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Answering Common Texas Defensive Driving Questions

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The state of Texas is the largest state in the continental United States and is also one of the most populated. Due to the sheer amount of people and large cities in the state, there are always a lot of people on the road in the state of Texas. All motorists in the state of Texas have the responsibility to be safe when behind the wheel. A great way to learn more about how to be a safe driver is by taking a defensive driving course in Texas. These courses are available to all drivers in Texas that have a driver's license or learner's permit.

What is Taught During a Texas Defensive Driving Course?

If you do take a defensive driving course in Texas, you will get to learn a lot about driving safely. One area of focus for a Texas defensive driving course is to teach best practices to be safe when behind the wheel. This includes teaching how to be focused, how to prepare your car and mirrors, how to use signals, and what hazards to look out for. One of these courses will also spend time going over the driving rules and regulations in the state. This can make the course a great class for either a new driver or a refresher for an existing one.

How Does Defensive Driving Help with Citations?

While defensive driving courses in Texas are a great way to learn about driving safely, it can also be a way to get out of speeding tickets and other minor moving violations. Even if you are a safe driver, there is a chance that you will get a ticket at some point. If you are charged with a ticket, it could sit on your record for a long time and affect your future insurance costs. However, in many situations, you can instead take a defensive driving course and the citation will be removed from your record.

What Could Disqualify Someone from Taking a Defensive Driving Course in Texas?

While most drivers in Texas will be able to take a defensive driving course to help get out of a ticket, there are situations in which you will not qualify to receive citation penalty relief. Some situations that could disqualify you from taking a defensive driving course include the following:

  • You refused to admit guilt to the driving violation. To have the citation removed, you will need to admit that you did violate the law.
  • You have not received a citation or taken a similar class over the past 12 months. These courses and citation relief are not available for routine and repeat offenders.
  • The citation was deemed to be very significant. For example, driving more than 25 MPH over the speed limit would prevent you from taking this course and receiving citation relief.
  • You have lost your driver's license or learner's permit and are not eligible to presently drive a vehicle.

If you are a holder of a CDL license in Texas and were caught speeding while driving a commercial truck, you will not be able to take this course. This is intended to be used for normal passenger vehicles.

How Do I Take a Defensive Driving Course?

One concern that anyone will have with a defensive driving course is that it will be too expensive and inconvenient. However, these courses are often able to be completed in a short period of time and can be done from the comfort of your own home. Once you pass the final test, you will receive certification immediately. This can then be shared with insurance companies and your local DMV to show you have met your obligations.

There are various situations when taking a defensive driving course can be ideal for those in the state of Texas. When you are looking for a new defensive driving course, you should consider those offered by MyIMPROV Texas. These courses are approved by courts, insurance companies, and state driving agencies all over the country due to the quality education provided to students.

Texas Defensive Driving Explained

The silhouette of a cowboy on horseback at sunset on a background

Some people are asked to take a defensive driving course after they've gotten a ticket. Some people simply want to take a defensive driving course to improve their driving and help them stay safer behind the wheel. No matter the reason, defensive driving courses in Texas are never a bad idea. The fist step is to find out the real cost of defensive driving in Texas. Read on to learn all about defensive driving courses in Texas: what they are, how much they cost, how long they take to complete, the many benefits of these courses and how you can get started today.

What is a Defensive Driving Course

Defensive driving courses are offered in each state in the United States. In short, these courses aim to help people become better drivers.

Defensive driving courses teach safe driving strategies so that drivers can identify hazards on the road, anticipate dangerous situations and make safe decisions alongside all kinds of other drivers. They help drivers gain a new perspective on viewing the road.

Defensive driving courses are different from drivers ed classes. Drivers ed classes generally teach people how to operate a vehicle, all about state driving laws and different driving safety practices. A defensive driving class, on the other hand, teaches people how to drive defensively in order to prevent accidents and not do anything illegal on the road. They teach you how to handle aggressive drivers, extreme weather, obstacles in the road, car malfunctions and emergency situations.

How much money are defensive driving courses in Texas?

In the rest of the United States, defensive driving courses range in price from $15 to $100. In Texas, however, The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation requires that the cost of defensive driving course to be at least $25. You may be able to find a course in Texas for $25, and some may cost up to $100.

The vast majority of people who have taken defensive driving courses say that they are well worth the money.

How long does it take to complete a defensive driving course in Texas?

The length of each defensive driving course varies from state to state, and they are typically four, six or eight hours long. A Texas defensive driving course must take to take a minimum of six hours to complete, and most are six or eight hours.

Most defensive driving places offer courses both in-person and online. If you choose to take an online defensive driving course, you can start and stop the course at your own pace.

What are the benefits of completing a defensive driving course?

There are so many benefits of completing a defensive driving course. Here are just a few:

  • Insurance discounts: When you complete this course, simply tell your car insurance company, and you should be able to get a discount on your car insurance that lasts for at least a few years. The insurance discount for defensive driving courses varies from 5% to 20%.
  • Dismissal of tickets: Most minor citations in Texas can be dismissed by taking a defensive driving course. However, Texas defensive driving courses can only be used to dismiss one ticket in any 12-month period.
  • License point reduction: When you complete a defensive driving course approved by the state of Texas, it will reduce or eliminate any points on your license.

How to Start a Texas Defensive Driving Course

If you're ready to take a defensive driving course in Texas, MyIMPROV has your covered. With years of experience and fun and engaging courses, IMPROV's dedication to rethinking the ordinary will help you get through defensive driving in Texas as quickly, easily, and well entertained as possible.

Visit MyIMPROV Texas to get started today!

Texas Defensive Driving Requirements: Everything You Need to Know

Lady Justice in front of a Texas flag

Ever feel like the universe is throwing curveballs your way? Picture this: you wake up late and dash out the door without breakfast, making for a rough start. As if things couldn't get worse, suddenly you're zooming down the road too fast. Next thing you know, a Texas cop pulls you over and hands you a ticket. Now it's turned into a really rough day. But stick around—there's more to this story than just bad luck and speeding tickets.

With a previous traffic ticket in your name, you can't afford to have another on your driving record, but the chances of fighting the ticket and winning are slim.

