Traffic school is a program available to California drivers who have received a moving violation, such as running a red light or making an illegal turn (VC 42005). To be eligible, drivers must have a valid license, not have attended traffic school in the past 18 months (VC 42006), and not have been cited for a violation requiring a mandatory court appearance, such as reckless driving or DUI (VC 42007).
Qualifying offenses for traffic school include speeding, running a red light, failing to stop at a stop sign, making an illegal turn, and following too closely (VC 41501). Excessive speeding, defined as exceeding the posted speed limit by 25 mph or more, may make a driver ineligible for traffic school (VC 1803.5).
One thing to consider is that whether you are granted traffic school is up to the discretion of the traffic court commissioner. They can deny traffic school for an otherwise eligible offense without any explanation at all (but they cannot deny it based on you taking your case to trial).
If you have received a traffic citation and are unsure of your eligibility for traffic school, contact an experienced traffic ticket attorney for a free consultation. They can help you understand your options and provide guidance on the best way to resolve your case.
If you are facing a traffic ticket in California, don’t hesitate to contact my office for a consultation. I can help you navigate the process and ensure the best possible outcome for your case.