Point Reduction in California

Determine Your “Course” of Action

Your courtesy notice, sent by the court, will indicate whether you’re eligible for traffic school.

If you’re eligible, you’ll need to plead guilty and then pay to attend traffic school. If you opt against appearing in court to enter your plea and state your traffic school intentions, be sure to notify the court before the due date posted on your citation.

Those Not Eligible to Dismiss a Traffic Ticket

California is clear about eligibility. You cannot attend traffic school for:

• Equipment violations
• Misdemeanors
• Non-moving violations (parking tickets)
• Alcohol-related violations
• Violations with a mandatory court appearance
• Violations in a commercial vehicle
• Violations while holding a commercial driver’s license

If you’ve attended traffic school in the last 18 months for another citation you will need the approval of a judicial officer to attend again for the purpose of having your citation dismissed.

Complete a CA Driving Safety Course

Before enrolling in a course, make sure it meets court approval. If in doubt, contact the court for a list of approved traffic schools.

Generally, you’ll have three course options:

• Traditional classroom course
• Video/DVD take-home course
• Online Internet Course

You must complete the course by the date assigned by the court. Usually the court will give you 90 days. In addition, you must pay the court an administrative fee and pay the course tuition.

Submit Requirements to the Court

Upon completion, either mail or deliver in person to the court your completion certificate. The school may offer to send it in for you, but it’s best to play it safe and submit the certificate on your own. Once the court receives the certificate, it will dismiss the charge against you and, in most cases, remove the point or points associated with the citation from your driving record.

Check Your California Driving Record

Be sure to check your driving record to ensure the accuracy of points assigned to the state record. Because points can so negatively affect your driving privileges, auto insurance rates and more, you want to ensure your driving record is correct at all times.

Get an Auto Insurance Discount

Check with your auto insurance provider for traffic school attendance discounts. Completing a traffic school course may lower your insurance premiums.