How to Take Traffic School in California
Whether you’re looking to mask your California traffic violation or researching ways to reduce your insurance rates, it can be frustrating to find unclear, conflicting information. Fortunately, we’ve created this helpful guide for you to follow, so that you’ve got a helping hand to assist you along the way.
From receiving your citation to having your completion reported to the DMV, we’ve detailed the process you’ll need to take to keep that pesky ticket off your public record! And if you’re looking to get a hefty insurance discount by taking an online traffic course, we’ve got the details here too.
How to Mask Your Violation
1. Receive notice by mail of your eligibility for California traffic school.
Generally, you will be eligible if:
- You have a valid drivers license
- Your violation is not alcohol-related
- You have not attended traffic school within the last 18 months
If you have a commercial drivers license, your violation must have occurred outside of your work shift and in a non-commercial vehicle.
Once you receive notice of eligibility, you must plead guilty to your violation and elect to enroll in a state-licensed California traffic school course. This can either be done at the court date listed on your citation, or by notifying the court by phone/mail before that date. If you choose to go to court, you will need to pay a court administrative fee at that time.
2. Enroll in and complete your I Drive Safely California Online Traffic School.
Please have the following documents ready when you register:
- Your traffic citation
- You government-issued identification
You can choose to complete either the Text-Based course or the Premium Online Video course; each one is DMV-licensed and meets the requirements necessary for reducing points. Our course meets the state-required 8 hours, which you may work through at whatever pace is comfortable for you.
3. Receive notice of your course completion reported to the DMV.
When you complete your course and pass your final exam, we will report your completion information directly to the DMV. Typically your court will give you 90 days to complete and report your course; upon completion, your citation and points will be hidden from your public record.
4. Check your driving record.
Ensure that you have received credit for your California Traffic School course and that the points and violations do not show up on your public driving record.
How to Reduce Your Insurance Rates
1. Contact your insurance agency.
Each provider has different eligibility rules and requirements. Call your agent to make sure you qualify for a reduction in insurance rates.
2. Enroll in and complete your California Insurance Discount Course.
Please have the following documents ready when you register:
- Your traffic citation
- Your government-issued identification
You can choose to complete either the Text-Based course or the Premium Online Video course; each one is DMV-licensed and meets the requirements necessary for an insurance discount. Be sure to choose a delivery method for your proof of completion.
3. Send your Proof of Completion to your insurance company.
After we deliver your proof of completion, you can immediately take it to your insurance agent and have them process your rate reduction on the spot.
4. Enjoy the refresher on traffic knowledge – and your reduced insurance rate!