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How Much is Traffic School in California – 2024 Guide: What You Should Know

man receiving speeding ticket violation

Whether you’re considering in-person or online courses, exploring the various costs of traffic school and it’s associated fees can help you better understand your final ticket cost. Today, we will break down these costs to help you make an informed decision. 

In-Person Cost vs Online Costs

The cost of traffic school in California will vary depending on whether you choose an in-person or online course. Generally, in-person traffic schools cost between $20 to $45, while online traffic schools range from $15 to $40. 

In-Person Traffic School Costs

  • Registration Fees: Typically range from $20 to $45.
  • Materials Fees: Some schools will charge extra for books or other materials.
  • Convenience Fees: Additional costs for weekend or evening classes.
  • Commuting Costs: Includes fuel, public transportation fares, and parking fees.
  • Time Commitment: Attending an in-person class usually requires a full day, potentially leading to lost wages if you need to take time off work.

Online Traffic School Costs

  • Registration Fees: Usually between $15 to $40.
  • Technology Fees: Some platforms may charge for access to their online system.
  • Completion Fees: A fee for processing and reporting your completion to the DMV.
  • Convenience: No commuting costs or need to take time off work, making it a more flexible and cost-effective option.

Fees Associated with Tickets

When you receive a traffic ticket in California, several fees are associated with it:

  • Base Fine: The initial fine for the violation.
  • Court Fees: Additional charges for processing the ticket.
  • Administrative Fees: Costs related to managing your case and traffic school enrollment.
  • Traffic School Fees: Fees for enrolling in and completing a traffic school course.

For example, a speeding ticket might have a base fine of $100, court fees of $50, and an additional $20 for traffic school enrollment, totaling $170 before considering the cost of the traffic school course itself.

Does Traffic School Cost More in Specific CA Cities?

No, the cost of traffic school are relatively consistent across the state. Here are the top 8 most populated cities where you can find similar traffic school costs:

  1. Los Angeles
  2. San Diego
  3. San Jose
  4. San Francisco
  5. Fresno
  6. Sacramento
  7. Long Beach
  8. Oakland

Common Reasons for Traffic School

Drivers attend traffic school for various reasons, including:

  • Ticket Dismissal: To prevent a ticket from appearing on their driving record.
  • Point Reduction: To reduce points on their driving record and avoid higher insurance premiums.
  • Court Order: When mandated by a judge as part of sentencing for a traffic violation.
  • Voluntary Education: To improve driving skills and knowledge.

Eligibility for Traffic School

Eligibility for traffic school in California generally includes:

  • Non-commercial drivers: Only drivers with non-commercial licenses are eligible.
  • Non-major infractions: The ticket must be for a moving violation, not a major offense like DUI.
  • Frequency: Drivers are typically allowed to attend traffic school once every 18 months to dismiss a ticket.
  • Court Approval: The court handling your ticket must approve your attendance at traffic school.

Does Traffic School Reduce the Costs of a Ticket?

While traffic school does not directly reduce the base cost of a ticket, you can prevent points from being added to your driving record, which can help avoid increased insurance premiums. Over time, this can save you significant amounts of money, making it quite invaluable.

Does a Ticket Cost More if the Ticket is Contested?

Yes, contesting a ticket can potentially increase the overall cost. If you contest a ticket and lose, you may be required to pay additional court fees and fines. Additionally, if the court finds you guilty, the original fine and any associated fees still apply, possibly including higher costs due to extended court proceedings.

Can You Request Traffic School After a Ticket is Paid?

In California, once you pay a traffic ticket, you typically forfeit the right to request traffic school. It is crucial to request traffic school at the time you pay the fine or during your court appearance. If you fail to request it initially, you might lose the opportunity to attend and dismiss the ticket, which means the violation could remain on your record.

Getting Started with ComedyTrafficSchool Today

If you’re ready to start traffic school and want to have a bit of fun while learning, consider enrolling in ComedyTrafficSchool. Known for its engaging and entertaining approach, ComedyTrafficSchool makes the process of completing traffic school more enjoyable.

Steps to Get Started:

  1. Sign Up Online: Visit the ComedyTrafficSchool website and register for the course. The registration process is straightforward, and you can begin almost immediately.
  2. Choose Your Format: You can select between online and in-person classes. Online classes allow you to complete the course from the comfort of your home, while in-person classes might be available at a location near you.
  3. Complete the Course: Follow the instructions to complete the required 8-hour course. The course includes humorous content, such as funny videos and interactive quizzes, to make learning enjoyable.
  4. Submit Your Completion: Ensure your course completion is reported to the DMV and the court. ComedyTrafficSchool typically handles this for you, ensuring all necessary paperwork is submitted.

By choosing ComedyTrafficSchool, you can fulfill your traffic school requirement while enjoying a few laughs. This approach makes the process less tedious and helps you retain the information better due to the engaging and entertaining format.