Am I Eligible for Traffic School?

If you have received a traffic citation, you may be eligible to take traffic school or a defensive driving course. Taking one of these can help reduce the number of points on your license. This can help to lower your insurance rates, which may increase due to the ticket, and prevent your license from being suspended if you receive too many tickets. Each state has different requirements as to when and if you can participate in traffic school or a defensive driving course. Here is some information about traffic school eligibility in Arizona, California, Florida, Kentucky and New York. [framed_box]

Arizona

In Arizona, you can participate in a defensive driving course as long as you have not participated for a ticket issued in the past 12 months or sooner. The date is based on the issuance of the ticket for which you are taking the course, not the date in which you took the course. Also, if the ticket was issued because you were involved in a serious crash or fatal accident, you may not be eligible. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

California

In California, you can complete traffic school once every 18 months for traffic infractions. This reduces one violation. If you were cited for multiple violations, only one can be removed with traffic school. Also, you must have been in a non-commercial vehicle to be eligible and your driver's license must be valid. If you were cited for not having a valid license, in addition to other traffic infractions, you are not eligible for traffic school in the state of California. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Florida

In Florida, you can elect to attend traffic school if you were cited for a non-criminal moving violation using a regular driver’s license. If you hold a commercial driver’s license, you cannot attend this type of program. In Florida, you can attend traffic school or driver improvement courses once every 12 months to eliminate points caused by a ticket. However, you can only attend five times during your lifetime. As such, you must use your limited number of courses wisely. If you have participated in traffic school in other states prior to moving to Florida, it does not count against the cap. The five times only applies to Florida and your Florida driver’s license. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

New York

In New York, you can participate in a Point & Insurance Reduction Program or (PIRP) to reduce points on your driving record and decrease your insurance. You can participate in PIRP once every three years. However, the program only reduces up to four points from your driving record that were present within the 18 months prior to you taking the course. But participating once every three years earns you a 10 percent reduction in your insurance premiums. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Kentucky

In Kentucky, you can participate in traffic school once every 12 months for minor traffic infractions. Major traffic infractions or criminal traffic infractions are not eligible. This removes one infraction from your driving record. To be eligible, you must not be under license suspension and must have a valid license. Non-licensed and out of state drivers are not eligible to participate in driving school in Kentucky. [/framed_box] Most schools offer traffic school or defensive driving courses to help you reduce minor traffic tickets from your driving record. However, the requirements for this vary from state to state. If you have received a traffic ticket, check with your state to find out what programs you may qualify for to help get the ticket removed from your record. This can help keep your insurance rates as low as possible.

How Much is A Speeding Ticket in Arizona?

[framed_box]

Speeding Tickets in Different States:

• Speeding Tickets in California
• Speeding Tickets in Florida
• Speeding Tickets in Texas
• Speeding Tickets in New York
• Speeding Tickets in New Jersey
• Virginia Speeding Ticket

[/framed_box] The state of Arizona makes use of several unique methods to nab speeders. Arizona drivers must be aware of stationary traffic cameras, officer radar guns, unmarked police cars and beyond. If you are pulled over for speeding, you will likely receive a fine as well as points on your driving record/license.

Understanding Arizona Speeding Fines, Traffic School, and Criminal Penalties

It is important to note that specific speeding fines differ by city and county. As an example, someone caught speeding in Flagstaff will not face the same fine as someone who is nabbed speeding in Tucson. Additionally, those who have not been caught speeding in the past will likely face less of a fine than those who have received multiple speeding tickets.

Begin your online course today to get rid of that ticket.

The table below displays the top 5 counties Arizona drivers get caught speeding in. Traffic school prices differ based on individual court diversion fees. Take a look at the ultimate savings here:

COUNTY	MPH OVERPOSTED ZONE	APPX.TICKET FEE	MYIMPROV TRAFFIC SCHOOL
Maricopa
	10-14 mph	$250	$203.95 - $265.95
	15-19 m.p.h.	$300	$203.95 - $265.95
	20+ mph	$350-$450	$203.95 - $265.95
	Traffic Camera	$165-$200	$203.95 - $265.95
Cochise
	10-14 mph	$250	$103.95 - $253.95
	15-19 m.p.h.	$300	$103.95 - $253.95
	20+ mph	$350-$450	$103.95 - $253.95
	Traffic Camera	$165-$200	$103.95 - $253.95
Mohave
	10-14 mph	$250	$103.95 - $228.95
	15-19 m.p.h.	$300	$103.95 - $228.95
	20+ mph	$350-$450	$103.95 - $228.95
	Traffic Camera	$165-$200	$103.95 - $228.95
Pima
	10-14 mph	$250	$103.95 - $233.95
	15-19 m.p.h.	$300	$103.95 - $233.95
	20+ mph	$350-$450	$103.95 - $233.95
	Traffic Camera	$165-$200	$103.95 - $233.95
Pinal
	10-14 mph	$250	$103.95 - $233.95
	15-19 m.p.h.	$300	$103.95 - $233.95
	20+ mph	$350-$450	$103.95 - $233.95
	Traffic Camera	$165-$200	$103.95 - $233.95