Sound familiar? Researching the Texas defensive driving requirements is the first step to your solution.

Defensive driving courses can help resolve tickets and remove points from your record. Not every infraction is covered, so here's a guide on everything you need to know about them.

Why Should You Consider a Defensive Driving Course?

There are a few paths you can follow when trying to make a ticket disappear. You can simply pay the fine. If you do that, the cost is taken care of, but you essentially plead "nolo contendere" and points will be added to your record as they usually would.

You could try talking to the judge, but most judges will look at the facts of the traffic laws broken and deny your request. You could even risk a harsher ruling if the judge knows you're a repeat offender.

Lastly, you can simply pretend it didn't exist, which means more fees and harsher penalties if you don't take the necessary steps to amend the ticket.

None of these give you the outcome of point reduction and ticket removal, so taking a defensive course is your best option. Once completed, your certificate of proof can expunge the ticket. It can even get your insurance to trust you again and lower your rates.

Texas Defensive Driving Requirements

You should note that not all traffic violations are created equal, and some may not qualify for removal. Before signing up, check out these Texas state requirements you must meet:

  • You Have a Valid Non-Commercial Driver License
  • The ticket states an infraction of less than 25 MPH over the speed limit
  • You have not completed the course within the last 12 months
  • Your infraction was outside a construction zone

    • There are no special circumstance reprieves, unfortunately, so you'll have to meet all requirements. On top of that, approval needs to come from a judge before taking the course. Signing up before this approval can void the certificate of completion. If you need help determining if your ticket qualifies, you can ask the judge in court or contact their office directly.

    How a Defensive Driving Course Can Help With Ticket Dismissal

    After you confirm that you meet the qualifications, you will be able to complete the following steps for ticket dismissal relatively quickly. With the green light to proceed, you bring the court all the defensive driving court documents they need to approve.

    These forms include license, proof of insurance, a signed admittance of guilt, and any fee money they'll charge for processing.

    Once you have completed the administration aspect, you can enroll yourself in an accredited driving school. Visit the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website to find a course.

    When you have completed everything, you'll return to the courthouse with your certificate of completion and your driving record and watch smugly as the ticket removal occurs.

    Just kidding! You should be friendly to the court staff; it may make the processing time shorter!

    What Will You Learn in the Defensive Driving?

    In the course, you'll get a refresher on the regulations and laws of traffic. This includes safety equipment, the aspects of a crash, how to prevent crashes/accidents, DUI's and much more.

    It also dives into the human and psychological aspects of driving. As a student, you'll overcome the mental roadblocks that may trigger road rage with practical techniques in other parts of daily life.

    In the end, you'll have improved on anticipating predictable hazards, how to avoid them, and becoming an overall more responsible motorist.

    The class will be a minimum of 6 hours, so bring some lunch and must be completed in its entirety for you to get credit. For those that want to opt-out of in-person interaction, the course is also offered online and offers more flexibility because you can stop and go when you want to.

    Already Taken Defensive Driving in Texas? Here's What Changed

    You need to know a few changes if you've taken the course before 2015 and need to retake it. All driving education/ defensive courses have switched over from the Texas Education Agency or TEA and are now under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation responsibilities.

    This change means that when you complete the new defensive driving course, your certification may state TDLR. If you have a certificate under TEA, it is still valid, and you will be able to use it until the regulated expiration date given by the court or insurance company.

    The TEA remains the approving agency for deciding on programs for education, but all TEA accredited driving schools need approval for accreditation from the TDLR.

    Yes, it's a lot of information, and the goal isn't to make your head spin, But it's important to remember to check their accreditation first if you plan on going back to the same driving school.

    Texas Defensive Driving Can Help You Get Started on Ticket Dismissal Today

    Getting a ticket could ruin your driving record and insurance if left unhandled. The right driving school can prevent that from happening by helping you sign up for the defensive driving course. Take some time to find the one that's right for you. Some schools take a straightforward approach, presenting you with the information in a dry, consumable format. Others believe they have discovered the secret formula to retain information by mixing comedy and learning, hoping to educate through engagement.

    A defensive driving course is an excellent opportunity to prevent the consequences of your traffic citation and improve as a driver. Sign up for Defensive Driving Texas Course today to get started. Take advantage of the situation to set yourself for continued driving success and avoid future citations altogether!

    Beaumont, Texas Traffic VS Houston, Texas Traffic

    I'm sorry, but it seems there is no text provided for rephrasing. Could you please provide the text you need rephrased? Every Texan knows the horrendous stories of driving around Beaumont, Texas or Houston, Texas. The terrifying road conditions and gridlock traffic would leave anyone turning in their sleep. Moreover, when two cities in Texas are similar, in whatever way possible, they must duke it out to discover who’s the best. In this case, which city is the best at having the worst traffic: Beaumont, Texas or Houston, Texas? To answer this perplexing question, we have to weigh the contributions to traffic build up. Below is your guide on which city has the worst traffic conditions in Texas.

    Beaumont, Texas Traffic

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    Rush Hour

    texas traffic Rush Hour traffic is a plague on the idea of a timely arrival. For several hours in a day, the roads of Beaumont fill up with anxious drivers leaving for work or speeding home. Between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, Beaumont experiences high volumes of traffic, because, apparently, a lot of people work the ol’ 9 to 5 grind. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

    Traffic Accidents

    traffic accident Traffic Accidents can cause major congestion and worsen peak busy hours. In 2014, Beaumont experienced nearly 642 traffic accidents. It could have been less, but people didn’t enroll in their Texas online defensive driving course. With statistics like this, the biggest accident is choosing to drive in the city. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

    Road Conditions

    bad road conditions Road Conditions can bring traffic to a screeching halt. Whether there’s hindering construction, or you drive over a camouflaged pothole that destroys your tires, the condition of the road contributes greatly to the flow of traffic. Beaumont receives countless complaints of the poor road conditions and not enough on the lack of Whataburgers. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

    Speed Traps

    beaumont speed trap Speed Traps will ruin anyone's day. Getting slapped with a speeding ticket will force you to cough up hundreds of dollars. It will also make getting through traffic worse. Littered along I-10 are traps set to catch anyone exceeding the speed limit. Drive the speed limit or break your wallet’s limit. [/framed_box]

