Traffic School or no Traffic School?

It’s not so much a question or a choice but rather a matter of eligibility. You just got a ticket, pick your “crime”; speeding, red light camera or any traffic violation that is not a misdemeanor… there’s a countless array of transgressions available to us all. Under most circumstances you would be allowed to go to traffic school and by doing so preventing a point from appearing on your driving record.

Why is this important? Well, in California you are allowed up to four points within a twelve month period before your driver’s license can be suspended. Perhaps just as drastic is the impact that those points have with your insurance company. The more points you accumulate the higher your rate will be and in these pressing economic times we really don’t need any more unnecessary expenses. Another thing to remember is that one is allowed traffic school once every eighteen months, the so called eight hour traffic school (which can be done online).

The twelve hour traffic school or “second offender” traffic school that used to be allowed by the court within that 18 month period is no longer available.

Commercial drivers aren’t eligible to attend traffic school while driving their “work” vehicle so hiring a traffic lawyer might be a good alternative. Due to recent changes in the law, a commercial driver who receives a citation while driving his or her personal vehicle is eligible for traffic school. Also, there’s a cost involved with attending traffic school in addition to the price of your ticket but more than likely well worth it. So remember, if you are eligible, traffic school is probably your least expensive option when you get a traffic ticket.