For complete list of AZ Court Diversion Fees: Click Here [framed_box]

Show Arizona the Money

  Police officers are required to follow nuanced guidelines when determining the value of a speeding ticket. However, in some instances, the officer will consider the driver's level of resistance/compliance when determining the cost of the speeding ticket. In other instances, the officer will follow the specific formula that determines the cost of a speeding ticket. If it is determined that you were driving more than 10 miles per hour beyond the speed limit, the financial penalty for your ticket will rise quite dramatically. A speeding ticket for driving 10 miles per hour beyond the speed limit runs $250. This cost increases $50 for every 5 miles per hour beyond 10 miles per hour above the speed limit. A speeding ticket for driving 20 miles per hour over the posted speed limit can be increased by $200 more than the initial $250 fee. Driving at such a fast rate of speed can also result in the suspension of the driver's license. It is even possible for the license to be revoked when the traffic stop occurs. The amount of the speeding ticket can be changed according to whether the driver was nabbed speeding by one of the state's stationary traffic cameras. This style of speeding ticket is sent through the mail. It requires the driver to pay a set cost of $165 along with an additional $30 in fees and surcharges. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Show Traffic School the Money - It's CHEAPER!

  It is usually less expensive to take and pay for AZ defensive driving course, not have any points added to your driving record and avoid having your insurance rates up than to pay your ticket, have points added to your record and have your auto rates increase dramatically. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Eligibility and More

  Arizona allows residents to enroll in traffic school once every 12 months. When you take the course, it will only dismiss one traffic related offense. Be sure to look up fines and points for all violations (if you received more than one) before you tell the Traffic School which offense you want the school to dismiss. Top violations: Speeding: 3 points Running a red light or stop sign: 4 points Failure to yield: 4 points [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Criminal Speeding

Speeding at an excessive rate, known as “criminal speeding”, can result in upwards of 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. Additional penalties for criminal speeding include paying to have the vehicle retrieved from the space it was towed to. Criminal speeding occurs when a driver goes 85 miles per hour or more anywhere in Arizona. A driver exceeding 35 miles per hour near a school crossing can also be found guilty of criminal speeding. A driver who exceeds the posted speed limit by 20 miles per hour in a residential or business area can also be found guilty of criminal driving. If no speed is posted in a residential or business area, one driving 45 miles per hour or more beyond the speed limit will face the possibility of a criminal speeding charge. Aside from fines and possible jail time, such a charge can also impact one's ability to legally operate a motor vehicle. [/framed_box]

• For information on Speeding Ticket in Virginia, click: Virginia Speeding Ticket? Fines Info & More

• For information on AZ Emissions Testing, click: AZ Emissions Testing

• For information on How much is a Speeding Ticket in Alabama?, click: How much is a Speeding Ticket in Alabama?

Answering common traffic school questions

Are you enrolled in traffic school and feeling a bit nervous about the expectations? If so, you are not alone. Most people experience some degree of anxiety. It is quite normal. However, you should calm down. The goal of traffic school is to make you a safer driver. The curriculum is not set up for you to fail. Instead, quite the opposite is true. The institution wants you to comprehend the material as fully as possible. Your success is their success. This all sounds well and good, but you also know that in the end you have to complete a certain amount of work with a passing score. Keep reading below to find out just where to turn for answers to your traffic school assignments. Use this information to help get a passing score. Then, enjoy the safe driver record and dismissal of tickets. And, of course, do not forget the mandatory insurance discount.

How can I use the course material to my advantage in the process of completing online traffic school?   Always start here when feeling stumped. You can trust that the school administration has put the relevant answers somewhere inside your course material. Never forget that they want you to pass. The school gains nothing by playing hide and seek with you. Most likely, the information is right there if you look carefully.

I'm struggling with my online traffic school course, what should I do?

  You would be surprised at how easy things can be when you use a little common sense. Just stop trying to make traffic school so difficult and all will be smooth sailing. When things get tough, just sit back and relax. You have been a driver for some time now. The answer is probably the one that seems right to you. Use your intuition. For example, the rules of the road exist to protect motorists and pedestrians. You already know this. So, use this knowledge to help you figure out the answers to your traffic school questions. If a choice does not help keep people safe on the road, then you can discard it.

Can I ask friends & family for help with my online traffic school?

  The people around you, such as family and friends, are excellent sources of information on traffic laws. Many of them have been driving for decades and know all the rules in your state. Be sure to ask them for help when trying to complete your course. It may be best to rely on more than one person for the answers. You will want a variety of opinions. Listen to what everyone has to say, check your course material again and then choose the best answer.

How can I use the internet as a source for answers with my traffic school online?

  You should search the internet for relevant driving websites. Your state motor vehicle department will have the current rules of the road available online. Likewise, the state insurance department can provide you with information on auto insurance requirements. Last, the state court website can explain what will happen if you break the laws while behind the wheel.

What about the instructor of the online traffic school course, can I ask them for help?