    Houston, Texas Traffic

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    Rush Hour

    houston traffic Rush Hour is expected in large cities. What isn’t expected is how much longer it lasts in Houston than it does in smaller cities, like Beaumont. From 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the city of Houston experiences massive delays in traffic, because of car congestion from busy commuters. Rush hour is longer in the evening, because Houston has a great selection of Whataburgers. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

    Downtown Traffic

    downtown houston traffic Downtown Traffic is a whole other story. When rush hour stops everywhere else, downtown traffic continues to persevere. Instead of calling it “rush hour,” in downtown Houston, they just call it “rush forever.” [/framed_box] [framed_box]

    Road Conditions

    houston road condition Road Conditions in Houston are… not the worst. Despite the massive number of commuters, the infrastructure around Space City is in pretty good condition. However, that doesn’t account for road construction, which adds time to anyone’s commute. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

    Speed Traps

    houston speed trap Speed Traps are set up around the city. Except trapping season is all year long. Specifically, police like to target highways when setting up a speed trap. This is to catch people running late for work or trying to get home in a hurry. If you have a honey butter chicken biscuit from Whataburger in your passenger seat, who wouldn’t be in a hurry. It’s hard to compare the two cities. However, when it comes to traffic, they both have a notorious reputation. The only true way to discover which city has the worst traffic is by visiting the areas. Except we’ve been checking the traffic radar for downtown Houston all day and it’s STILL considered rush hour. [/framed_box]

    Can You Register a Car Online?

    can you register car online There are many reasons why states require people to register their cars. Part of the reason is for taxation. But other reasons include keeping track of who owns what car, figuring out the number of cars on the roadways, and ensuring the vehicles on the roads are safe. If you are looking to register a new vehicle or pay your current registration for an existing vehicle, you may wonder if this is something you can do online. The answer to this question varies based on the state you are in. Here are a couple popular states and the information you need to know about how to register a car online in these states. [framed_box]New York   In New York, some registrations are eligible to be renewed online. You may be eligible to complete your renewal process online if your registration has not been expired for a year or longer, your registration is not suspended, you have insurance and you have had your vehicle inspected in the last year. If you are eligible to renew online, your registration paperwork will indicate that you can go online and make the payment. If you are not eligible, you will have to go to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles to renew your registration.[/framed_box] [framed_box]California   In California, online car registration can only be used for cars that are currently registered in California and have been within the past year. If you are looking to register a car from out of state or looking to register a car that has not been registered in over a year, you will need to go to the DMV. Additionally, online registration may not be completed if the information you need to complete the process has not been electronically submitted. This includes a smog check and your insurance papers. If you pay online without proof of either of these, you will be asked to submit them by mail or in person before your registration process can be completed. Also, be sure you have completed a driving course at an accredited driving school. If you are wondering how to register a car in California easily take a look at some more of our content.[/framed_box] [framed_box]Arizona   Unless you are looking to register a car from out of state, the answer to the question " can I register my car online in Arizona" is yes. Your renewal slip will tell you whether you need an emissions test or not. If you do, you must obtain this test and have it electronically sent to the DMV before you can register your car. Once that information has been received, you can register your car online. Be aware that if you have outstanding tickets, you may be required to pay those before you can register your vehicle. This can also be done online, making the process easy.[/framed_box] [framed_box]Texas   Texas, of course we did not forget you. If you are wondering how to register a car in Texas there are a few ways including online, by mail or in person to a county substation. One of the unique things about Texas is that you do not even need to wait for a renewal form to register your vehicle. You can register it simply using the license plate number or VIN number when the time comes.[/framed_box] [framed_box]Florida   Florida will not allow you to register out of state vehicles or vehicles that you have just purchased online. However, if you are looking to register a vehicle that has been previously registered in your name, you can re-register it online. You can re-register your vehicle up to three months in the state of Florida as long as there is a current proof of insurance certificate meeting the state minimum on file for your vehicle. Most states are now allowing customers the ability to pay their registration fees online, rather than having to mail them in or pay them at a DMV office. If you live in New York, Florida, Texas, California, or Arizona, you live in one of the states that allows this, making it easy to pay your vehicle registration when the time comes. Those states also make it easy for you to take traffic school online to dismiss a ticket. Great news for the super and somewhat-super computer savvy.   [/framed_box]

    2018 Texas Traffic Laws

    As is the case with most states in the union, Texas is always updating its driving and Texas traffic laws as technology, trends and other factors require it to. For 2018, there are a few notable new laws that have taken effect. We’ll also examine one big notable law that took effect in 2017 that is certainly worth reinforcing when it comes to their significance. Here’s a look: [framed_box]

    Faster Vehicle Sales?

    When a vehicle is sold, it’s standard for this ownership to be transferred from seller to buyer. A new bill, S.B. 1062, aims to speed up bill sales by further streamlining odometer readings. Prior to the bill taking effect, the only way to meet the odometer reading requirement for a sale was to do it on a secure form. Why? Because it prevented any tampering from occurring. After it was done this way, the form then had to be mailed, which could potentially delay the vehicle ownership transfer process by a few days. Now, it’s no longer a requirement to file the odometer reading this way. Per the bill, electronic forms are the only thing that’s needed today, making for faster transfers. It’s also worth noting that electronic readings may also now be submitted in the case of filing an insurance claim. Sometimes, the waiting is the hardest part – this makes the wait times much more manageable. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

    No Texting and Driving

    Though this involves a law that went into effect in 2017, it’s worth repeating. Texas has joined many other states in the union and has made texting and driving illegal thanks to H.B. 62, which went into effect on September 1, 2017. The statewide ban can result in a misdemeanor offense for those who violate it while operating a vehicle. According to the law, first-time violators may be fined about $100, with fines doubling for repeat offenders. For context, Texas speeding ticket cost for going one to 10 miles per hour over the speed limit carries a base fine of $97, while speeding 20 miles per hour or more carries a base fine of $200. (We should also note that if you have tickets and points on your license and are interested in getting your insurance premiums decreased, taking courses at a TX traffic school can help.) In 2015, almost 3,500 died from an accident involving a distracted driver nationwide. What’s more is that nearly 400,000 people were injured because of distracted driving. It’s these facts that are leading many states to take such matters very seriously, and Texas is now no exception. To date, 47 U.S. states ban texting while driving, as does Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

