Tickets happen in a split second. Once they're on your public record, though, the repercussions can last much longer.
Fortunately, there is a way to avoid more points on your record and higher insurance premiums. Going to traffic school allows you to dismiss a ticket or get an auto insurance premium discount.
Read on to learn how to take traffic school in Fresno, California.
The Smart Choice: Online Traffic School
Nothing could be more simple and convenient than doing traffic school online. It offers many advantages over a physical school:
There are no scheduled class times. Online traffic school is available 24/7 — just log in and start whenever you want. When you log out, your place in the class is saved automatically. That way, you can break up the course into smaller sections if you want.
Online traffic school is no less real than a brick-and-mortar class. I Drive Safely's California traffic school is DMV approved and licensed for use in every California county, including Fresno County.
Designed by industry professionals, California online traffic school presents safety regulations in a way that is unique and engaging.
An online video course option lets you watch a 3D animated movie rather than reading chapters in a text.
Didn't pass the first time? No problem. With online traffic school, you can take the test a second time for credit.
Why Traffic School?
California is one of 10 states nationwide to use traffic school. The other states require a course in defensive driving or a driver's improvement course instead.
No matter what it's called, the basic goal of these courses is the same. Pass the test, and you can dismiss a ticket from your public record and avoid increases to your auto insurance premium.
Am I Eligible?
The state of Californiasays you can attend traffic school if:
You have a valid driver's license.
The offense happened when you were driving a non-commercial vehicle, such as a passenger car or pickup.
Your ticket is for a moving violation.
The court in your jurisdiction may send you a reminder notice. That document will say whether or not you are eligible for traffic school.
What Offenses Aren't Eligible?
You can't use traffic school to make a parking ticket go away.
If the traffic offense requires you to appear in court, you're also ineligible. The same is true for traffic offenses that are deemed misdemeanors and offenses where alcohol or drugs are involved.
Violations made in a commercial vehicle aren't eligible for traffic school, either.
If you went to traffic school for another violation in the past 18 months, you are not eligible.
What Will I Learn in Traffic School?
The course covers the following topics:
Traffic laws in California.
Defensive driving.
Dealing with hazardous road conditions.
Risks posed by drunk driving.
Most people wouldn't take traffic school unless they had to do so. But it's a great refresher course for anyone who has gotten fuzzy about the rules of the road.
Is There Anything Else I Should Know?
Traffic school can remove points from your public driving record. However, you are still required to pay the fine. You'll also need to pay an administrative court fee and the cost of the traffic school course itself.
You'll need to notify the Fresno court that issued your ticket about your decision to take traffic school. That is, if you decide to attend traffic school instead of making your scheduled court appearance, you'll need to request permission from the court before the due date. If you are eligible, the court will give you a deadline by which you need to complete the course.