  If truly stuck with nowhere to turn, then ask your instructor for help. Now, you should always be sure to have attempted to find the answer yourself first. Quite often, wayward students will skip the reading material or fail to follow instructions and then expect the instructor to bail them out. Truly attempt the assignment before asking for the instructor to explain it to you. Doing so will make their explanation that much more comprehensible.

Traffic school success is right around the corner!

  You are now prepared to complete your traffic school with flying colors. Just take things easy and you will succeed in becoming an acknowledged safe driver in your state.

Traffic School Daze vs. Real Traffic School

If you saw the Jamie Foxx Show, Season 2, Episode 10, when he goes to traffic school, you might be a bit anxious about signing up. Do not worry, the show was very much an exaggeration. Sure the episode was extremely funny, but they got things wrong. You should relax and know that your school wants you to succeed. They will not be out to fail you as was the case for Jamie and Braxton! Following are some of the realities of traffic school. You should be thankful things are a lot different than in the show.

Traffic School Reality: Dispelling Common Misconceptions

You Cannot Bribe the School When they arrive at the traffic school. Jamie tells his co-worker Braxton that they will not have to stay the entire time. He had heard from reliable sources that it is possible to pay off the school. In return, the instructor will claim the student completed the course, and the traffic infraction would be dismissed. You better not attempt to bribe a traffic school official. They will not take the offer lightly. You may find yourself turned in to the authorities. Moreover, the state may decide to leave your traffic record as is. In fact, the authorities may even add another violation to your record because of your unethical behavior. The Instructor is not a DI The instructor in this episode is a real character for sure. He obviously has watched a few too many military boot camp films. The students are told to address him as “sir!” He yells and threatens them regardless of what they do. It is the form of intimidation you expect of a drill instructor or prison guard. Well, you can relax. Nobody will yell at you in a traffic school classroom. The instructors are there to help you pass. They will not treat you like a prison inmate. And, if you are still a bit concerned that maybe you will get that one rogue instructor from the Jamie Foxx Show, then you can always take your class online. This means you will complete the course from the safety of your home. Nobody can yell at you via the computer screen. You Can Ask Questions Freely The traffic school succeeds when you succeed. They want you to be a safer driver. Thus, unlike the instructor in the show, the traffic school staff will answer your questions without personal attacks. Nor will they get into your face in order to intimidate you. Fear is not a tactic used in the real traffic school classroom. Instead, expect to find compassionate instructors who enjoy their jobs. No Ten-Hour Mandatory Sessions Jamie and Braxton “belong” to the instructor for the next ten hours according to the show. Now, that is pure torture. You will not have to endure such a long duration of traffic school at one time, unless that is your choice. Just sign up for the online version. You can start and complete sessions at your convenience. Too bad Jamie did not think of that? No Pushups Jamie had to do over 1000 pushups as punishment for his behavior. Fortunately, you will never be told to perform any physical activity whatsoever. Just listen to the instructor, study your course material and it will be smooth sailing. Nobody Goes Home Broken Repeatedly throughout the show, the instructor tells Jamie and Braxton that he will eventually “break them” down. Supposedly, the students will get tired of the harassment and give up. For some reason that would be a plus to the television instructor. In real traffic school, the instructors want you to enjoy all the benefits of course completion. Then, you will go on to tell others to attend the school. They want to “make you” not “break you.”

What is a Sig Alert and How to Plan Travel Around It?

Mastering Sig Alerts: History, Prevention, and Information Sources

It has happened to every Southern California (SoCal) driver at one time or another. You wake up in the morning or get off from a long day at work. All you can think about is getting where you need to go. Perhaps you are even running a bit behind schedule. Then, the worst possible thing occurs. There is a Sig Alert on the route you are taking! Too late now. You could be stuck for hours in some of the worst traffic in the nation. Read on to find out how you can avoid this unfortunate fate by learning just what a Sig Alert is and how you can plan your route around one. What is a Sig Alert? Sig Alerts are traffic warnings that the authorities issue when they expect a major backup on the roads. They declare a Sig Alert situation when an incident causes two lanes or more to be unavailable for at least two hours. Despite most SoCal freeways having multiple lanes, these debilitating Sig Alert incidents usually result in serious traffic jams. The first problem is the closed lanes. Vehicles must merge into other lanes, which stalls the flow of traffic. Second is rubbernecking. People always slow down to stare at an accident. The cumulative effect of just a few seconds of staring results in even further congestion. History of the Sig Alert The Sig Alert originated in the 1940s. Traffic was becoming worse as more Southern Californians began purchasing cars. Jobs in the burgeoning defense industry had put money into the pockets of many who before did not have disposable income. Local police would notify Loyd Sigmon, a popular Los Angeles radio reporter, of bad accidents. He would then inform the public on his show. Eventually, the broadcasts became widely known as “Sig-Alerts.” The police then began sending the alerts via electronic devices to Sigmon and other journalists. Today, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) issues these warnings to both the media and public via a vast array of communication networks. How to Avoid Traffic Congestion Always check for ongoing Sig Alerts before leaving your home or workplace. Furthermore, keep checking while on the road. Quite often, you can make a hasty detour before getting into the proximity of a Sig Alert zone. Where to Get Information You are very fortunate that in this age of fast communication, the authorities have many ways to broadcast Sig Alerts. In the past, motorists had to be listening to the Loyd Sigmon Show to know what was going on. These days, to find out about alerts, you can watch the television news. All SoCal news shows have routine traffic reports during the morning and afternoon rush hours. These stations also have websites that update as road conditions change. The California Highway Patrol posts Sig Alerts on its website as well. If you are driving, look for warnings on the electronic message boards above the highways. Also, local radio stations still announce Sig Alerts to keep listening to audiences informed. Last, but certainly not least, you can download a Sig Alert notification program for your mobile device. Avoid an Accident The only thing worse than being trapped on a highway in Sig Alert-related traffic is being the source of the alert itself. You can lessen your chances of causing an accident by attending traffic school. Be sure that the course is recognized by the state. You may even be able to receive a dismissal of any outstanding traffic tickets.