    New Weight Limits on Milk Hauling

    S.B. 1383 likely doesn’t apply to most Texans, but it’s certainly worth noting when it comes to new driving laws for this year. Specifically, the law has increased the weight limits on the amount of milk that can be hauled in a truck. Prior to 2018, that limit was 80,000 pounds. Now, it’s 90,000 pounds. According to the bill’s sponsor, the last time the milk transportation limits were updated was in 1995, so this was evidently due for a review. Per the bill, drivers must have a permit to do so. The permit costs $1,200. Again, this won’t apply to the majority of Texas drivers, but we’re guessing that the increased weight limit is welcomed by drivers and grocery stores. For reference, a gallon of milk weighs about 8.6 pounds. That means trucks will be able to carry an additional 1,162.7 gallons with their load. [/framed_box]

    TX Defensive Driving Comedy

    tx defensive driving comedy Everyone has a funny driving story. Some are unusual, some are silly – but no matter what type of driving story you have to tell, we’re sure that there’s some sort of entertainment value in it. And in the case that your driving story warranted a citation, there’s usually a defensive driving course that can help reduce any fines, offset ticket points, potentially lead to lower insurance premiums and, above all, just give you the proper refresher on how to drive safely the next time you might be in a similar situation. With that said, here’s a look at some of the funny driving stories we’ve heard in our defensive driving courses from students over the years: [framed_box]

    Speeding to the Hospital to Have a Baby

    You can never prepare for the exact time a baby will arrive, which is why it’s important to have the hospital bag packed and waiting by the door to grab as you run out the door around the due date. But what happens when your wife goes into labor at home and you’re in such a rush to get to the hospital that you forget her? That’s what happened to one of our former students, as he was pulled over by the police for speeding. When he explained that he needed to get his wife to the hospital to have a baby, he expected the police officer to say, “Follow me,” and light up the squad car. But the officer gave a bewildered reaction and calmly proclaimed, “I think you may have forgotten something.” In the end, mom made it to the hospital with time to spare and gave birth to a healthy baby boy. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

    Um, That’s Not the Stick Shift

    One of our students was taking their driving test in a manual transmission vehicle. The driving test instructor, per the usual, was sitting in the passenger’s seat. Things were going well until the student mistook the driving instructor’s thigh for the stick shift. Though a bit awkward at first, both the student and the instructor had a good laugh about it once they realized what had happened. The student wound up passing the test. Wink, wink. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

    Traffic Jam Karaoke

    Though traffic jams aren’t usually met with excitement and laughter, that wasn’t the case with a recent student of ours. She was caught in rush hour traffic, combined with a traffic accident that blocked two of the three lanes of highway she was driving on. Needless to say, traffic wasn’t going anywhere fast as all the vehicles had to go from three lanes down to just one. But instead of letting the traffic jam get to her, this student cranked up the radio, rolled down the windows and changed the channel until she found a song she knew. Before she knew it, she realized that other drivers around her had done the same thing, and were belting out the same song. If you can’t beat the traffic, you might as well join it… in full-fledged song. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

    Ultimate Sledding

    What do you get when you mix teenage hijinks with extreme sports? Ultimate sledding! One of our students told us a story about how he and his friends used to attach a sled and rope to his friend’s truck hitch and then they’d take turns sledding through neighborhoods after a nice snowfall. His fun came to an end one day when a resident phoned the police. They got off with nothing more than a warning, but were told that if they were caught again they wouldn’t be as fortunate. Oh well, albeit a bit dangerous, it sounds like a fun way to shovel the snow! [/framed_box]

    How Do Other Countries Dismiss Traffic Tickets?

    KickedOut In the United States, if you are cited for a traffic infraction, this infraction shows up on your driving record. However, depending on where you reside, you may be able to take traffic school every one to three years to have one ticket, such as a speeding ticket, red light infraction or other similar ticket, removed from your record. This may leave you wondering if this is standard in all parts of the world or how other countries dismiss tickets. Here is more information about dismissing or removing tickets from driving records in other parts of the world. United Kingdom

    In the United Kingdom, they work on a points system that is very similar to those used in the United States. You get a certain number of points and once you exceed that points value, your license can be suspended. However, in the United States, you can take traffic school to remove one of these tickets and the points from your record. This is not an option in the United Kingdom. They only way to prevent points from hitting your record is to fight a ticket or not to get a ticket in the first place, unless you received a speeding ticket. Speeding ticket offenders can avoid a speeding fine, points and/or court by taking a 4-hour Speed Awareness Course. For other traffic offenses, the UK's National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme (NDORS) offers a range of courses which are designed to cover most low level moving traffic violations.   Australia

    In Australia, the traffic ticket system is set up like it is in the United States. Each state has their own set of rules and laws. Just like in the United States, most states do have a points system in place. If you get too many points on your driving record for traffic infractions, your license will be suspended. However, just like in the US, in most states, you can attend traffic school to remove one ticket from your record. Once again, the frequency with which you can attend the school or take the course varies from state to state. Some are two years and others are four. And the number of points dismissed varies by state. However, if a state allows it, it’s a great way to remove unwanted points from your record. Germany

    Germany is another country that issues points based on the citations you receive while driving. These points can remain on your record for 2 1/2 years up to 10 years. If you receive a large number of points, your driving license will be suspended and you must go through a psychological examination to attempt to get your license back. While this state does not allow traffic school, you can get points removed from your record by taking part in formal training schools that are offered by the government in the country, in certain cases. A judge has to approve the training class and the removal of points based on what your offense was. Italy

    Italy has one of the most unique driving systems around. Drivers automatically start with 20 points on their driving record. If they drive well for two years, they receive two additional points, up to a maximum of 30 points. If they receive an infraction, they lose points. If they lose all their points, they can have their license suspended. Italy does not offer driving school or any other form of training. The only way to earn your good points back is by driving safely and following all traffic laws. Every country has different laws when it comes to driving, driving infractions and licensing. Learning about the different country will help you see how strict your area is or how laid back it is compared to various countries around the world.

