Maybe you’re here because of your first traffic ticket, or perhaps the points have been adding up on your driver’s license for some time. It's possible that the courts have ordered you to attend. If so, there are a few things you should know. By taking a traffic safety course, you can:
- Have a traffic ticket dismissed.
- Deflect traffic ticket fines.
- Avoid having points added to your driving record.
- Get a discount on your car insurance.
- Improve your skills and knowledge as a driver.
Regardless of the “why,” you’re here to learn about the “what.” In Charlotte, NC, traffic school is typically referred to as defensive driving courses. Sometimes the courses are called driver improvement clinics or traffic safety courses. There are four-hour and eight-hour classes. Both are offered in traditional classroom settings and online.
Understanding Your Options
In some circumstances, you can choose whether to sign up for the four-hour or eight-hour course. And you can usually pick between the classroom or online options. However, some courts dictate which course you have to take based on certain traffic violations. If you aren’t sure, call your traffic court to make sure you sign up for the right course to fulfill their requirements.
Traditional Classroom Course
If you decide to complete your driver improvement clinic in a traditional classroom, then you will have to attend in person for the required number of hours. The course must be taught by a certified driving instructor.
Online Course
The online option is more flexible. You’ll still need to put in the time, but the course can be completed anywhere and on your timeline--pause, save your progress and pick it back up later. You just need a computer and an internet connection.
4-Hour Defensive Driving Course Referred to as DDC-4, the four-hour course focuses on the consequences of poor choices made behind the wheel of a car. This course aims to provide a personal context for the choices you make while driving. The traffic violations that most commonly lead drivers to this traffic safety course include:
- Speeding Tickets
- Red Light Violations
- Stop Sign Violations
- Unsafe Movement
- Improper Turns
8 Hour Defensive Driving Course Referred to as DDC-8, the eight-hour course focuses on how drivers’ attitudes impact their driving. The goal is to help drivers with a history of traffic tickets learn how to change their driving behaviors. This course also addresses the legal, financial, and personal consequences of the decisions you make while driving. DDC-8 is typically required for drivers with more serious traffic infractions, such as driving under the influence or hit and run.
Completing Traffic School
Depending on your course provider, one of two things will happen once you successfully complete traffic school in Charlotte, NC.
You’ll receive a certificate of completion to present to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and your insurance company.
Your course provider will notify the DMV and update your driving record.
If you still have unanswered questions or think your specific case may go beyond traffic school, consider talking to an experienced traffic ticket lawyer. An attorney like Jason Reece can help you fight your traffic ticket and work to achieve the best outcome possible in your circumstances. For a free consultation, give Jason a call at 704.714.8888, or complete this form.
