What is traffic school and how does it work in the US?
Traffic school (also called defensive driving school) is a court-approved program that allows eligible drivers to have a ticket dismissed or the point masked from their driving record. After paying the fine and a traffic school fee, you complete an approved course (online or in-person, typically 4–8 hours). Upon completion, the point is not posted to your MVR.
How often can you use traffic school in California?
In California, you can use traffic school once every 18 months to mask a point. You must be eligible (valid licence, no CDL, violation must not exceed 25 mph over limit, not a misdemeanor). Request traffic school from the court before the due date — it is not automatic. The full fine must still be paid in addition to the traffic school fee.
Does traffic school remove points already on your record?
No. Traffic school prevents a new point from being added — it does not remove existing points. In some states like Florida, completing a Basic Driver Improvement course can reduce existing points by 3 after a clean period. Check your state DMV for point reduction programs distinct from the diversion traffic school program.