    How to get a speeding ticket off your driving record

    Flame Speeding tickets tend to happen when you least expect them, and when your funds seem to be at their lowest. But there's a much bigger danger beyond just your rapidly shrinking bank account — points on your license. Tally up enough of those points, and you may find yourself not only broke but also on the bus. But there are ways that you can get a speeding ticket wiped entirely from your record completely.

    What is the best way to fight a traffic ticket?

    Judge with gavel   Every state in the nation has their own way of handling speeding tickets, with some being more lenient than others. There are certain things that stay the same across the US if you plan to fight the ticket. For all states, you'll have a chance to tell your side of the story if you feel there was a mistake made when issuing the speeding ticket. For example, if you know you were going 55 miles an hour when the officer clocked you at 65, then his radar gun or detection device may have been poorly calibrated or just plain broken. Always plead not guilty in any court of law if you intend to fight. In all states, you'll need to fill out the proper paperwork and pay the court fees to get your record and plead your case. Judge with gavel   When you argue your case in either a conference or a court, you need to know the regulations that will help you win. For example, radar units are supposed to be calibrated before every shift, and before and after an officer uses it to clock a speed. These types of stringent requirements are difficult to follow for a busy speed trap, so you may be more in luck than you think. Evidence like camera footage may help you prove that the light was yellow by the time you crossed into the intersection. The court will consider your past driving records to help make their decision, so highlight any good behavior on the road too. You also can hire a lawyer who may be able to use their skills and expertise to get your ticket completely cleared for your record too.

    What are the benefits of taking online traffic school?

    Judge with gavel   Traffic school is offered in most states as a way to clear your record. Depending on the severity of your offense, it may be mandated that you take these classes. Typically, you'll want to plead guilty if you intend to take the classes, but you don't have to. For example, in California, you can still fight the ticket and potentially have the option to take traffic school if a judge allows it. However, the judge does not have to justify their decision to you if they don't allow you to take driving school, so bear this in mind if you're weighing your options. Monopoly car on American map   If you live in the states of Arizona, Florida, California or Texas, you can have the ticket dismissed entirely if you take traffic school. If you live in New York state, traffic school will take up to 4 points off your license. Arizona, Florida, and Texas will only allow you to take the traffic school option once a year. In California and New York, it's up to 18 months. You should have had only one moving violation, and it must be for a speeding ticket as opposed to reckless driving to get the points removed. Another major bonus in taking traffic school is that you may be able to reduce the cost of your insurance as well as get the points removed.

    How To Access Your Driving Record

    DrivingRecordCar At some point in time, you may find yourself needing to access your driving record, in order to submit to a court, employer, or for any other purpose. Here are some helpful steps for requesting your driving record for some of our most popular states: California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Arizona. California CAcar You can request an online unofficial copy of your driving record directly from the California DMV website for a $2 fee. You would first need to be a certified user of the DMV website by registering online. You can do this through this link: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/FIM/sps/uscfed/usc/self/account/create . Once your California DMV user account is set up, you can go to this link https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/online/dr to request your unofficial online driving record. Please make sure that you have a printer ready and that it is in working order, so you can print out the driving record when it opens, as you will only have one opportunity to print out your record after the fee has been paid. If not, you will need to repay the fee to access the record again. Please note that if you need an official driving record document, you will need to fill out an INF 1125 document (PDF accessible on the link provided above) and mail it in to the DMV Headquarters. The address is listed on the form. New York NYcar For New York, you can request an official certified DMV driving record (abstract) online, by mail, or in person at a DMV location. In order to request your driving record online, you must first register for a New York DMV account. You can sign up by going to this link: https://my.dmv.ny.gov/crm/?register=T . Please note that you must have your most recent driver’s license / learner’s permit / non-driver ID information available in order to register. Once your account is set up, you may request the driving record through the MyDMV site. The fee for the online driving record is $7. Once you order the driving record, you will be able to access it to download to your computer and print it up until 11:59 PM the following day. If you would like to request your driving record by mail, you would need to fill out a MV-15 form “Request for DMV Records,” accessible through this link: https://dmv.ny.gov/dmv-records/get-my-own-driving-record-abstract and mail it, along with a photo copy of your proof of identity, and a personal check or money order for $10.00 payable to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles” and mail it to MV-15 Processing, NYS Department of Motor Vehicles, 6 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12228. If you would like to request your driving record in-person at a DMV location, you would just need to fill out an MV-15 form “Request for DMV Records” (accessible through the above link) and bring proof of your identity and $10.00 for the fee. Texas TXcar For Texas, you can order a copy of your driving record online or through the mail. You can access it online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/driverrecords.htm . You will need the following information to access your driving record: your Texas driver’s license, your current DPS audit number, date of birth, last 4 digits of your social security number, credit card (for payment), adobe PDF reader, access to a working printer, and an understanding of the type of driving record that you need. Here are the different types of driving records available: Type 1 – Status Record, Type 2 – 3 year history, Type 2A – Certified 3 year history, Type 3 – List of all crashes and violations, Type 3A – Certified list of all crashes and violations, Type AR – Certified abstract of complete driving record. If you would like to request your driving record by mail, follow the directions on the Driver Record Request Form (PDF), which is available on the link provided above. Florida FLcar For Florida, you have two options to request your driving record. You are able to request a copy of your driver’s license in person at a Driver License office, a tax collector, a court clerk, or from a private vendor or you can request it by mail. In order to request a copy of your driving record by mail, you would need to fill out a Driver License Request Form, which can be accessed through this link: http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/abstract.html and provide the appropriate fee, which is $8 for a 3 year record and $10 for a 7 year record. You will need the following information, in order to request your driving record: full name, birth date, social security number, Florida Driver License number, and the address where to send the record. Send the form and payment to Bureau of Records, P.O. Box 5775, Tallahassee, Florida, 32314-5775. Please note that it may take up to two weeks for your request to be processed. Arizona AZcar For Arizona, requesting your driving record is very easy online. You would go to the following link: https://servicearizona.com/webapp/citizenMVR/begin.do Then, you would want to provide your personal information, pay the fee, and then download and print your Driver License Motor Vehicle Record results. You must have the following information available to access the record: Arizona driver’s license number, birth date, last four digits of your social security number, and a major credit card for payment. Please note that you should have your printer ready to print out the driving record.

