What California Traffic Schools Are and Why You Might Need One
A traffic school is a course you can take to dismiss a traffic ticket or reduce the points on your driving record in California. The DMV does not run traffic schools — instead, the state licenses private schools to teach these courses. Taking traffic school is optional; you can choose to pay the fine instead. But if you complete an approved course, the court may dismiss the ticket, and the violation will not appear on your driving record for insurance purposes.
California law limits who can take traffic school. You must have a valid driver's license, the violation must be a moving violation (not parking or equipment), and you cannot have taken traffic school for the same reason within the past 18 months. Your traffic ticket will tell you whether you are may be able to access, or you can ask the court that issued the ticket.
Key Takeaways
- The DMV maintains a searchable list of licensed traffic schools on its website, organized by county.
- Traffic schools teach online, by mail, or in person, and you choose which format works for your schedule.
- You must complete the course and provide proof to the court within the important date printed on your ticket.
- The court, not the traffic school, decides whether to dismiss your ticket after you finish the course.
- Costs vary by school and format, typically ranging from $20 to $100 for the course itself, plus court fees.
How to Find Licensed Traffic Schools on the DMV Website
The California DMV publishes a list of all licensed traffic schools at dmv.ca.gov under the "Approved Traffic Schools" section. The list is searchable by county. To find schools near you, select your county from the dropdown menu, and the DMV will display all schools licensed to operate there.
Each school listing includes the school's name, phone number, website, and the formats it offers (online, in-person, or by mail). Some schools operate statewide and accept students from any county; others serve only specific regions. The DMV updates this list regularly, so a school shown there is currently licensed to operate.
You do not have to choose a school from your own county. If a school is licensed in California and you meet the course requirements, you can take it regardless of where you live. Many people choose online schools for convenience, even if in-person schools exist nearby.
Understanding the Different Course Formats
Online traffic school is the most common option. You log in to the school's website, watch videos or read lessons, and take a test at the end. Most online courses can be completed in a few hours, and you can log in and out as many times as you need before the important date. You receive a completion certificate when ready or within one business day.
In-person traffic school is a classroom course, usually four to eight hours long, held on a single day or across multiple evenings. You attend the class, take notes, and pass a test at the end. The school gives you a certificate on the day you finish. In-person schools are useful if you prefer learning in a classroom or do not have reliable internet access.
By-mail traffic school is the slowest option. The school mails you course materials, you complete them at home, and you mail back your test. The school then mails you a certificate. This format can take two to four weeks from start to finish, so it is only practical if your court important date is far away.
What Happens After You Complete Traffic School
When you finish the course, the traffic school will issue you a certificate of completion. This certificate is proof that you took and passed the course. You must deliver this certificate to the court that issued your ticket before the important date on your ticket. The important date is usually 30 to 60 days from the date you received the ticket.
You can deliver the certificate in person, by mail, or by email, depending on what the court accepts. Check your ticket or call the court to confirm the method and the exact important date. If you miss the important date, the court will not dismiss the ticket, and you will owe the full fine.
The court, not the traffic school, decides whether to dismiss your ticket. In most cases, if you submit a valid certificate on time and you were may be able to access to take traffic school, the court will dismiss the ticket. However, the court has the final say. After the court dismisses the ticket, the violation will not appear on your driving record for insurance purposes, though the DMV will keep a record that you took traffic school.
Cost and Payment
Traffic school costs vary by school and format. Online courses typically cost $20 to $50, in-person classes cost $30 to $75, and by-mail courses cost $25 to $60. Some schools charge more if you need expedited processing or a rush certificate. These prices are separate from any court fees or fines you owe.
Most schools accept credit cards, debit cards, and sometimes checks or money orders. When you enroll, the school will ask for payment before you start the course. Some schools offer payment plans if the full cost is difficult to pay at once, though this is less common.
If you cannot afford traffic school, ask the court about a fee waiver or reduction. The court can sometimes waive the traffic school cost if you demonstrate financial hardship, though this is separate from the court fine itself.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not wait until the last day to enroll. If you choose an in-person or by-mail course, you may not have time to complete it before the important date. Even with online courses, technical problems or unexpected delays can happen. Enroll at least two weeks before your important date.
Do not assume the traffic school will send your certificate to the court. You are responsible for delivering it. The school will give you the certificate, but you must get it to the court on time. Keep a copy for your records.
Do not take traffic school if you are not may be able to access. If you took traffic school for the same violation within the past 18 months, the court will reject your certificate. If your violation was a parking ticket or equipment violation, traffic school will not help. Ask the court or read your ticket carefully before enrolling.
Do not choose a school just because it is cheapest. All licensed schools teach the same material and meet state requirements. A $20 course and a $60 course will both result in a valid certificate. Choose based on format and convenience, not price alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take traffic school online if I live outside California?
Yes. You can take any California-licensed traffic school online from anywhere, as long as the violation occurred in California and you are a California resident. The court that issued your ticket is in California, and that is what matters. You will still need to send your certificate to that court by the important date.
What if I do not finish the course by the important date?
The court will not dismiss your ticket. You will owe the full fine and the violation will appear on your record. If you are close to the important date, contact the court to ask if it will grant an extension. Some courts will, but it is not may provide. It is better to enroll early and finish with time to spare.
Do I have to choose from the DMV list, or can I go to any traffic school?
You must choose a school on the DMV's approved list. If you take a course from a school that is not licensed by the DMV, the court will not accept the certificate. Always verify the school is listed on dmv.ca.gov before you enroll.
Will traffic school remove the ticket from my driving record completely?
The court will dismiss the ticket, so it will not appear on your record for insurance purposes. However, the DMV keeps a record that you took traffic school for that violation. This record is not visible to insurance companies, but it is part of your DMV file.
Can I take traffic school if I have a commercial driver's license?
No. Traffic school is not available to holders of commercial driver's licenses. If you received a ticket while driving a commercial vehicle, you must pay the fine or contest it in court. Check your ticket to confirm whether you were cited while driving a commercial vehicle.