How Precise Is an Online Auto Loan Calculator?

If you are thinking about buying a new or used automobile, you may be looking at online auto loan calculator to determine what you can afford to pay. These types of loans will help you calculate your auto loan payments based on the amount of loan and estimated APR you think you can get on your interest rate, giving you a general idea as to how much car you can afford. But, you may have many questions about basing a loan using these types of systems. Here is some information you will need to know. Can You Trust an Online Auto Loan Calculator? Yes and no. An online auto loan calculator is a great way to determine approximately how much car you can afford. If a car is $10,000 and you think you can get approved at 5.9 percent APR, the auto loan calculator will tell you what your payment will be if you take the loan out for three years, four years or five years. However, in reality, your car may be slightly lower or higher than the numbers you ran, you may get a higher or lower APR, your payments may not last a full three or five years or you may not include taxes, fees and licensing into your calculations. As you may learn in traffic school or a defensive driving course, they are a great tool but they are not perfect.

Key Factors Influencing Online Auto Loan Calculator Precision

What Factors Cause the Online Auto Loan Calculator to Vary? As was mentioned above, there are many factors that can cause the online auto loan to vary. The largest is that there is no way to determine how much money you will need to pay for taxes, fees and licensing. As such, there is no way to include this information. This can be a couple of thousands of dollars, depending on the state you live in, and is typically rolled up into your payments. This can drastically affect your monthly payment and the interest you pay. Another factor is your down payment. You may not include your down payment into the equation when doing one of these calculators. However, it should be. It affects how much you will have to pay over the life of the loan and the interest rate. Lastly, the features you are guessing on cause the auto loan calculator to vary. When you are using this tool, you often put in whole numbers. You may put in $20,000 for a car, but in actuality, the car may be $21,999 or $18,599. These factors can cause the amount you are shown on the calculator to vary. How Much Do Payments Usually Change in Reality? Payment calculators are great at giving you an estimated amount that you will pay for a car. But they don't give you an exact amount. The exact amount can vary heavily if you over or underestimate the amount of interest you are paying on a car or the amount the car will cost. However, if your numbers are relatively close, you can expect that the payment will be within $100 of the amount you are quoted on the screen. If your estimates are extremely off, your payment can vary more than this. Talk with a dealer to get an exact number if money is your primary concern. If you are looking to obtain an auto loan, you may play around with an online auto loan calculator to get an idea as to how much car you can afford. However, these calculators should be taken with a grain of salt. They can give you a rough estimate as to how much you can expect to pay, but they can't give you an exact amount. There are too many variables that can change and affect your exact monthly price.

How Do Other Countries Dismiss Traffic Tickets?

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

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?

  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.   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?

  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.   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.

• Find out the fines and costs associated with a speeding ticket in Virginia in our comprehensive guide on How much is a Speeding Ticket in Virginia?
• For information About How much is a Red Light Ticket in New York?, click: How much is a Red Light Ticket in New York?