    Weirdest Traffic Laws from Each State

    weird traffic laws traffic school Even on the Federal Highway System, the Rules of The Road vary from state to state. Here we’ve collected and commented on some of the more arcane and unusual traffic laws you may want to remember if you live in, or travel in the United States. Read up! Ignorance of the law is no excuse, and if you break the law, you may have to take traffic school to dismiss the ticket. Alabama – It’s illegal to drive a car while blindfolded. Alaska – No driving with a dog tethered to your car. Arizona – It’s against the law to drive a car in reverse on a public road. Arkansas – in Little Rock it’s against the law to honk your car horn anywhere that serves cold drinks or sandwiches after 9 p.m. California – In Glendale, it’s illegal to jump from a car going over 65 mph. Colorado – It’s illegal to drive a black car on a Sunday in Denver. Connecticut – it’s illegal to hunt from a car. Delaware – “R” rated movies shall not be shown at drive-in theaters. Florida – It is illegal to skateboard without a license. Georgia – There’s no driving through playgrounds in Georgia. Hawaii – It’s against the law for a vehicle in motion to use its hazard lights. People might think it’s a Luau. Idaho – it’s forbidden for Senior Citizens over the age of 88 must lose all sense of balance, them to ride a motorcycle in Idaho Falls. Illinois – It’s illegal to drive a car without a steering wheel. And, of course, impossible. Indiana – It’s against the law to sell cars on Sundays. Try Maine. Iowa – No vehicle may sell ice cream in Indianola, Iowa. Kansas – No tire screeching in Derby, Kansas. Kentucky – It’s illegal for your pet to molest a vehicle in Fort Thomas. Louisiana – A woman’s husband is required by law to walk in front of the car waving a flag as she drives it. Maine – It’s illegal to buy a car on a Sunday. Better move to Indiana. Maryland – It’s a misdemeanor to swear from a vehicle while driving through Rockville. Massachusetts – You cannot drive with a gorilla in your backseat. In the front seat is okay with the seat belt buckled. Michigan – It’s against the law to sit in the middle of the street and read a newspaper. But in Detroit you may lie there and be covered by one. Minnesota – You can be charged as a public nuisance if your truck leaves mud, dirt or sticky substances on the road in Minnetonka. Mississippi – In Oxford, it’s illegal to honk your horn, even though it is an additional means of communication included in the price of your car. Missouri – You can’t honk someone else’s car horn in University City, Missouri. Montana – You can’t drive a herd of livestock numbering more than 10 on an interstate highway unless the herd is preceded and followed by flagmen. Nebraska – By law, drivers on mountains should drive with caution near the right edge of the highway. Surprisingly, Bighorn Mountain rises to 4,731 feet. Nevada – Even though it’s the desert, t’s illegal to ride a camel on the highway. New Hampshire – It’s against the law to inhale bus fumes with the intent of inducing euphoria. If you want to kill yourself, that’s covered under a different law. New Jersey – If you have been convicted of DUI, you can never apply for personalized license plates. New Mexico – It may or may not be kidnapping, but it is illegal for cab drivers to reach out and pull potential customers into their taxis. New York – It’s against the law to disrobe in your car in the beach town of Sag Harbor, Long Island. North Carolina – In Dunn, North Carolina it’s illegal to play in traffic. North Dakota – it's illegal to lie down and fall asleep with your shoes on. Ohio – It’s illegal to run out of gas in Youngstown. Oklahoma –Cars must be tethered outside of public buildings. No guidance on to what. Oregon – It is illegal to place a container filled with human fecal matter on the side of any highway. No containers! Pennsylvania –Any motorist who sights a team of horses coming toward him must pull well off the road, cover his car with a blanket or canvas that blends with the countryside, and let the horses pass. Rhode Island – One must make a loud noise before passing a car on the left. Preferably with your vehicle’s horn. South Carolina – When approaching a four way or blind intersection in a non-horse driven vehicle you must stop 100 ft. from the intersection and discharge a firearm into the air to warn horse traffic. South Dakota – No horses are allowed into Fountain Inn unless they are wearing pants. Tennessee – It’s illegal to shoot game from a moving vehicle. But hitting it with your car is legal, and can be delicious. Texas – You must have windshield wipers to register a car. Utah – By law, birds have the right of way on all highways. Luckily, they don’t usually exercise it. Vermont – It’s illegal for cars to backfire in Rutland. Virginia – Radar detectors are illegal. Washington – A motorist with criminal intentions must stop at the city limits and telephone the chief of police as he is entering the town. West Virginia - It’s legal to eat road kill. No info on whether you can shoot it from your car. Wisconsin – One may not camp in a wagon on any public highway. Wyoming – If you open a gate over a road, river, stream or ditch, you’d must close it behind you.

