violation from your record, so insurance companies don’t get any whiff. Yaay!
Sounds good? Not always! Unfortunately, this only applies to some specific offenses. If you’ve been driving a commercial vehicle, transporting some hazardous material or are under the influence of alcohol, then no traffic driving school can help you remove points.
So how does attending a traffic school affect your points? Let’s take a look at the details.
So specifically which and how exactly are the points removed?
Attending a traffic school doesn’t affect the points you have accumulated in the past. However, points which you recently got due to the violation are subject to removal. The laws vary from state to state, but generally, when you receive a ticket, the points are added to you license automatically. Now you are either notified by the court or sent paperwork which explains the process of enrolling at a traffic school.
You have around 90 days (depending on where you are located) to deice if you’ll pay attend the traffic school or file a dispute. Once these 90 days are over, the points become permanent on your driving record. But if you show a certificate stating that you have completed traffic school, before these 90 days pass, then the points will be removed.
Please note that instead of following the default 90 days, the court can also give you a date by which you have to finish off driving school.
Types of Tickets and the Points Associated with Them in California
Understanding points and how they affect your driving record is essential to avoid severe penalties in the future. Here’s a breakdown of common traffic tickets and the points they carry:
1 Point Violations
- Speeding (1-15 mph over the limit): 1 point
- Running a Red Light: 1 point
- Illegal U-turn: 1 point
- Failure to Yield: 1 point
- Improper Lane Change: 1 point
- Not Stopping for a School Bus: 1 point
- Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign: 1 point
- Passing on the Wrong Side: 1 point
2 Point Violations
- Reckless Driving: 2 points
- DUI (Driving Under the Influence): 2 points
- Hit and Run: 2 points
- Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License: 2 points
- Speeding (Over 100 mph): 2 points
- Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road: 2 points
- Evading a Police Officer: 2 points
- Engaging in Speed Contests or Reckless Exhibitions of Speed: 2 points
Other Considerations
- Commercial Vehicle Violations: Points can be more severe and certain violations may lead to harsher penalties.
- Driving Without Insurance: Not typically point-assessed but can lead to fines and license suspension.
- Parking Tickets: Do not add points to your driving record but can result in fines.
Which violations allow you to attend traffic school?
You can attend traffic schools and get you points removed for specific violations only. Once again, the laws vary from state to state, but in almost all regions, reckless driving, speeds over 100 mph or breaking the set limit by around 15 mph to 20 mph, hit and run accidents, and driving when drunk don’t make you eligible for a traffic school.
Simple violations like breaking the signal, changing lanes unsafely and taking illegal U-turns do allow you to attend a traffic school.
So attend a traffic school if your violation is eligible; it is often the best choice, not only because it keeps your premiums low but also prevents your license from being suspended if you have too many points.
Responding to a Ticket and Addressing Points in California
When you receive a traffic ticket in California, it will outline how to pay the fine and the deadline. Straightforward tickets can be handled through mail or online, requiring a fee. Serious offenses, such as misdemeanors, will require an appearance in court. The ticket will be marked with a “Notice to Appear” message along with the name of the court handling your case, the payment deadline, and all necessary steps to respond. You will also receive a courtesy notice by mail, providing additional information and reminders about your case. If you do not receive these notices, contact your court immediately with the information provided on the ticket.
If you want to attend traffic school to address points on your record in California, wait for the courtesy notice or contact the court to confirm your eligibility. You will need to pay an administrative fee to the court and notify them of your intent to attend traffic school. The court will then send you a confirmation and provide a deadline for completing the course. Completing traffic school can reduce your driving record points, helping avoid higher insurance premiums and additional penalties.
In California, some jurisdictions, like San Diego County, may require paying the full ticket amount even if you attend traffic school. Be sure to read all correspondence from the court carefully to understand the specific requirements and policies in your area.
How to Remove Points with Traffic School
Attending traffic school can be a viable solution if you’ve received a traffic ticket and want to remove points from your driving record. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. Check Eligibility
Before proceeding, ensure that you are eligible to attend traffic school. Typically, eligibility requirements include:
- The violation is a minor traffic offense.
- You haven’t attended traffic school for a previous violation within the last 18 months.
- You were not driving a commercial vehicle at the time of the violation.
2. Request Approval from the Court
After receiving your ticket, you must request permission from the court to attend traffic school. This can usually be done:
- Online through the court’s website.
- By mail, following the instructions on your ticket.
- In person at the courthouse.
3. Pay the Fines and Fees
Even if you attend traffic school, you still need to pay the fines associated with your ticket. Additionally, there will be an administrative fee for the traffic school option, which varies by county.
4. Enroll in an Approved Traffic School
Choose a traffic school that is approved by the court. Options include:
- Online traffic schools for convenience and flexibility.
In-person traffic schools if you prefer a classroom setting.
- Make sure the school you select is DMV-licensed and court-approved.
5. Complete the Course
Once enrolled, you must complete the traffic school course. The course typically covers traffic laws, safe driving practices, and defensive driving techniques. It usually takes about 6-8 hours to complete.
6. Obtain a Certificate of Completion
After successfully completing the course, you will receive a certificate of completion. Ensure the school sends this certificate directly to the court. Some schools may provide electronic submission options.
7. Submit Proof to the Court
If the traffic school doesn’t automatically submit your certificate, you will need to provide proof of completion to the court by the deadline specified. This can often be done:
- Online, through the court’s traffic portal.
- By mail, sending the certificate to the court address provided.
- In person, at the courthouse.
8. Verify Point Removal
Follow up with the court or check your driving record to ensure that the points have been removed. This can usually be done through the DMV’s website or by contacting the court.
9. Maintain a Clean Record
To avoid future points, practice safe driving habits and stay informed about traffic laws. Repeated violations can lead to more severe penalties and potential license suspension.
By following these steps, you can use traffic school to remove points from your driving record, helping to keep your insurance premiums low and maintaining a clean driving record.
In summary, attending traffic school in California can effectively manage points on your driving record and keep your insurance premiums low. While not all violations are eligible for traffic school, always take this option when presented to maintain a clean driving record. Stay informed about traffic laws, and remember to drive safe!
