Traffic School: Camera Tickets, What You Need To Know

Traffic school is an option for those who want to keep their driving record clean and avoid insurance premium increases after receiving a traffic ticket. In California, traffic school can mask a ticket, preventing it from showing as an offense on your record and keeping insurance rates from rising. However, it's important to note that not all tickets are eligible for traffic school, and there are certain conditions that must be met to qualify. For instance, you should have a valid driver's license, the ticket should be related to a non-commercial vehicle, and you shouldn't have attended traffic school in the last 18 months. Additionally, some tickets, like equipment offenses or alcohol-related violations, are typically not eligible for traffic school. To confirm your eligibility, you can refer to the notice from the court or contact them directly.

Eligibility for traffic school

Eligibility Based on Type of Violation

You are eligible for traffic school if your violation is a moving violation. Non-moving violations, such as parking tickets, are not eligible for traffic school.

Eligibility Based on Type of Driver's License

You must have a valid, non-commercial driver's license to be eligible for traffic school. If you have a commercial driver's license, you may still be eligible if the offense occurred in a non-commercial vehicle.

Eligibility Based on Previous Attendance

You are not eligible for traffic school if you have attended traffic school within the last 18 months.

Other Factors Affecting Eligibility

If your violation is related to alcohol, drugs, or equipment failure, you are not eligible for traffic school.

Determining Your Eligibility

The best way to determine your eligibility for traffic school is to check your court notice. The notice should state whether you are eligible. If you are unsure, you can contact the court listed on your citation to verify your eligibility.

How to respond to a ticket

If you've received a ticket for a traffic violation, there are several steps you can take to respond. Here is a guide on how to respond to a ticket:

Review the Ticket Information:

Read the ticket carefully to understand the violation you've been cited for. The ticket will include information such as the date, time, location, and nature of the violation. It's important to review this information and ensure its accuracy.

Decide on Your Course of Action:

You typically have a few options when responding to a ticket. You can choose to:

• Pay the fine associated with the ticket: This option is often the simplest, but it will result in points being added to your driving record, which can increase your insurance rates.
• Attend traffic school: If you're eligible and this is your first offence in the last 18 months, you may be able to attend traffic school to avoid getting points on your record. This option usually requires paying an administrative fee and completing a course within a specified deadline.
• Contest the ticket: If you believe the ticket is incorrect, unlawful, or unfair, you can choose to fight it. This may involve reviewing evidence, collecting your own evidence, and potentially appearing in court to plead your case.

Take Action:

Once you've decided on your course of action, take the necessary steps to follow through. If you choose to pay the fine, follow the instructions on the ticket for payment options and deadlines. If you opt for traffic school, contact the court to confirm your eligibility, pay the fee, and enrol in an approved course. If you decide to contest the ticket, gather any relevant evidence and prepare your case.

Understand the Consequences:

Keep in mind that your response to the ticket can have consequences. Paying the fine and accumulating points may result in increased insurance rates or even license suspension if you reach a certain threshold. Failing to respond to the ticket, such as ignoring it or missing deadlines, can lead to additional penalties and legal complications.

Responding to a ticket promptly and choosing the most appropriate course of action can help minimise the impact on your driving record and insurance rates. Carefully consider your options and take the necessary steps to resolve the issue.

How to find a California traffic school

If you've received a red light camera ticket in California, it's important to know that you are responsible for it. Ignoring any type of traffic ticket is risky, and while there may be some workarounds, it's always best to deal with the ticket directly.

To find a California traffic school, you can use the California Department of Motor Vehicles' (DMV) online traffic school list to find a school in your area. The DMV website has an Occupational License Status Information System (OLSIS) that can help you find a school. You can search by "Type of Instruction" and use optional filters such as License Number, Business Name, Language, Address, City, Zip Code, or County.

Once you've found a school, contact them directly to register. It's important to note that you cannot attend or register for traffic schools through the DMV website.

When choosing a traffic school, make sure you select a DMV-approved school. This is important because only approved schools will be accepted by the courts. For example, TrafficSchoolToGo.com is a DMV-licensed school that automatically submits your completion certificate to the DMV.

If you are eligible to attend traffic school (as outlined in your court notice), you will need to pay a fee, sign up, and complete the course. By successfully completing an approved traffic school course, you can keep points off your license and avoid negative impacts on your driving record and insurance rates.

Benefits of attending traffic school

If you've been ticketed for a traffic violation, attending traffic school can offer several benefits. Firstly, it can help you avoid hefty fines and increased insurance rates. In some cases, completing traffic school may result in a reduction or even a complete dismissal of the fine associated with the ticket. Additionally, by keeping your driving record clean, you can prevent a spike in your insurance premiums. Insurance companies often increase rates for drivers with violations on their record, so attending traffic school can help you avoid this additional expense.

Secondly, attending traffic school can help you maintain your driving privileges. Accumulating points on your driving record can lead to a suspension or revocation of your driver's license. By attending traffic school, you can prevent points from being added to your record, reducing the risk of losing your driving privileges. This is especially important if you need your license for work or other essential activities.

Thirdly, traffic school can improve your driving skills and knowledge. The course provides a refresher on traffic laws, safety practices, and driving rules. This can help you become a safer driver and reduce the likelihood of future citations and collisions. It's an opportunity to update your knowledge and ensure you're aware of any changes or updates to traffic regulations.

Lastly, attending traffic school can enhance your employment prospects. Some employers conduct background checks, and having a clean driving record can improve your chances of securing a driving-related job. A good driving record demonstrates responsibility and maturity, which are favourable qualities for employers. By attending traffic school and keeping your record clear, you increase your employability and may have a competitive advantage over other candidates.

How to pay for traffic school

Paying for traffic school can help you keep points off your license and prevent your insurance rates from increasing. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pay for traffic school:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before signing up for traffic school, it's important to verify if you are eligible. Generally, you are eligible for traffic school if you have a valid driver's license, the ticket is related to a non-commercial vehicle, and you haven't attended traffic school in the last 18 months. The notice from the court should indicate whether you are eligible, but if you are unsure, you can contact the court for clarification.

Step 2: Wait for the Courtesy Notice or Contact the Court

If you intend to attend traffic school, wait for the courtesy notice to arrive in the mail. This notice is typically sent by the court a few weeks after receiving the ticket. If you haven't received the notice within that time frame, you can contact the court directly to inquire about your eligibility and the next steps.

Step 3: Pay the Administrative Fee

When you receive the courtesy notice, it will include instructions on how to pay the administrative fee associated with attending traffic school. This fee is typically less than the full penalty of the ticket. Send in your payment along with your notice of intent to attend traffic school.

Step 4: Sign Up for an Approved Traffic School

It's important to choose a traffic school that is approved by the DMV or your state's relevant authority. In California, for example, the DMV provides a list of approved traffic schools. Register for the course and ensure that you complete it by the deadline provided by the court.

Step 5: Submit Your Completion Certificate

Once you have successfully completed the traffic school course, submit your certificate of completion to the court by the given deadline. In some cases, the traffic school may automatically submit the certificate on your behalf. This will help ensure that the ticket is blocked from your record, and you will not receive any points or increases in your insurance rates.

Additional Considerations:

It's important to note that not all tickets are eligible for traffic school. For example, equipment offenses, alcohol-related offenses, or certain moving violations may not qualify. Additionally, the rules may vary depending on your state and the specific court handling your ticket. Always refer to the information provided by the court or consult with them directly if you have any questions or concerns.

Frequently asked questions