Completing a driver’s education program is a requirement to earn your license in California. While students learn valuable driving skills in these programs, it’s common to forget a few lessons as you get older. Or you could be a new driver in the state who’s unfamiliar with the many laws that regulate public roadways. If you receive a ticket for breaking a driving law, you might be provided with the opportunity to attend traffic school. While this won’t typically eliminate fines, you may find going to traffic school offers several benefits that make it worth taking the course.
Maintain a Good Driving Record
Drivers in California can receive points added to their driving records that are meant to deter habitual bad driving. While a single minor speeding ticket won’t cause you to lose your license, the courts could revoke your driving privileges for repeat offenses. In most cases, going to traffic school can keep a ticket off your driving record, which helps you keep your license.
Protect Your Eligibility for Employment
Many employers conduct background checks as a routine part of the hiring process. While CDL holders who receive tickets while driving commercial vehicles aren’t eligible to go to traffic school to reduce penalties, you might have the option if you were driving a personal vehicle at the time of the citation. Being able to avoid having points added to your driving record helps you stand out as a responsible driver when you apply for a new job.
Continue to Enjoy Lower Insurance Rates
The cost of traffic school is meant to cover instructional and administrative fees. For most drivers, the cost of traffic school is lower than the expected increase in car insurance rates that commonly occurs after new traffic violations. Insurance companies regularly check driving records before offering renewals or new policies. If you have one or more infractions on your record, you could face higher premiums. Since attending traffic school keeps the violation off your driving record, you can continue to enjoy better rates.
Brush Up on State Laws as a New Resident
Moving to a new state can involve a learning curve that could impact your driving. Although most laws in California are similar to what you’ll need to follow while driving in other states, it’s always a good thing to take a traffic school course. Suppose you’ve received a ticket during your early California residency. In this case, going to traffic school now can prevent you from breaking other laws you might be unaware of as a new resident.
Prevent Expensive Accidents
The primary goal of California driving laws is to keep everyone safe. While paying a traffic fine is annoying, you could face even bigger financial challenges if you experience an accident. Going to traffic school helps you refresh your memory on safe driving practices that prevent you from dealing with costly property damage, serious injuries, and rising insurance rates that result from major car collisions.
In addition to knowing and following traffic laws, you need to make sure you’re covered by dependable auto insurance in the event of an accident. If you’re looking for reliable car insurance and high-quality service, call on the trustworthy agents from Altra Insurance Services. We can also provide you with motorcycle, renters, and auto insurance. National City residents should give us a call today.