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Showing posts with the label DMV

Can Traffic School Erase a Ticket from Your Record?

 Getting a traffic ticket can damage your driving record and raise your insurance rates. But in many states, traffic school offers a way to avoid points and keep your record clean. Who Qualifies? Typically, you must meet these conditions: First offense or minor infraction Valid driver’s license No previous traffic school within the last 12–18 months Non-commercial license Benefits of Traffic School: Avoid points on your DMV record Prevent insurance premium increases Dismiss the ticket entirely in some jurisdictions How It Works: Pay the ticket fine and an administrative fee Enroll in a court-approved course Complete it within the deadline (usually 60–90 days) Submit proof of completion Online or In-Person? Most traffic schools offer online options , making it convenient to complete at your own pace. Exceptions: Major violations (DUI, reckless driving) are not eligible Some states limit how often you can use traffic school Imp...

What Is a “Fix-It” Ticket and How Do You Handle It?

 Got a ticket for a broken tail light or expired registration? That’s likely a “fix-it” ticket , also known as a correctable violation — and it’s not as serious as other infractions, if handled properly. What Is a Fix-It Ticket? It’s a notice given for minor vehicle issues like: Broken headlights or tail lights Expired tags Cracked windshield Missing front license plate Window tint violations How to Resolve It: Fix the Issue Quickly: You often have 30–60 days. Get Proof of Correction: A police officer, DMV worker, or inspection station may need to sign off. Submit It to the Court: Along with a small dismissal fee (usually $25 or so). Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It: If you don’t fix it on time: It becomes a full traffic violation You’ll face higher fines Points may be added to your license It could lead to a warrant or license suspension Good News: Fix-it tickets don’t usually affect insurance if corrected properly and on time.

The Truth About License Suspension for Unpaid Traffic Tickets

 Ignoring or forgetting to pay a traffic ticket can lead to serious consequences — including a driver’s license suspension . How It Happens: Each state has laws that allow DMV to suspend your license for failing to: Pay the fine Appear in court Respond to a notice of violation What Are the Consequences? You can’t legally drive Your insurance may be canceled or increased Additional fines and reinstatement fees Possible arrest if caught driving while suspended How to Reinstate Your License: Pay the original ticket Pay late fees or penalties Provide proof to the DMV or court In some states, attend a court hearing Can You Fight It? Yes. You may be able to reopen the case if you were not properly notified or can prove a financial hardship. Don’t Wait: Delays lead to more fees and complications. Always address tickets quickly, especially in states like California, New York, or Florida.

How to Remove Points from Your Driver’s License

 Accumulating points on your driver’s license can lead to higher insurance premiums, license suspension, and even job loss for commercial drivers. Fortunately, there are legal ways to reduce or remove points in most states. What Are Driver's License Points? Points are added to your record for violations like speeding, running red lights, reckless driving, and DUI. The number of points depends on the severity of the offense. Ways to Remove Points: Traffic School or Defensive Driving Course Many states allow drivers to take approved courses to reduce points. Some even erase the violation from your record entirely. Good Driving Over Time Points may automatically expire after a certain number of years if you maintain a clean record. Appealing the Violation If you believe the ticket was issued unfairly, contest it in court. If dismissed, the points don’t appear on your record. Requesting Leniency Some DMV offices offer administrative reviews or allow first-time offend...