What Should You Know about Moving Violations in California?

Moving violations are among the most common types of traffic offenses. These are violations done while the vehicle is in motion. Some of the most frequently seen include running a red light, rolling through a stop sign, or texting while behind the wheel.

When you have been given a moving violation, you often won’t need to appear before a judge or spend time in jail. However, this does not mean there won’t be serious consequences, especially in the state of California.

Types of Violations

When you are cited for a moving violation, your action can qualify as either an infraction, misdemeanor, or even a felony. This will depend on the severity of your action. Infractions are the most lenient violations and tend to involve minor activities like rolling through a stop sign or failing to use a turn signal. Misdemeanors are more serious problems such as driving through a red light.

You will only receive a felony charge for committing a serious violation or repeating the same action over and over on a regular basis. For example, a DUI which results in the injury of another individual is a felony.

The Points System

In California and some other states around the country, your moving violations are tracked as points on your license. While you do receive a ticket notifying you of the severity of your actions and the resulting consequences, the points will be kept on your license as a record of undesirable behavior.

The amount of points you receive vary depending on your violation. Some common examples include:

• Running a Red Light: 1 Point
• Speeding: 1 Point
• Speeding over 100 MPH: 2 Points
• Driving with a Suspended License: 2 Points
• Driving without a Valid License: 3 Points

You need to be careful about getting points on your license. If you receive 4 points in a single year, then the DMV declares you a negligent operator and places a 6 month suspension on your license. This means it cannot be used and you cannot legally drive.

Traffic School and Moving Violations

If you receive one or more moving violations which could result in points being placed on your license, you might be eligible for traffic school. Traffic school is a set of remedial traffic courses which can stop points from being added to your license. Completing a course can also reduce the fine associated with your violation.

In California, you receive a notice about your violation which will let you know whether or not you are eligible for traffic school. To be eligible, you must meet the following three requirements:

• You have a valid driver’s license (not suspended or expired)
• Your offense was in a noncommercial vehicle (no work trucks)
• Your ticket was for a moving violation and no other type of infraction

Typically, when you go to traffic school, you can avoid getting points on your license and might also receive a reduced fine. You will be unable to attend if you:

• Committed an offense in a commercial vehicle
• Committed a parking offense
• Have an alcohol or drug-related offense
• Committed a misdemeanor
• Are required to go to court
• Have an equipment offense

This is because traffic school is dedicated solely to the driving aspect of vehicle infractions and offenses.

How Do You Go to Traffic School in California?

Believe it or not, but the simplest way to go to traffic school in California is by registering for an online course. Online traffic school and online driving courses in California are an easy way to get the lessons required to remove moving violations and points from your license so you can continue to drive without restrictions.