How to Get a Traffic Ticket Reduced

To put it bluntly, traffic tickets are hell. You wind up paying exorbitant fines because some municipalities are increasing the amounts to raise revenue. Moreover, the police are more vigilant than ever about catching motorists in the wrong. If all of this is not bad enough, never forget about the cameras that photograph your car speeding and send the pictures to you in the mail, along with a large bill.
So what can the average driver, such as yourself, do to survive in this age when “Big Brother” is watching their every move on the roads? Well, the answer is to enroll now for a defensive driving course. Not only will you receive pertinent information on how to remain safe behind the wheel but also a possible reduction of license points and having your ticket reduced or dismissed. The Driving School of Today You might at first be a bit wary of the advice to attend driving school. After all, you are probably a busy person. When do you have time to sit in a classroom? Well, scheduling classes is no longer an issue. The driving school of today can take place either in a traditional brick and mortar building or online. You can have online class wherever and whenever convenient. In fact, many families and coworkers enroll in group classes to motivate each other to complete the courses. Ticket Reduction Most states allow those who completed a defensive driving course to have their traffic tickets dismissed. The school should be recognized by the state. Moreover, the instructor must be certified by the authorities and the course most be for a certain number of hours. Check with your driving school to ascertain the specific requirements in your jurisdiction. Upon completion of the course, motorists may receive ticket dismissal, license point reduction and automobile insurance discounts. Defensive Driving vs. Traffic School Be careful when enrolling. Some states define the two kinds of schools differently. In New York and Florida, you will be taking a defensive driving course to have your traffic ticket points reduced.
Arizona dismisses certain traffic violations after a motorist completes an approved defensive driving course. In contrast, traffic school is for serious violators ordered to take classes by the courts. Meanwhile, California uses the two names interchangeably. Going to Court Americans have the right to defend themselves in a court of law. Some choose to do so when presented with a traffic ticket. They want to fight it out with the city to get the infraction removed from the record.
In certain cases, these challengers are successful. A California physicist was able to use scientific principles to win. He demonstrated that a police officer, situated at a certain angle, perceived his car to have run a stop sign when in fact it had stopped. In other instances, an alleged violator can win by default when the officer who presented the ticket does not show up in court. Nevertheless, these victories are few and far between. Motorists usually wind up having to pay the fine and possibly some court costs. Defensive driving school is the easier route without a doubt. Just enroll, finish the course and the violation disappears. Enroll and Get on With Life

Everyone wants to save money. One way you can do so today is by enrolling in a state approved defensive driving school. You can have your ticket dismissed, removing the fine. Better yet, your driving record will be wiped clean, leading to a reduction in your insurance premium rate. Perhaps best of all, you will learn some driving skills that can help you avoid getting tickets in the future.

TOP FL TRAFFIC SCHOOL QUESTIONS

You got caught speeding or making an illegal left turn in Florida, now what do you do? The easiest, and usually smartest thing to do when you receive any type of Florida traffic ticket, is to take traffic school. What does that mean? We researched our Florida customer service database and pulled the top questions students asked about this topic. To make the process a little bit easier for you, we gathered the answers to those more-than-frequently-asked questions and printed them here:

Your Essential Guide to Florida Traffic School Questions

Q: What is traffic school? A: Traffic school in Florida, also known as a Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course is a driver-related educational course one takes in lieu of receiving points on their driving record from a non-criminal moving violation. Q: How long is FL traffic school? A: Per the FL HSMV, traffic school is designed to be 4 hours long. A: If you take it in a classroom setting, then you will be in there for FOUR HOURS. A: If you take OUR ONLINE COURSE, you are only required to spend a minimum of 3 hours and 15 minutes in the course. You can complete it at your own pace. Q: How does FL traffic school work? A: Although every traffic school presents the FL HSMV Approved material in their own, unique way – FL traffic school basically works like this: 1. Student signs up and registers for traffic school 2. Student takes and completes the course 3. The traffic school reports the completion to the FL HSMV 4. The student submits the proof of Completion Certificate to their traffic court the DMV 5. Student’s traffic ticket is dropped and the points are eliminated 6. Student does not have to do anything else, but is encouraged to follow-up with the traffic court website to confirm their ticket was, “Dismissed By Traffic School.” Q: How do I sign up for traffic school? A: First, look here: http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/BDIS_providers.html to find an approved traffic school. We are listed under Traffic School by the Improv Comedy Club. You can sign up for traffic school online, by phone (800-660-8908), by mail or in person. Make sure you pay the bail or fine from the ticket as well as the traffic school process fee. Q. How do I request traffic school? A. If you are eligible to take traffic school, you will see an option box on your ticket. By clicking that option box and paying the traffic school administrative fee, you are requesting/agreeing to take traffic school to dismiss your ticket. You can do this by mail, phone or the court website. Q: Am I eligible to take FL traffic school? A: If your ticket and/or courtesy notice says that you are eligible to take traffic school AND you haven’t attended traffic school within 12 months AND have not taken it FIVE (5) TIMES within your lifetime (Florida’s Maximum amount of times you can take traffic school) - then you are eligible. Q: Wait, how often can I take it? A: You can take FL traffic school once every 12 months… but only 5 times maximum in your life. Q: What do you do in traffic school? A: FL traffic school is comprised of a combination of reading, listening and watching material about Florida traffic laws, defensive driving skills, car facts, traffic statistics and more. You will also take a final quiz at the end of the course. Q: Can I fail the course? A: Nope. This is a pass-only course. However, FL HSMV requires traffic schools to administer a 40 multiple-choice question final in which the student must get 32 out of 40 questions correct to pass. You are allowed unlimited attempts to pass. Q: How do you take FL traffic school online? A: You can take our MyImprov.com online course on any computer, phone or device that has internet access! It is mostly reading… therefore you will be scrolling down the screen for the most part and occasionally watch (optional-only) videos. Q. Does traffic school erase the ticket and/or points A. Beware of the words erased, disappeared, vanished and removed. Points and “The Ticket” are not “erased” from your FL HSMV record. Traffic school will prevent points from appearing on your public driving record, which prevents your insurance company, employer, or others inquiring into your driving background from seeing the violation. Q: When is FL traffic school due? A: FL traffic school due dates vary for each county. It ranges from 30-90 days from the date that the citation fine was paid. Check your courtesy notice to confirm! Q: Do I have to pay for traffic school? A: Yes. Yes, you do. Q: But I already paid $7.00+ for traffic school when I paid my ticket! A: That administrative fee was for the court, for the opportunity to take traffic school. You will pay the traffic school an additional amount. Q: Ok, how much does it cost? A: It depends on the traffic school, but did you know, you will get 4 FREE TICKETS to the IMPROV COMEDY CLUB upon completion of our traffic school ;)

