Attending Traffic School in California: How Often Can You Skip Out of Court (Without Actually Skipping)?
Let's face it, nobody enjoys getting a traffic ticket. It's like a speeding snail dart right to your wallet (and maybe your pride). But fear not, fellow Californian motorist, there is a beacon of hope: traffic school! This magical place (well, mostly online these days) lets you brush up on the rules of the road, potentially avoid those pesky points on your license, and maybe even emerge a reformed driver...or at least someone who knows the exact speed limit on that weird, one-block stretch of road.
But here's the thing: traffic school isn't a buffet you can hit up every time you develop a lead foot. There are, gasp, rules! So, how often can you trade in that ticket for a defensive driving course?
The 18-Month Rule: Your Ticket to Traffic School Freedom (Well, Once)
California's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) operates on a nifty 18-month system. This means you can attend traffic school once every 18 months from the date of your violation, not the day you decide to enroll. Bold that 18 months, folks! It's the key to knowing if you qualify for this driving-record-cleansing course.
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But Wait, There's More! (Because California Loves Its Fine Print)
- Not all tickets are created equal: Traffic school is typically offered for violations that carry one point on your license. So, if you were channeling your inner race car driver, you might be out of luck.
- The judge has the final say: The court has the discretion to deny traffic school eligibility, even for minor infractions.
- Gotta pay to play: Completing traffic school doesn't magically erase your ticket. You'll still need to pay the associated fine.
So You Want to Be a Traffic School Regular? Not So Fast!
Look, we all love options, but attending traffic school every 18 months isn't exactly a badge of honor (unless your collection includes speeding tickets from all 50 states, then maybe). Consider this your friendly reminder to be a safe and responsible driver. California's roads (and your wallet) will thank you for it!
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| How Often Can You Attend Traffic School In California |
FAQs:
How to Know if I Qualify for Traffic School?
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Check your ticket or court notice. It will usually mention if traffic school is an option.
How to Find a Traffic School in California?
The DMV website has a list of approved traffic schools [California DMV approved traffic schools list].
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How Long Does Traffic School Typically Take?
California traffic school courses typically take about 8 hours to complete online.
How Much Does Traffic School Cost?
The cost of traffic school can vary but typically ranges from $30 to $70.
How Do I Know If Traffic School Completion Removed Points from My License?
The DMV will send you a notification once they receive your completion certificate and update your driving record.