Traffic School

Hands at ten and two, radio blaring, windows down to let the fresh air in and then there it is in the review mirror: the flashing light, the hiccup of a siren…pulled over by the state's finest! A glance down at the speedometer and a cringe as the needle is descending from a number quite above the one posted alongside the road, and then, after pulling to the side of the road, that slow approach of an officer with the ticket book already open in her hand.

Traffic School Guidelines

If there is any bright side to this situation, it is that, for first time infractions by licensed drivers, there is a way to keep points off of the permanent driving record: traffic school. Generally, traffic school may be presented as an option in moving violation situations when a licensed driver has not had a previous ticket for at least eighteen months prior to the current violation.

While the moving violation will still be a part of an individual's DMV printout, upon the completion of traffic school, also known as “defensive driving classes,” the court will dismiss the charge, and no points will be added to the driving record. There may be exemptions to this, especially if the new infraction is alcohol related or the infraction is classified as a misdemeanor or has a mandatory court appearance as a stipulation. Also, many states will not allow a traffic school option if the violation was more than 15 miles over the speed limit or accident involved.

Registering for Traffic School

Driving school can be registered for in person, by phone, by mail, or on-line, and must be done so by the deadline stipulated by the court, and finished within 90 days of the registration. The court will have information on what schools are approved, and Web sites will post online classes that may also be allowed by the court as an acceptable course to avoid blemishing a permanent record. This is an especially appealing option for those who may live out-of-state from where the infraction occurred.

There will be a fee due to the court as well as to the traffic school, but this oftentimes pales in comparison to the hike the insurance company gives to premiums after a violation has been permanently recorded. Be aware that it is up to the individual and not the school to ensure that the certificate of completion is mailed or received by the court.

By Barbara Poelle