How to Attend Traffic School – Then and Now

If you have traffic infractions and want to get them erased from the record, then traffic school could be a wise move. You can complete the course and get on with life. Now, some people might tell you that taking these courses is a waste of time. Though perhaps well intentioned, they are wrong. These naysayers could be thinking about the old days of traffic school and defensive driving courses. Things are much different today. Traffic School in the Past A long time ago, it was difficult to get through traffic school. Some students had to take time off from work to attend classes. They had to drive to the school, fighting rush hour traffic in cases. It was all a tremendous burden. These types of inconveniences made many drivers avoid the desired ticket dismissal course and much needed training. People tended to sign up for traffic school only if they really had to; for example, a judge ordered it. Times have changed for the better. Now, you can complete traffic school totally online. No need to physically attend classes. Best of all, you can schedule the classes at your own convenience, no working around the times set by the instructors, and you can take it in bed wearing your favorite pajamas! Defensive Driving Courses Another reason many believe traffic school is not worth the trouble is that they think it is all about defensive driving. Well, yes, you will learn this important concept. Every motorist needs to know how to drive in a manner to protect themselves and others on the road. However, students want much more out of their programs, as they should. Most of all, they want point reductions on their licenses. That is why the best traffic schools are authorized by the state to ensure that course completion results in ticket dismissal. Ticket Dismissal Though regulations change, every state has some state-specific general rules about traffic school. You must complete the required amount hours. Also, the instructor/school must usually be certified by the state. After meeting the requirements, you qualify for ticket dismissal. The state wants you to learn all about defensive driving. Yet, this knowledge alone does not motivate students to attend the classes. You can now benefit from ticket dismissal and license point reductions. How Infractions Affect You Traffic infractions have a negative effect on your driving privileges. First, you are in danger of getting your license suspended or revoked. Too many infractions can lead the authorities to take your license. Second, remember that your insurance company keeps track of your tickets. They may raise or lower your policy rates based on this information. If you allow points to remain on your record, then expect to pay a higher rate. If you attend traffic school, many states will dismiss the infractions, lowering your license points. Then, the insurance company will subsequently offer you a discounted auto policy in the near future. The Traffic School of Today As seen here, traffic school has become easier to attend and offers more benefits to students than ever before. Anyone can sign up for an online class and get those dreaded license points reduced. Sign up today and get on the way to a clean driving record. Moreover, do not forget about the lower auto insurance rates. Many workplaces, organizations and families take group classes in CA, AZ and FL. Since they can take the classes online, it is no problem setting a time convenient for the entire group. With so much going for it, one can see why many are choosing to attend the modern traffic school.

Don’t Let This Be You!

    IMPROV Traffic School and Defensive Driving

CA DMV Appointments

Wait times at DMV offices across California are often measured in hours. Extended wait times have become so commonplace, the issue has gotten the attention of state legislators.

Antiquated computer systems, understaffed offices, and the requirement for California drivers to visit the DMV in person for basic tasks—fulfilled online or by mail in many other states—have been identified as major issues. This comes as no surprise to anyone who has stood in a long line on a summer day, waiting to submit routine paperwork to avoid a fine or ticket.

One of the key services that can be managed through DMV appointments is registration services, which include renewals, title transfers, and other related tasks.

Whether California’s lawmakers act to improve the situation or not, there are many simple measures you can take to minimize your wait or avoid a trip to the DMV altogether.

The Benefits of Scheduling a DMV Appointment

Booking an appointment at the DMV offers several advantages:

• Minimized wait times: Avoid the frustration of waiting for hours.
• Guaranteed service: Your appointment time ensures that the DMV will attend to your needs, such as renewing your driver's license.
• Efficient process: DMV employees are prepared to assist you with the service you booked.

Booking an appointment gives you more control over your schedule, so you can plan your DMV visit without any unexpected hassles.

How to Use the California DMV Appointment System

The California DMV has implemented an online DMV Appointment System that allows you to book appointments for various services. To ensure you have everything prepared, we’ll walk through the key tasks you can handle using this system.

Types of DMV Appointments

• Driver’s License Appointments: Schedule your driving test or renew your driver’s license.
• Vehicle Registration Appointments: Handle your vehicle registration, title transfers, and other related services.
• ID Card Appointments: Apply for or renew your state ID card.
• Learner’s Permit Appointments: Schedule an appointment for obtaining a learner's permit. This includes booking a knowledge test, which is essential for teen drivers transitioning to licensed drivers. Resources are available for new applicants and those needing to manage existing appointments.