    How to Get to Arizona

    directions to arizona traffic school There are so many fun and amazing things to do in Arizona. You can go to the Grand Canyon, kick off baseball season at a spring training camp, or take in amazing scenery at places like Sedona, Horseshoe Bend or Cathedral Rock. Regardless of why you are going to Arizona, you may have decided to make it a road trip. This can be fun and allows you to see so many different things along the way. Regardless of where you are coming from, you will likely cross through one of these major points on your journey into the state. Here are directions and how to get to Arizona from each of those major areas. From Las Vegas When you are headed into Arizona from Utah, Nevada or Northern California, you will likely pass through Las Vegas on your way to Arizona. Once you hit Vegas, you have three different routes you can take into Arizona. If you are headed into Phoenix, you will want to take US-93 South. If you are looking to go through Kingman and/or Flagstaff, you will want to take I-40 east. And if you are looking to go through Laughlin into Bullhead City and Lake Havasu, you will want to take I-10 east. From Southern California If you are heading into Arizona from most major Southern California towns, including Los Angeles and Burbank, you will want to take 1-10 east. If you stay on this freeway for about five to six hours, depending on where you are coming from, you will hit Phoenix, Arizona. If you stay on even longer, you will hit Tucson. If you are coming from San Diego, you will want to take I-8 through Yuma until it connects to 1-10. Otherwise, you are backtracking a lot just to head up to Los Angeles and connect to 1-10. Make sure you are always staying within the speed limit, the only way out of a traffic ticket in Arizona is taking AZ traffic school. From Albuquerque If you are traveling from places such as Arkansas, Oklahoma and Mississippi, you will likely pass through Albuquerque, New Mexico on your way into Arizona. Once you hit Albuquerque, you can decide to head into Arizona via two different routes. You can take 1-40 west if you are headed into places such as Flagstaff, Sedona or the Grand Canyon. You will want to take US-60 west if you are headed into the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest. If you are headed into Phoenix, Mesa or Tucson, both routes will take you there in about the same time. It is simply a matter of preference and scenery. From Texas If you are driving a long distance and coming from places like Florida or Louisiana, you may pass through Texas on your way to Arizona. Or you may simply already reside in the Houston, San Antonio or Austin areas of Texas and want to head through Arizona. If you do, you will want to take 1-10 west until you are in Arizona. If you stay on 1-10 west, you will pass through Tucson and then hit Phoenix. If you are coming from Fort Worth, Dallas or other more northern Texas cities, you will want to take 1-20 west until it hits 1-10 west and stay on until you are in Arizona. From Mexico If you are coming into Arizona from Mexico, you will want to enter through the Nogales border crossing. Mexican Federal Highway 15 leads you directly into this border crossing. This highway connects with many others throughout the west side of the country including Highway 2, 43 and 150. Once you have passed through the border crossing, you will want to stay on 1-19 north until you hit I-10. Most travelers will go west to head into Phoenix, but you can head east to visit Tombstone, Arizona. There are many different routes into Arizona. If you are traveling into Arizona, you will likely be traveling through one of these destinations. These directions will help you arrive in Arizona safely.

    Texas History of Road Evolution

    texas history road evolution traffic school During the pre-European era, Texas was mostly comprised of many different Native American tribes. In the 1500’s, Spanish explorers came to the area, but not many people settled there and it was not heavily populated, due to the “hostile natives”. After the Mexican War of Independence from Spain in 1821, Texas became part of Mexico. Mexico allowed immigrants from the United States and native Mexicans to populate the area, which eventually led to tension, battles, and Texas independence. Texas was later annexed into the United States in 1845 and borderlines were established after the Mexican-American War. As you can see, Texas has a very long and rich history. Trails for Spanish Explorers The history of the roads is just as rich. Many of the earliest roads in Texas were developed from early Native American trading trails and the trails of the Spanish explorers. They were developed out of necessity, in order for individuals to travel from Mexico to San Antonio and the various missions throughout the state. Throughout the long history of Texas, there have been many different means of travel. It wasn't until just recently that Texas needed to invent traffic school to help dismiss TX traffic tickets. Horseback In early history, the most common and innate mode of transportation was walking by foot (of course!), but after that, the main means of travel was by horseback. Horses have been domesticated for centuries and are easily trainable, so they are naturally man’s second best friend. They are such strong and fast creatures, allowing them to gallop into the distance for hours. There is a reason we judge a car’s power by horsepower! In addition, they can carry a sizeable load and endure all sorts of terrain, making them perfect for cross-country travel and trading. They usually travelled along game trails and over time, these trails had to be widened to prevent traffic among the travelers, which was the basis for early highways. Horses are still often used today on farms and for horseback riding for fun. Horse & Buggy Horses also have a great capacity for towing, which led to the horse & buggy, horse-drawn carriage, or horse-drawn wagons. Originally, when carriages were developed, it took multiple horses to pull the carriage, as the wood alone could be very heavy. As lighter woods became more readily available to make the carriages, only one horse was required to pull the load. The horse-drawn carriage was a great advancement for society, as it allowed a whole family or small group to travel with only the use of one horse. Some carriages were very simple, while those individuals that were more well off had very fancy and ornate carriages, just as it is today with cars. During this time, the roads were mainly dirt roads or cobblestone. Bikes The next advancement on the roads were bicycles. Bicycles were originally invented in the early 1800’s and they gave people a lightweight, relatively cheap, and efficient means to get around. For those that could not afford a horse or a horse-drawn carriage, a bicycle would be the best option for them. Anybody can learn to ride a bike, young or old, and they could get around town relatively quickly with just their own leg power. During the this period in history, dirt roads began to be replaced more and more by tar roads and pavement, making way for more modern roads. Early Autos Next up is the automobile. The first gasoline-powered combustion engine car was created in the late 1800’s for the transportation market, but at the time, it was only considered a toy for the rich. It was not yet attainable to the mass public until Henry Ford mass produced the Model T, which was meant to be an economical car for the average American. In its first year of business, they produced 1700 cars and by 1920, Ford had sold over 1 million cars. As all of us who have ever sat in traffic know, cars are everywhere and they are not going anywhere anytime soon. Super Highway Going back to Texas’ history, the oldest and most frequented road of the past was the Old San Antonio Road, which was previously one of the old Spanish missionary trails. It was frequented by horseback riders, carriages, and wagons. Today’s roads and highways are much busier and filled with cars and motorcycles, the busiest of which is the I-35 in Austin, Texas. On that stretch of highway, a typical 30-minute commute turns into 150 minutes during rush hour, so alternative routes are recommended or find a bicycle to get around!

    Top Texas Tourist Attractions

    texasMyth Whatever happened to the road trip? Am I right, folks? Not the kind of road trip that gets you to the airport, but the kind of meandering, weird, adventurous road trip that Pee Wee Herman took in Pee Wee's Big Adventure. Do people still do that? Do they still drive across the Southwest checking out weird roadside attractions and eating at drive-in diners? Well, whether or not people still do that, you can. Here are some of the best roadside Texas tourist attractions to check out as you explore the TX highways:

    The Big Texan

    bigtexan
    The Big Texan is a famous spot along Route 66 with one of the all-time great food challenges: Finish their seventy two ounce steak and you get it free of charge. You can identify the place by the saloon style architecture, the windmill and the big bull outside.

