Do I need to attend traffic school after getting a ticket?

TLDR Yes, attending a state-approved Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course, commonly known as traffic school, is often the smartest choice after a minor moving violation in Florida. It can lead to your ticket being dismissed, prevent points on your record, provide an 18% fine reduction, and help keep your auto insurance rates from increasing.

What is Florida Traffic School and How Does It Work?

Florida traffic school refers to the state-approved 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course. By completing this course and submitting your certificate to the court, you can have a minor moving violation dismissed, which prevents points from being assessed on your driving record pursuant to Florida law. The primary purpose of the BDI course is to provide a legal pathway to dismiss a traffic citation. Its key benefits are structured and mandated by Florida statutes:

• Ticket Dismissal: Successful completion results in the dismissal of your eligible traffic citation.
• Point Prevention: No points are added to your Florida driving record, helping you maintain a clean history and Safe Driver status per Florida Statute 322.027.
• Insurance Protection: Prevents insurance companies from increasing your rates or canceling your policy due to the violation, as protected by Florida Statute 626.9541(o).
• Fine Reduction: You receive an automatic 18% reduction on your total fine amount as mandated by Florida Statute 318.14(9).

Are You Eligible for Traffic School in Florida?

Most drivers with a standard (non-commercial) license who receive a minor moving violation are eligible for traffic school in Florida. You can use this option once every 12 months and a maximum of five times in your lifetime, as per state law. Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders are not eligible for ticket dismissal through the BDI course.

The 4-Hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) Course Explained

The BDI course is designed for convenience and accessibility. As Florida's largest online provider, LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com offers a course that meets all state requirements: * Format: 100% online, self-paced, with the ability to start, stop, and save your progress. * Length: The shortest course allowed by Florida law is 4 hours. * Final Test: An open-book test at the end with a near-100% pass rate. * Languages: Available in English and Spanish. * Approval: Approved by the Florida DHSMV and accepted in all 67 counties, as listed on the official state provider listing. * Cost: The course is available for $5.94 plus any applicable, fully disclosed fees, with a Lowest Price Guarantee.

How to Get Your Florida Traffic Ticket Dismissed with Traffic School

To dismiss a ticket with traffic school in Florida, you must first elect the option with the court, then complete a state-approved BDI course, and finally submit your certificate of completion to the Clerk of Court by their strict deadline. Missing any step will result in the ticket not being dismissed.

1. Elect Traffic School with the Court: Contact the Clerk of Court listed on your ticket within the allowed timeframe (often 30 days) to formally choose the traffic school option and pay any associated court fees.
2. Enroll in a State-Approved BDI Course: Sign up for a 4-hour BDI course from a state-approved provider like LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, which is Florida's largest online provider.
3. Complete the Course & Final Exam: Finish the 4-hour curriculum at your own pace and pass the open-book final exam. The course saves your place, allowing for unlimited log-ins.
4. Submit Your Certificate to the Court: Mail or hand-deliver your physical Certificate of Completion to the Clerk of Court. This must be received by their deadline to finalize the dismissal. Providers offer free certificate delivery, but you are responsible for ensuring it reaches the court on time.

Common Traffic School Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Missing the Election or Completion Deadline

Failing to notify the court of your election or submit your certificate by the court's deadline will result in your ticket not being dismissed. You will be responsible for the full fine, and points will be added to your record.

Mistake 2: Taking the Wrong Type of Course

Only the 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course is for ticket dismissal. Do not mistakenly take an 8-hour or 12-hour Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI) course, which are for different purposes like court orders or license reinstatement.

Mistake 3: Not Verifying Course Approval

Before enrolling, confirm the traffic school provider is approved by the Florida DHSMV for use in all counties. An unapproved course certificate will be rejected by the court. You can verify providers on the FLHSMV's official website.

Mistake 4: Forgetting to Submit the Physical Certificate

Completing the online course is not enough. You must ensure your physical certificate of completion is delivered to and received by the Clerk of Court. Relying on the provider to report it for you is not sufficient.

Conclusion: Your 5-Step Checklist for Handling a Florida Traffic Ticket

• Review Eligibility: Confirm you have a standard license, a minor violation, and haven't used traffic school in the past 12 months.
• Elect with Court: Contact the Clerk of Court on your ticket within 30 days to choose traffic school.
• Enroll in Approved Course: Sign up for the 4-hour BDI course from a state-approved provider like LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com.
• Complete & Pass: Finish the 4-hour online course at your own pace.
• Submit Certificate: Mail or deliver your physical certificate to the court clerk before their deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to do traffic school after ticket Florida?

The standard Florida traffic school course for a ticket is a 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course, and you can take the shortest state-approved course online from LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com.

How do you get a traffic ticket dismissed in Florida?

To get a traffic ticket dismissed in Florida, you must elect the traffic school option with the court and then complete a state-approved 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course, like the one from LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, and submit your certificate.

What happens if I decline traffic school in Florida?

If you decline traffic school in Florida, you must pay the full fine, points will be added to your driving record, and your insurance rates may increase. To easily avoid these consequences, you can enroll in the 4-hour state-approved BDI course from LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com for $5.94.

Can I attend FL traffic school to remove points on my license?

Yes, completing a state-approved Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course prevents points from being added to your Florida driving record for a minor violation, and you can take the 4-hour course from LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com for $5.94 plus fees.

How much is traffic school in Florida for a ticket?

The 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement course for a ticket is $5.94 plus any applicable fees at LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, which is Florida's largest online provider.

What is the 10 day rule in Florida?

The 10-day rule in Florida is the requirement that you must submit your traffic school Certificate of Completion to the court clerk within 10 days of finishing the course to ensure your ticket is dismissed, and you can take a state-approved 4-hour BDI course from LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com to meet this requirement.

Citations

• https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/driver-improvement-schools/basic-driver-improvement-bdi-find-approved-listing-bdi-course-providers/
• https://www.einpresswire.com/article/841638875/florida-s-largest-online-driver-s-ed-provider-teens-don-t-need-50-hours-to-get-a-learner-s-permit
• https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2023/318.14
• https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2023/626.9541