The answer to the question, should I use traffic school for a traffic ticket depends on many variables.
Using traffic school for a traffic ticket is often seen as a way to keep convictions confidential from your insurance company and maintain your insurance premium at its current level.
It does NOT keep the conviction off your driving record. What’s more, if you have multiple tickets pending, it is likely a waste of time and money.
In Mammoth Lakes and Bridgeport, Mono County, CA, it’s worth knowing if this option is the best for your situation.
Let’s explore when Traffic Violator School is an option and when it may not be the right choice.
When Can I Use Traffic School for a Traffic Ticket?
According to the Judicial Branch of California, you’re eligible for traffic school if you:
Hold a valid California driver’s license.
Committed a minor moving violation in a non-commercial vehicle.
Haven’t used traffic school to mask a traffic ticket within the last 18 months.
Approval from the county court clerk or traffic judge is necessary.
Typically, you must plead guilty, pay the ticket or set up a payment plan, pay the $64 admin fee, and complete traffic school on time.
If you meet these requirements and finish the course by the court-ordered date, the DMV will place your conviction in a restricted file.
Failure to finish on time means the conviction will appear on your driving record, potentially increasing your insurance premiums by around $600 annually for three years or nearly $1,800.
Should I Attend Traffic School for a Traffic Ticket?
Before pleading guilty and paying the fine, ask yourself: should I use traffic school for a traffic ticket?
While it can help conceal one minor infraction within an 18-month period, it won’t protect you if:
You have multiple tickets or unresolved violations.
The ticket is correctable (fix-it tickets don’t benefit from traffic school).
The offense is severe, like speeding over 100 mph or reckless driving.
DUIs, misdemeanors, and felonies are not eligible for traffic school.
Remember, traffic school attendance only keeps your guilty plea confidential for regular Class C drivers (Class A drivers will avoid the point but their employer, insurance, and the feds can still see the conviction). It doesn't keep the points off your motor vehicle driving record.
Additionally, attending traffic school will not prevent a driver’s license suspension if a second ticket takes you over the NOTS point thresholds (four in one year, six in two years, or eight within three years).
Should I Hire a Traffic Attorney?
Should I hire a traffic attorney if I’m unsure about traffic school? Yes, consulting an attorney can help you understand your options.
A traffic attorney can:
Evaluate your eligibility and potential benefits of attending traffic school.
Help negotiate reduced charges or points.
Guide you through complex cases, ensuring the best outcome.
For example, correctable tickets simply require fixing the issue, obtaining an officer’s signature, and paying a small admin fee—traffic school isn’t needed.
For traffic infractions, legal advice could prove to be invaluable.
Final Thoughts
Traffic school for a traffic ticket can be helpful, but it’s not always the best solution.
Consider your driving record, the nature of the violation, and long-term financial impacts.
In Mammoth Lakes or Bridgeport, consulting a knowledgeable traffic attorney can save you time, money, and stress.
Get legal advice tailored to your situation to make the right choice.
Consult with Bigger & Harman About Traffic School Attendance for Traffic Tickets
Always consult a traffic attorney about traffic school attendance for traffic tickets before disputing one in Bridgeport or Mammoth Lakes Courthouse in Mono County, CA, call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Otherwise, use our convenient-to-use contact form or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025—Bankrate.com.
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
https://www.bakersfieldtraffictickets.com/ca-point-system/
The CA DMV Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) Webpage.
CA VC 12810, Issuance and Renewal of Licenses.