why do a defensive driving course instead of pay ticket

It will be like the ticket never happened. This is the reason that people opt for a defensive driving course rather than just paying the ticket. If you were to just pay a speeding ticket it would be on your driver record permanently.

Full Answer

Why choose defensive driving over paying a ticket?

This way you are as far away as possible from ever experiencing these expensive premium increases or surcharges. It is also worth mentioning that in most cases, even though you will still be required to pay a court fee when you choose defensive driving to take care of your ticket, it is still usually less expensive than paying for the ticket.

Do you have to pay court fees for defensive driving?

It is also worth mentioning that in most cases, even though you will still be required to pay a court fee when you choose defensive driving to take care of your ticket, it is still usually less expensive than paying for the ticket.

What happens if you don’t take a defensive driving course?

Failure to do so will result in points being added to your record and the information will be sent to insurance providers. Besides helping you get your ticket dismissed and reducing the points on your driving record, taking a defensive driving course has other benefits. Some of the most notable ones include:

How much does it cost to dismiss a defensive driving ticket?

Even with defensive driving, you'll probably still have to pay the court fee — usually about $125 — but that will still be less than paying the full cost of the ticket. Lower your auto insurance costs. Not only can dismissing a ticket with defensive driving keep your auto insurance premiums from going up, it can even make them go down.

Can I take defensive driving instead of paying a ticket in Texas?

Most minor citations can be dismissed with a defensive driving course. A Texas defensive driving course may NOT be taken to dismiss any of the following violations: Speeding at or more than 25 MPH over the posted speed limit. No car insurance.

Will I have to pay my speeding citation if I take defensive driving in Texas?

Yes - you must pay for the cost of the ticket as well as the defensive driving course. This can actually prevent your insurance rates from going up.

Is defensive driving course good?

The short answer is yes, defensive driving courses are worth the money. Defensive driving courses give drivers a new perspective on viewing the road. They help drivers identify dangerous situations before they unfold. Defensive drivers can determine and mitigate risky behavior from other drivers.

How long do you have to take defensive driving after a ticket in Texas?

90 daysHow long do you have to take defensive driving after a ticket in Texas? For ticket dismissal and to keep the citation off your driving record, drivers have 90 days from the date of plea to complete a stated approved defensive driving course.

How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record?

three to five yearsHow long does a speeding ticket affect your driving record? A speeding ticket usually stays on your record for three to five years. Most states have a penalty system that assigns demerits to drivers for traffic violations. Every state differs in the amount of points assigned for each violation.

How long do points stay on your driving record?

Most points stay on your licence for four years from the date of the offence, although they are only active for the first three. For more serious offences, such as causing death by dangerous driving or drink driving, the points will stay on your licence for 11 years.

What is defensive driving course?

With defensive driving classes, individuals learn to improve their driving skills by reducing their driving risks. Driving risks are reduced by anticipating situations and making safe well-informed decisions. Defense driving courses involves a lot training on tactical decision making to avoid road accidents.

What is the meaning of defensive driving?

Defensive driving describes the practice of drivers who consciously reduce the dangers associated with driving. Defensive driving techniques reduce the likelihood of a collision or incident and can even save costs related to vehicle maintenance and fuel consumption, by driving smoothly and steadily.

How much is defensive driving course in California?

You can take a defensive driving course at any of the traffic schools on the following list. All of them have been in business for at least 15 years, are approved by the DMV, cost less than $30, and will e-file your completion certificate after you're finished.

How do I get a speeding ticket off my record in Texas?

How to Dismiss a Traffic Ticket in TexasFirst make sure you are eligible to have the ticket dismissed. ... Register for the Texas Online Defensive Driving Course. ... Order your Certified Texas Driving Record, which all Texas courts will require in addition to your Certificate of Completion.More items...

How do I get a speeding ticket removed in Texas?

Here are five steps to dismissing your Texas traffic ticket:You must have a non-commercial driver's license.You must admit guilt or plead no contest (nolo contendere)The citation must be for driving within 25 miles per hour of the posted limit.Your citation does not involve an infraction in a construction zone.More items...•

How many points is a speeding ticket in Texas?

Texas traffic law uses a points system for license suspensions. You will receive two points for any moving violation and three points for any violations involving a collision. This means that if you receive a speeding ticket, you will be charged with a moving violation and will receive two points on your license.

How long is a speeding ticket valid?

Not only will the course dismiss the ticket from your record, but that insurance discount is valid for up to 3 years. For many people this means that receiving a speeding ticket will actually save them money in the long-term, in addition to refreshing your knowledge of safe-driving habits.

How many copies of your certificate of completion do you get for a speeding ticket?

Upon completion of an approved defensive driving course you will receive two copies of your Certificate of Completion. You will provide one copy to the court to dismiss your ticket, and the second copy can be provided to your insurance ...

How many miles per hour do you have to drive to get a nolo contendere?

You must admit guilt or plead no contest (nolo contendere) The citation must be for driving within 25 miles per hour of the posted limit. Your citation does not involve an infraction in a construction zone. Your court must give you permission to take a certified defensive driving course. Most drivers qualify, making an approved defensive driving ...

Texas Defensive Driving – Should you just pay the ticket?

Many people ask the question if they would be better off just paying the fine rather than taking a Texas defensive driving course (online or classroom). My answer to that question is that in most cases it is always best to keep your driver record clean if you have the option.

