Do I Have to Go to Traffic School If I’m Ticketed?

The thought of attending traffic school doesn’t sound so pleasant for most drivers. It’s understandable. From school, to work, a young family to take care of, and so on, you might not have the time to spare.

However, it’s important to consider your circumstances carefully before making a decision. Whether or not you have to go to traffic school will depend on the violation you were cited for and how strong of a case you can build.

This can be challenging to decide, especially when you’re not well versed with the legal repercussions of each choice you have. You can start by discussing your case with a traffic ticket lawyer to determine and build the best strategy for your case.

When Is Traffic School Mandatory if I’m Ticketed?

To retain your driving privileges after a ticket, traffic school is compulsory if:

You were cited for racing, reckless driving, running a stop sign or red light, or failure to stop for a school bus
An accident occurred, you were at fault, and one or more victims were taken to hospital
You’ve been in two accidents in two years whose property damages exceeded $50.

In all other cases, you don’t have to go to traffic school but it might be the only option to get your ticket dismissed.

What Happens When You Go to Traffic School?

Upon being ticketed, you’re required to notify the court that you’ll be going to traffic school within 30 days. The course is a 4-hour long training that recements a driver’s knowledge on safe driving skills and road safety in general.

What are the benefits of going to a traffic school?

The court dismisses your traffic ticket and any associated points on your record
Your insurance company cannot hike premiums or deny you a policy
You might receive a discount on your fines
You don’t have to go to court.

Other Options for Your Traffic Ticket

Choosing not to attend traffic school leaves you with two other options.

The first one is admitting to the charges, paying the fine, and moving on with your life. Sounds easy, right? Except it’s not that straightforward. Paying the fine is an admission of guilt, which will go on your drivers record and accumulate traffic points.

Alternatively, you can choose to fight the ticket charges by pleading “Not Guilty” in court. Here, you’ll need sufficient evidence for a dismissal, lest you still pay the set fines and resulting court fees. Your attorney will advise you whether this is the best option and come up with a defense strategy for your charges as well.

Consult a Traffic Ticket Lawyer

A traffic ticket can not only result in hefty fines, but also the suspension of your drivers license and high auto insurance premiums. Fortunately, there are various approaches you can take to minimize your charges or even dismiss the ticket altogether, including attending traffic school.

Speak with a traffic ticket lawyer from Hersem Law to ensure that you’re going with the most favorable option on the table. Call 813-251-7291 or complete the contact form below for a free strategy session.