Tasks You Can Book via the Appointment System

1. Behind-the-Wheel Test: Whether you’re applying for a Class C driver’s license or a motorcycle license, you can schedule your driving test with ease.
2. Driver's License Services:
   • Apply for a new driver’s license or learner’s permit.
   • Replace a lost or stolen driver’s license.
   • Renew your existing driver’s license.
3. Vehicle Services:
   • Register or title a vehicle.
   • Order special or replacement license plates.
   • Request driving or registration records.
4. Office Visits: If you need to address a specific issue that requires an in-person visit, such as resolving disputes or other administrative matters, you can also book an appointment for this.

DMV Office Information

The California DMV has numerous offices located throughout the state, each offering a range of services. To find your local DMV office, you can use the DMV’s office locator tool on their website. Once you’ve found your local office, you can schedule an appointment online or by phone.

When visiting a DMV office, be sure to bring all required documents and information to ensure a smooth and efficient process. You can also check the DMV’s website for office hours, services offered and any specific requirements or restrictions.

By scheduling an appointment at your local DMV office, you can avoid long wait times and ensure that you receive the services you need in a timely and efficient manner.

How to Minimize Your Wait

Many Californians appear at the DMV with proof of traffic school completion to mitigate the cost or insurance impact of a ticket. It’s not necessary to go to the DMV or to court in California to drop off proof of traffic school completion.

However, it’s a great idea to go to traffic school if you get a ticket and traffic school is offered as an option.

In California, completing traffic school within the time specified on your ticket can eliminate the cost and insurance impact of a moving violation. This applies if you have a valid driver's license and aren’t driving commercially on a commercial license. The full list of specifics and a complete list of certified traffic schools can be found on the California Courts website.

Preparation Help Immensely

If you’re unsure whether you have to take a trip to the DMV, you should visit the California DMV website to make sure you’re required to go before you waste time in line. The California DMV website is well organized and easy to use.

There’s a chance whatever business you have with the DMV can be taken care of on the website. If not, you can print the forms you need for your appointment, saving time once you get to the local DMV office and eliminating the chance of waiting hours for your turn in line only to discover they don’t have copies of the form you need in stock (it happens).

Additionally, registration services are one of the key services that can be managed online or through appointments.

Most importantly, if you determine you must go to the DMV in person, you can schedule an appointment time on the DMV website.

Schedule an Appointment

Scheduling an appointment on the California DMV website is very easy. You can schedule most types of transactions online. If you’re not sure which DMV office is closest to you, there’s an interactive map with all current DMV offices and their hours.

One of the key services that can be scheduled online is registration services, which include renewals, title transfers, and other related tasks.

You might discover there’s a DMV close to your house that is newly opened or that you didn’t know about before. Once your appointment is scheduled, you can change or cancel it easily. The one problem with the appointment system is the slots at some offices fill up weeks or months in advance, especially for popular times.

If your chosen office doesn’t have an appointment that’s convenient or timely for you, it’s worth checking other nearby offices. You might be able to find a slot that works for you at an office that’s slightly farther away than your usual one.

If you’re unable to schedule an appointment and have to wait in line with everyone else, there is one tool that can help you avoid the worst of the line delays: yogov.org has a page that automatically tracks wait times in most California DMV offices.

Alternatively, you can schedule your appointment by phone using the DMV’s automated call service at (800) 777-0133, available 24/7.

