Well, it finally happened. You got a traffic ticket. All it takes is a distracting song on the radio, running late for work or simply zoning out after a long day and you can miss something like the speed limit dropping by 10 miles per hour. The next thing you know, blue and red lights were flashing in the rear view mirror.
Getting a traffic ticket in California can be stressful and irritating, but it’s a common occurrence. The LA Times has reported that California drivers get over 4 million traffic tickets a year. Of course, with over 26 million licensed drivers, California has more people on the road than any other state.
Paying for a moving violation in California isn’t cheap. Especially when you’re on a budget and didn’t set aside money for your lead foot. But at least California traffic school can help curb the cost.
California Traffic School Explained
Traffic school, commonly referred to as defensive driving, is a course that’s meant to be a refresher. It reminds licensed drivers of driving best practices that keep everyone safer on the road. It’s a completely voluntary course, but there are a few very good reasons why people attend California traffic school.
Drivers Take California Traffic School to Get a Traffic Ticket Dismissed
California traffic school is an option for getting your traffic citation dismissed. Whether the option is available to you is ultimately up to the court. If you’re offered the option to attend traffic school, that means you’re essentially being given a chance to keep the violation and points off your record. It also reduces the likelihood of your auto insurance rates going up.
Drivers Take California Traffic School to Reduce Auto Insurance Rates
Maybe you didn’t receive a ticket at all. However, you’re still paying a little more than you’d like for California car insurance. Enrolling in traffic school voluntarily is a great opportunity to receive a safe driver’s discount.
How to Take California Traffic School
If you got a ticket the first thing you may do is start looking up traffic schools. But that is actually getting a few steps ahead of yourself. Here are five simple steps to taking California traffic school.
Step 1. See If You Qualify to Take California Traffic School
Before you sign up for a course, you need to make sure you’re eligible to take traffic school. You qualify to take California Traffic School if:
You have a valid license.
Your citation wasn’t received while under the influence.
You did not receive a misdemeanor.
You weren’t driving for a commercial entity.
You haven’t taken traffic school in the last 18 months.
If you are completing the course for reduced insurance rates, make sure you contact your insurance provider for details as to whether or not you qualify. The offer is usually geared towards new and older drivers (over 65), but it’s always worth looking into regardless of your age.
Step 2. Choose a State-Approved California Traffic School
The most important aspect of choosing a traffic school is making sure it’s approved by the California DMV. The court will only count courses from providers like Aceable that have proven they can effectively deliver the required course material. Both in-class and online courses have been approved by the California DMV.
Today, most people choose to take California traffic school online out of convenience. Courses like Aceable’s state-approved California traffic school can be completed on any mobile device. All you need is an Internet connection!
Step 3. Take the Course
How you take the course will depend on your traffic school. If the course is in a classroom, then you’ll likely complete it in one or two sessions. With an online course you work at your own pace.
In California traffic school you should learn techniques to avoid accidents through conscious and alert defensive driving. You’ll also brush up on California traffic laws and learn helpful tips for how to avoid future citations.
Step 4. Submit Your Certificate of Completion
One reason California drivers choose Aceable is because we immediately send the certificate of completion to the court. As soon as they receive it we’ll send you an email letting you know the court has the certificate.
If you need to show your auto insurance provider proof of traffic school completion we can provide you with the proper documentation.
Step 5. Wait for the Court to Process the Paperwork
Once the certificate of completion is submitted your part is done. Once the court has credited you with completing traffic school the violation and points should not be anywhere on your driving record.
It’s good to take a step back and remind ourselves of the small things when it comes to driving. There are so many instances when a tiny, unconscious decision can lead to a devastating effect with huge consequences.
Traffic school isn’t just a tool to get a ticket thrown out so you can get back to speeding to work. It’s not a boring class to click through to save some money. If you take it seriously, it can serve as a reminder that the way you drive is crucial to the safety and wellness of you and every single person on the road around you.
*This article was updated on 12/14/23.