Defensive Driving Courses Not That Expensive

Many people choose the defensive driving course option, but let’s see why this is probably the smartest choice. If you pay the fine, then that traffic citation will go onto your driver record.

Why do you need defensive driving?

In short, a defensive driving course refreshes your driving knowledge and teaches you to drive defensively, giving you a better foundation to make safe, quick decisions while behind the wheel.

How long is a defensive driving course?

You can generally expect to spend anywhere from 6-8 hours in your course, with some being shorter (3 or 4 hours) and some being much longer (10 or 12 hours).

How many sittings do you need to take court courses?

If you take it in person in a classroom-type setting, you may be required to complete the course in one sitting, depending on how long it runs. Online courses can typically be completed in installments at your own pace.

Can you offset points on your driving record?

It completely depends on your state and your court. Generally, the answer is no. A defensive driving course will TYPICALLY offset points from your public driving record, in the form of a reduction or a credit (again, this is highly state- and court-dependent), rather than remove the violation from your record completely.

Can you take defensive driving if you have a CDL?

For most states the answer is no. There are some states that will allow you to take a defensive driving course if you hold a CDL but you were not operating a commercial motor vehicle at the time of your violation. It is best to check with your licensing agency or the agency in which you received a violation.

What happens if you have a defensive driving course?

If you have driving violations, completing a defensive driving course could remove points or dismiss a ticket from your driving record. Too many points or tickets on your record could cost you money in fines, as well as potential lost wages if your license is suspended.

How much does a defensive driving course reduce insurance premium?

Many states support safe driver incentives that could reduce your insurance premium by as much as 10% for completing a defensive driving course. Many states support safe driver incentives that could reduce your insurance premium by as much as 10% for completing a defensive driving course.

What is defensive driving?

Defensive driving courses teach drivers safe techniques to proactively anticipate and effectively react to a variety of hazards including careless actions by other drivers, poor visibility and road conditions due to dangerous weather conditions, and dangers triggered by various physical and emotional states.

Why do you need to take defensive driving classes?

Taking a defensive driving course teaches you safe driving techniques for controlling your vehicle in emergency situations, as well as procedures for handling fatigue, emotional stress, and road rage. Of course, there are many more reasons for learning safe driving habits.

What are the advantages of defensive driving?

While the benefits of a defensive driving course will save you money and help you become a smarter, safer driver, the advantages offered by online courses make the learning experience fast and easy. Convenient. Anytime, anywhere, any device learning means you decide when to fit the courses into your busy schedule. You Control the Pace.

Does North Dakota require insurance for defensive driving?

In some states, including North Dakota and Pennsylvania, state authorities require insurance companies to provide discounts to drivers who successfully complete a defensive driving course. This can be a considerable savings for many drivers, especially parents with teen drivers included on their insurance policy.

So Will I Be Paying for the Ticket AND Defensive Driving?

You will be giving some money to the court, but it’s not technically for a ticket.

How Do I Get Permission to Take Defensive Driving?

The instructions for contacting your specific court will be printed on your ticket. The citation will also reflect a date by which you must contact the court. Be very sure not to miss that date! If you do, your choices about what to do about the ticket will be made for you, and there may be a warrant involved.

Which is Better: Defensive Driving or Paying the Ticket?

If you’ve received a ticket, you may be wondering the best way to deal with it. Let’s take a look at the decision you will most likely be faced with.

Can My Ticket be Dismissed with Defensive Driving?

Defensive driving is offered for the dismissal of most minor traffic offenses. These offenses include things like minor speeding, illegal lane changes, and following too closely. Tickets that cannot be dismissed with a trip to traffic school include:

Beating Your Defensive Driving Court Date

Once you have received permission to take defensive driving, it’s time to start looking for a course. Even if 90 days feels like a million years away, get on it now. There’s a couple of reasons for this.

How long does it take to get a defensive driving ticket dismissed?

You can dismiss one ticket within a 12-month period. You become eligible to take defensive driving on the anniversary of your completed defensive driving course (not when you got the ticket).

How much is the discount on driving safety?

Discounts vary from insurance company to company, but the standard discount is 10% for up to 3 years.

How old do you have to be to take defensive driving?

Drivers under the age of 25 should know that they have to take a defensive driving course every time they get a ticket, even if it hasn't been a year and there's no chance of getting the ticket dismissed.

What is deferred adjudication?

That's the deadline by which you must contact the court to acknowledge that you go the ticket and discuss your options. The court may allow you to choose deferred dispensation, which is also called “deferred adjudication”. This means probation for a period of time…and paying the court fee and the full fine.

How much does it cost to move a violation?

Moving violations can cost a driver anywhere from $150 to $300 depending on the infraction. Even with defensive driving, you'll probably still have to pay the court fee — usually about $125 — but that will still be less than paying the full cost of the ticket. Lower your auto insurance costs.

Can you take defensive driving if you are pulled over?

Often the officer who pulls you over will suggest you take defensive driving, but that's not enough : you need to get permission from the court. You may want to hire an attorney to represent you. In some cases an attorney can help dismiss the ticket or help if you have more than one ticket in a short period of time.

Can you keep a photocopy of your defensive driving certificate?

Once the court has your paperwork, it should record that your ticket has been dismissed and set about having it erased from your driving record. But we suggest you keep a photocopy of your defensive driving certificate in your car.