Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Branches California So, I finally had a pleasure of talking to a CHP officer...

Since its your first ticket, you can go to traffic school. Your ticket will probably be less than $200. Traffic school should cost less than $30.

If you choose to do traffic school, do an online course. It saves time, money, effort (ie you don't have to go and waste your whole Saturday). Plus its really easy...the test at the end is a friggin' joke! I could have passed without taking the online course before hand.

Also, keep in mind that taking traffic school means that it hides the points off your driving record, so you insurance company doesn't see it (and charge you more). However, you must be on your "best driving behavior" for 18 months; if you don't get a ticket, the ticket will be taken off your record. If you do get a ticket both penalties will be shown to your insurance company. So you must not get a ticket for 18 months (you can't go to traffic school more than once in 18 months).

I think all this info is correct...but correct me if I am wrong.

I went throught this whole process in January.

Good luck!