    Cadillac Ranch

    cadranch
    You've probably seen the Cadillac Ranch in movies and photos. It's the place along Route 66 where all those busted up Cadillacs are planted nose-first in the ground at a Leaning Tower of Pisa angle. A beautiful place to take in a sunset or pose for some photos.

    Tex Randall

    texrand
    Tex Randall, the other Big Texan, is a cement and steal statue of a cowboy found in Canyon, TX, standing forty seven feet tall in a leisurely slouching position. Very, very, very tall dark and handsome, you could say that Tex Randall is one of the seven manmade wonders of the American Southwest.

    Barney Smith's Toilet Seat Museum

    textoilet
    Barney Smith's Toilet Seat Art Museum is just what you'd guess: A museum of toilet seat art. The museum contains 1500 hand-painted toilet seats, each telling a story of American history and of Barney Smith's life. The humble museum is run out of basically a big garage, it has a rustic, hand-made charm to it that you'll only find on a Route 66 road trip.

    Wooden Nickel Museum

    woodNic
    "Why I wouldn't pay a wooden nickel for that!" you may say... but hold on a second, some wooden nickels are quite precious! The museum, found in San Antonio, features a wide range of wooden nickels, including the world's largest, standing 13 feet tall and weighing about one and a quarter ton. And yes, we placed this one fifth on purpose.

    The Museum of The Weird

    weirdmuseum
    The Museum of the Weird can be found in Austin, where you'll see the tradition of the dime museum carried on with mummies and shrunken heads and "freaks of nature," being bizarre works of taxidermy. The Museum of the Weird will take you right back to the days of P.T. Barnum, when they used to run weird freak shows and show off strange oddities in hopes of getting your hard earned nickels and dimes. Austin can get a little congested at times, so it might be a good idea to visit the museum on a week day in order to beat the weekend traffic.
    The American road trip is a dying tradition in the age of Uber and Internet. Why go anywhere when you can look up some videos, why drive when you can pay someone to take you there? Maybe that's better for the environment, it certainly results in less traffic at rush hour, but all the same, a whole world of American culture is dying off. So much of Texas history is found not in the museums, but on the highways.

    Top Texas Destinations from East to West

    texas If you're not from Texas, you need to be prepared for a very different way of life. Those living in the heart of Texas not only love their country and their state, but they're willing to go the extra distance to prove it. This is a place to enjoy the hospitality, but definitely not a place you want to make assumptions. If you're thinking about where exactly to go, try these hot spots for extra fun. We'll give you destinations beyond just the big cities whether you're going East, West or you just want a romantic getaway. East Texas Vacation Destinations Tyler Tyler When people think of Texas, they may think dusty, dry and hot. But parts of Texas are incredibly lush, and nowhere is that more evident than in Tyler. This is the Rose Capital, and you can attend its flower festival in October and visit the nation's biggest municipal rose garden in the heart of the town any time you want. Uncertain uncertain That's right, that's the town's actual name. It's small, but its lakeside location makes for a fun place to visit without the fanfare and tourist traps you'll find in the bigger cities. Take a guided boat tour, do some bird watching or catch the turtle pilgrimage when the females come to lay their eggs. Camp Lucy camplucy Located in Dripping Springs, this getaway spot is an exercise in luxury. With a vineyard, inn and chapel located on the property, this is a good place to eat some gourmet food and soak in the sun.

    West Texas Vacation Destinations

    Big Bend bigbend This National Park is the best place to go if you're in West Texas, and it's an excellent place to get back to nature. With more than 100 miles of the Rio Grande and 801,000 acres of land to explore, you'll find plenty of wildlife and plant life. Marfa Lights marfa This recommendation is a little specific, but it will be worth it. The actual town is full of history on its own, but it's famous for its mysterious lights that appear on the horizon at nighttime. It doesn't happen every single day, but chances are, you'll probably get at least a glimpse. No one yet knows what causes these lights, making them that more thrilling to the visitors who frequent this spot. Hueco Tanks hueco This is another state park near El Paso. Though not as big as Big Bend, you can see the cave paintings and do some serious rock climbing on its stunning stones. Texas Vacation Spots for Couples Travaasa travaasa This spa is tailored to pampering the power couple who is just looking for a weekend of peace away from the things that make them stressed and sick. This oasis encourages both you and your better half to live healthier, more balanced lives. Plus, it's located in Austin which is already a city made for exploring with the one you love. Ant Street Inn Antst Located right in the thick of the action in downtown Brenham, this place prides itself on furnishing the extra touches. From the stained glass to the oriental rugs, you'll see why their attention to detail make this place special. The charming town has a variety of fun activities as well, so chat up the locals and start finding the best places to get dessert or a good glass of wine. NYLO Dallas Southside NYLO Trendy, upscale and very modern, this hotel celebrates the finer things in life. Come sample its art, music and sophisticated fare. This eco-friendly place wants you to revel in the best of Texas' past and present in style.

    Texas Physicians Push For Distracted Driving Ban

    Texas lawmakers are hashing out whether banning distracted driving across the state is a good idea. Public interest groups are chiming in, letting everyone know they are all for it. Even a group of Texas doctors has joined the discussion to show they believe a statewide ban on distracted driving is the way to go. The Texas Medical Association made it known that their members unanimously support efforts from Texas legislators to pass a statewide ban on distracted driving. The TMA members told members of the media that they recognize distracted driving as a serious threat to public health and safety and therefore support any efforts by legislators to limit the ability of some drivers to engage in this activity. So far Texas has remained one of just 16 states without a comprehensive statewide ban on distracted driving. State legislators there have repeatedly said the decision of whether or not to allow drivers to use handheld devices was best left to local municipalities. Cities such as Dallas and San Antonio already have such bans in place, but this is not enough for public safety groups in the state who say a patchwork of bans across the state do not go far enough to promote safe driving behavior. Already legislation is wending its way through the Texas Statehouse which would severely curtail the use of handheld devices by drivers. It is expected this legislation, or some form of it, will pass both houses and go to the governor's desk later next year. Governor Rick Perry, who has said in the past he did not support a statewide ban, has no indicated that he would indeed sign into law any such legislation which comes across his desk. This recent announcement from the TMA only further strengthens the position of those in favor a statewide ban in Texas.