MIT: New algorithm may improve defensive driving

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- In 2008, **2.3 million car crashes** happened at intersections in the U.S., causing about 7,000 deaths, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. **Running red lights** led to over 700 of these deaths. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reveals that half of those killed weren't **red-light runners** but other drivers, passengers, and even pedestrians. In order to reduce the number of accidents at intersections, researchers at MIT have devised an algorithm that predicts when an oncoming car is likely to run a red light. Based on parameters such as the vehicle's deceleration and its distance from a light, the group was able to determine which cars were potential "violators" — those likely to cross into an intersection after a light has turned red — and which were "compliant." The researchers tested the algorithm on data collected from an intersection in Virginia, finding that it accurately identified potential violators within a couple of seconds of reaching a red light — enough time, according to the researchers, for other drivers at an intersection to be able to react to the threat if alerted. Compared to other efforts to model driving behavior, the MIT algorithm generated fewer false alarms, an important advantage for systems providing guidance to human drivers. The researchers report their findings in a paper that will appear in the journal IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems. Jonathan How, the Richard Cockburn Maclaurin Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT, says "smart" cars of the future may use such algorithms to help drivers anticipate and avoid potential accidents. "If you had some type of heads-up display for the driver, it might be something where the algorithms are analyzing and saying, 'We're concerned,'" says How, who is one of the paper's authors. "Even though your light might be green, it may recommend you not go, because there are people behaving badly that you may not be aware of." How says that in order to implement such warning systems, vehicles would need to be able to "talk" with each other, wirelessly sending and receiving information such as a car's speed and position data. Such vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, he says, can potentially improve safety and avoid traffic congestion. Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is exploring V2V technology, along with several major car manufacturers — including Ford Motor Company, which this year has been road-testing prototypes with advanced Wi-Fi and collision-avoidance systems. "You might have a situation where you get a snowball effect where, much more rapidly than people envisioned, this [V2V] technology may be accepted," How says. In the meantime, researchers including How are developing algorithms to analyze vehicle data that would be broadcast via such V2V systems. Georges Aoude SM '07, PhD '11, a former student of How's, designed an algorithm based on a technique that has been successfully applied in many artificial intelligence domains, but is relatively new to the transportation field. This algorithm is able to capture a vehicle's motion in multiple dimensions using a highly accurate and efficient classifier that can be executed in less than five milliseconds. Along with colleagues Vishnu Desaraju SM '10 and Lauren Stephens, an MIT undergraduate, How and Aoude tested the algorithm using an extensive set of traffic data collected at a busy intersection in Christianburg, Va. The intersection was heavily monitored as part of a safety-prediction project sponsored by the DOT. The DOT outfitted the intersection with a number of instruments that tracked vehicle speed and location, as well as when lights turned red. Aoude and colleagues applied their algorithm to data from more than 15,000 approaching vehicles at the intersection, and found that it was able to correctly identify red-light violators 85 percent of the time — an improvement of 15 to 20 percent over existing algorithms. The researchers were able to predict, within a couple of seconds, whether a car would run a red light. The researchers actually found a "sweet spot" — one to two seconds in advance of a potential collision — when the algorithm has the highest accuracy and when a driver may still have enough time to react. Compared to similar safety-prediction technologies, the group found that its algorithm generated fewer false positives. How says this may be due to the algorithm's ability to analyze multiple parameters. He adds that other algorithms tend to be "skittish," erring on the side of caution in flagging potential problems, which may itself be a problem when cars are outfitted with such technology. "The challenge is, you don't want to be overly pessimistic," How says. "If you're too pessimistic, you start reporting there's a problem when there really isn't, and then very rapidly, the human's going to push a button that turns this thing off." The researchers are now investigating ways to design a closed-loop system — to give drivers a recommendation of what to do in response to a potential accident — and are also planning to adapt the existing algorithm to air traffic control, to predict the behavior of aircraft.

Different Insurance for Different Stages of Your Life

Your age changes your insurance rate. A young driver gets charged more since they’re a higher risk. Older drivers’ rates consider their slower reflexes and declining vision/hearing. Your life stage plays a big part in your insurance rate, but **discounts** are available for every stage. Knowing all the discounts lets you **control** your auto insurance rate. Young Drivers - Young drivers need discounts, but there are not many available. Is your student on the honor roll? Honor roll students qualify for discounts with many companies. Other companies offer safe driver programs for teens that may include completing a defensive driving course. Check with your agent to see what discounts are available in your state and with your auto insurance company. Adult Drivers - A homeowner discount is one of the biggest discounts offered by auto insurance companies. With some companies, this discount only requires your own your home. With other companies, it is a discount given when you have auto and homeowner insurance with the same company. Ask your insurance agent if a security system reduces your auto policy premium. The best way for an adult driver to ensure low car insurance rates is to keep a clean driving record. First accident forgiveness and safe driver discounts are available when a driver has a clean record over a long period of time. Senior Drivers - When you reach age 55, ask your agent about special discounts available for seniors. If there is a safety class discount available, call your local Department of Motor Vehicles  for a list of approved defensive driving courses. When you successfully complete the safety class, (sometimes referred to as traffic school or a defensive driving school),  give the certificate of class completion to your auto insurance agent. Your agent will enter the certificate information into the system and you will see the decrease on your next bill.

Mercedes for a price of Honda?

To work at traffic school, **being a car junkie helps a lot**. Every day, interesting news is scanned and shared with readers.

Mercedes plans to launch compact coupe and SUV in U.S.

STUTTGART -- Mercedes-Benz will launch coupe and SUV versions of its new compact car family in the United States in the next three years and is considering a third variant - a convertible or a shooting brake - to help win younger customers to the brand. Joachim Schmidt, Mercedes' global sales and marketing boss, said in an interview with Automotive News Europe that the automaker is developing at least four models based on its new MFA, or Mercedes Front-wheel-drive Architecture. “We will introduce the next generation of our MFA family to the U.S.,” Schmidt said. Two variants, maybe even a third, are planned for the U.S., he said. The coupe will be launched in the U.S. in summer 2013, according to a company source. Mercedes insiders call it a "baby CLS" because it will have similar styling to the brand's larger CLS coupe-styled four-door model. An SUV aimed as a rival to the BMW X1 will follow in summer 2014. Both variants will go on sale in Europe three to five months ahead of their U.S. launch. Mercedes will introduce compact cars in the U.S. because consumer preferences are changing toward smaller vehicles. The automaker also wants to stay apace with rivals BMW and Audi. The new compact car family will replace Mercedes' current A- and B-class models, which are not sold in the U.S. In Europe, Mercedes will launch the next-generation B class hatchback at the end of this year, followed by the A class hatchback in late summer 2012.