What online traffic school is and why you might take it
Online traffic school is a course you take on your computer or phone to satisfy a traffic ticket requirement or reduce points on your driving record. Most states allow you to complete it entirely from home, at your own pace, without attending a classroom or scheduling an appointment.
When you receive a traffic ticket, the court or DMV may give you the option to take an approved online course instead of paying the full fine, instead of having points added to your license, or sometimes both. The course teaches defensive driving techniques and traffic laws specific to your state. After you finish and pass a final test, the school sends proof of completion to the court or DMV, and the ticket consequence is reduced or dismissed.
You do not have to take online traffic school — it is an option the court offers. If you choose not to take it, you can pay the fine or contest the ticket in court. But online school is often cheaper than the full fine and keeps points off your record, which matters because points can raise your insurance rates and eventually lead to license suspension.
Key Takeaways
- Online traffic school is a course you complete from home to reduce or dismiss a traffic ticket and prevent points from being added to your driving record.
- You must use a school approved by your state's DMV or court — taking a course from an unapproved provider will not satisfy the ticket requirement.
- The course typically takes four to eight hours to complete and includes a final test you must pass; you can log in and out as many times as you need.
- After you pass, the school sends your completion certificate directly to the court or DMV, and you do not have to submit anything yourself.
- Cost varies by state and school, but online courses are usually cheaper than paying the full ticket fine.
How to find an approved online traffic school in your state
Your state's DMV website lists the schools it has approved. Start there — search "[your state] DMV approved traffic school" or look for a link on the DMV's main page under "traffic school" or "ticket options." Some states call it "defensive driving course" or "driver improvement course" instead.
The court that issued your ticket may also list approved schools on the ticket itself or on the court's website. If you are unsure which court issued it, check the ticket — the court name and case number are printed on it. Call that court's traffic or violations department if you cannot find the list online; staff can tell you which schools are approved and whether you are allowed to take the course for your specific violation.
Do not assume a school is approved just because it appears in a search result. Many unapproved schools advertise online traffic courses, and if you complete one of those, the court will not accept it and you will have wasted money and time. Stick to the official DMV or court list.
What happens when you enroll and start the course
Once you choose an approved school, you will create an account on their website and enter information from your ticket — usually your name, driver's license number, ticket number, and the violation date. The school verifies this information with the court or DMV before letting you start.
The course itself is broken into sections you can complete whenever you want. You log in, watch videos or read material about traffic laws and safe driving, and answer questions as you go. Most courses take four to eight hours total, but that time is spread across days or weeks — you are not required to finish it all at once. You can pause, log out, and come back later.
Some schools require you to watch videos in real time (you cannot skip ahead), while others let you read the material at your own speed. Check the school's website before you enroll to see which format they use, especially if you have a tight schedule.
The final test and what you need to pass
After you complete all the course sections, you take a final test. The test is usually multiple choice and covers the material from the course. You typically need to score 70 to 80 percent to pass, depending on the school and state — the school will tell you the passing score before you start.
If you do not pass on your first try, most schools let you retake the test. There may be a waiting period (often 24 hours) between attempts, and some schools charge a small fee for retakes, but you are not locked out after one failure. Take notes while you go through the course so you know which topics to review before your next attempt.
You do not need to print or read your certificate yourself. Once you pass, the school automatically sends proof of completion to the court or DMV listed on your ticket. This usually happens within one to three business days, though some schools do it when ready.
Cost and how it compares to paying the ticket fine
Online traffic school costs vary widely by state and school. Most courses range from $20 to $100, though some states have set maximum prices. A few states cap the cost at around $25, while others allow schools to charge more. Check the school's website for the exact price before you enroll.
Compare this to the ticket fine itself. A typical traffic violation fine ranges from $100 to $300 or more, depending on the violation and your state. If the court offers you the choice between paying the fine and taking online school, the school is almost always cheaper. Some courts also allow you to take the course and still pay a reduced fine, so ask the court what your options are.
A few states offer online school for free or at a very low cost to first-time offenders. Check your DMV website or call the court to see if you may have access to for a reduced rate.
How points are affected and what happens to your record
Traffic violations normally add points to your driving record. The number of points depends on the violation — a speeding ticket might be 2 to 4 points, while a reckless driving charge could be 6 or more. Points stay on your record for three to seven years (the length varies by state) and can raise your insurance rates.
When you complete an approved online traffic school course, the court or DMV typically removes the points from your record or prevents them from being added in the first place. This is the main reason people take the course — keeping points off your record is worth more than the money saved on the fine, because points directly affect your insurance costs and your ability to keep your license.
However, the violation itself may still appear on your record as "dismissed" or "satisfied by traffic school." Insurance companies can sometimes see this, but it usually has less impact than active points. Ask the court what will show on your record after you complete the course.
Restrictions and violations that do not may have access to
Not every traffic ticket qualifies for online school. Most states do not allow you to take the course for serious violations like reckless driving, driving under the influence, or driving with a suspended license. You also typically cannot use online school if you have taken a traffic school course within the past 12 months (some states say 18 or 24 months).
Parking tickets and equipment violations (like a broken taillight) usually do not may have access to either. The ticket itself will often say whether you are allowed to take the course, or you can call the court to ask. If you are not sure, do not guess — call the traffic violations department and ask directly.
If you are not allowed to take online school for your ticket, you can still pay the fine or contest the ticket in court. Some courts offer other options like traffic court or a payment plan, so ask what is available to you.
What to do if you do not receive your completion certificate
After you pass the final test, the school should send your certificate to the court or DMV within one to three business days. You do not need to do anything — the school handles it. However, if more than a week has passed and you have not heard from the court, contact the school to confirm they sent it.
Keep your own copy of the completion certificate for your records. Most schools let you read and print it from your account after you pass. Save this as proof in case there is a delay or a mix-up with the court.
If the school says they sent the certificate but the court has no record of it, ask the court for the school's fax number or mailing address and have the school resend it. This is rare, but it happens — having your own copy means you can resolve it quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take online traffic school if I already have points on my license?
Yes. Online school removes or prevents points from being added for the current ticket. However, points from previous violations stay on your record. If you have accumulated many points already, taking online school for this ticket will still help by keeping this violation from adding more.
Do I have to tell my insurance company I took traffic school?
No, you do not have to tell them. However, your insurance company can see your driving record, and they may notice the violation even if points were removed. The impact on your rates depends on your company's policy. Some insurers do not raise rates if points are removed; others may still see the violation itself. Call your agent if you are concerned.
What if I fail the final test?
Most schools let you retake it. There is usually a waiting period of 24 hours between attempts, and some schools charge a small fee for retakes. Review the course material before your next attempt, and you should pass. If you fail multiple times, contact the school's customer service — they can sometimes provide extra help or clarification.
Can I take online traffic school on my phone?
Most approved schools work on phones and tablets, but check the school's website first to confirm. Some older courses only work on computers. If you plan to use your phone, test it before you start so you know the experience works for you.
What if I move to a different state after getting a ticket?
You still need to satisfy the ticket in the state where you received it. Take the course through an approved school in that state, and the completion certificate will be sent to that court. Moving does not cancel the ticket or change the requirement.