How to Use Traffic School to Keep a Clean Driving Record

You don't need to wait until you get points in your license before going to traffic school. More traffic infractors are now being directed to take classes in defensive driving. If you complete the required courses, you usually maintain your clean driving record and no violations are reported to your insurance company.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Contact a traffic school as soon as you receive a citation, speeding ticket or some form of traffic violation. Even if you are not court-ordered to take a course, doing so will help you keep a clean driving record and may save you from getting points when another violation occurs.
2. Offer to take a course as a way to keep the problem out of your records. Many courts can offer this option, but not all traffic inspectors will suggest it as a first alternative. Ask if it is possible to avoid paying for a ticket by enrolling in traffic schools.
3. Use a traffic school approved by the DMV and your local court system. This will ensure that your driving record remains clean (the record is automatically cleared and sealed once you complete the course) and that your insurance premiums don't increase due to the violation. Insurance companies cannot view sealed records.
4. Remember that you are not allowed to use traffic school more than once every 18 months. There are exceptions to the rule, but they are at discretion of the court. Avoid any traffic violations and problems if you know you will not be legally able to reduce points through courses.
5. Use a traffic school to avoid infractions being recorded in your public driving record (the one your insurance company has access to). If the infractions make it into the record, you may be better off taking a different type of course or paying the fine than spending a full day in traffic school.

Tips & Warnings

• Enroll in traffic school as soon as possible after receiving a ticket or citation. Some courts have a limited time window to allow for this option. After that time expires, you must pay the fine and the information will appear in your public driving record.