Getting a traffic ticket has many hidden costs, especially if this isn’t your first one. However, you may be able to reduce the penalties you face by attending traffic school.
At Browning & Long, PLLC, our experienced Charlotte traffic ticket lawyers can help you understand the pros and cons of traffic school options if you’ve gotten a citation. We will also raise your defenses and use other strategies to fight your ticket. Here, we examine what factors you should weigh when deciding if attending traffic school is right for you.
What Are the Pros of Attending Traffic School in Charlotte NC?
In North Carolina, a traffic school, also known as a Driver Improvement Clinic, teaches defensive driving techniques and promotes safe driving habits. You may want to consider your traffic school options to fight your traffic ticket. Here are ways it could help you:
Maintaining a Clean Driving Record
The North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) assesses points on your driving record when you are found guilty of a traffic violation like speeding or running a red light. Completing an approved traffic school course can keep the ticket off your driving record. This is especially important if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a job where you must drive and could lose your job because of your citation.
Dismissing the Ticket
You may be able to get your ticket dismissed if you attend traffic school for certain types of tickets. You would avoid having to pay fines, court costs, and other penalties for the original citation. However, not all tickets are eligible for dismissal through a driver improvement clinic. Our traffic ticket lawyers can advise you if going to traffic school would help you, given your citation.
Learning Defensive Driving Skills
You’ll learn how to drive safely and prevent car accidents. You'll learn to maintain proper following distance, avoid distractions behind the wheel, and handle hazardous road conditions.
Potentially Avoiding Insurance Rate Hikes
While attending traffic school does not guarantee that your insurance rates won't increase, keeping tickets off your record can help you avoid triggering higher premiums. Many insurance companies periodically review driving records and raise rates for policyholders with multiple violations.
What Are the Cons of Taking a Traffic School Class?
Traffic school isn't the best solution in every situation. Consider these potential drawbacks when weighing your traffic school options:
- Eligibility. You need to be sure your ticket is one that will be helped by going to traffic school in Charlotte. For example, offenses like DWI, reckless driving, or leaving the scene of an accident are typically ineligible to be reduced by attending traffic school. Additionally, if you've already completed traffic school for a previous ticket, you may be ineligible to do so again within a specific time period.
- Time commitment and scheduling. Traffic school courses take time to complete. You may have to schedule a full day or big blocks of time for in-person classes. However, you may be able to take an online class and spread the sessions over several days or weeks. You'll need to fit this time commitment into your schedule and potentially take time off work.
- Out-of-pocket costs. Traffic school isn't free, and you must attend an approved class. You may still have court costs to pay, even if your ticket is dismissed. Our lawyers will help you weigh the total costs of traffic school against the potential benefits in your criminal case and insurance premiums.
Discuss Your Traffic School Options With Our Charlotte Traffic Ticket Lawyers
Deciding whether traffic school is right for you involves carefully considering your case's circumstances, driving history, and priorities. At Browning & Long, PLLC, our legal team will thoroughly review the details of your case to determine if traffic school is a good option. We’ll explain the potential costs, time commitment, and outcomes so you can make an informed decision. If traffic school doesn’t help you, we’ll discuss other strategies, such as a Prayer for Judgement, to fight your ticket or reduce your penalties.
