Traffic school may or may not be court mandated after an offender commits a traffic violation. However, in many cases, individuals opt to enter traffic school before trial begins in an attempt to reduce the fine or penalty. Traffic school may also help reduce insurance rates and improve driving records. It can offer an opportunity for drivers to demonstrate the desire to reform certain driving practices and become more responsible on the road.
Traffic school classes generally last about eight hours and take place over one or two days. Often held in classrooms or court rooms, these classes will vary in length and setting, depending on the policy of the county in which the crime was committed. Traffic school generally costs around $40 and includes numerous lectures, handouts and discussions. After the course, individuals typically fill out a form that indicates to the court that they have completed the course.
Certain states allow traffic violators to attend traffic school via an online course. Texas, California and Florida are among these states, and each of these states offers an online traffic school for individuals who have committed certain violations (such as speeding, failing to stop at a stop sign, or failure to use headlights). These online programs have grown rapidly in popularity in recent years, allowing individuals to complete traffic school from their own homes (California Online Driving School).
Only certain traffic violators are eligible for traffic school. In most cases, courts will notify individuals of their eligibility before their trial date. Typically, individuals accused of speeding, disobeying traffic signs, car maintenance violations, and other minor traffic violations are eligible. Certain more serious traffic fines (such as automobile theft, evading arrest, or driving under the influence) render individuals ineligible for traffic school. In such cases, individuals may be required to attend traffic school in conjunction with other court-mandated programs.