California Traffic School Online: Complete Guide (2026)

Got a traffic ticket in California? You're not alone. Over 4 million traffic tickets are issued in California every year. The good news: most of them can be dismissed with an online traffic school course.

Here's everything you need to know.

Who is eligible for California traffic school?

Most drivers with a standard moving violation qualify. Here are the requirements:

You have a valid California driver's license (not commercial)
The violation is a one-point infraction (speeding, red light, stop sign, etc.)
You haven't attended traffic school in the last 18 months
You have a non-commercial vehicle
The ticket is not for a misdemeanor or alcohol-related offense

Not sure if you qualify?

About 80% of California traffic tickets are eligible for dismissal through traffic school. If your ticket is for speeding, running a red light, or an improper lane change, you almost certainly qualify.

How does California online traffic school work?

The process is simple:

Request traffic school through your court (online or in person)
Pay the court fee (varies by county, usually $50–$100 on top of your fine)
Take the course online at your own pace
Pass the final exam (you get unlimited retakes)
We send your certificate to the court and DMV

That's it. The ticket gets masked from your record. Your insurance company never sees it.

How long does California traffic school take?

California does not have a minimum hour requirement for online traffic school. Other states force you to sit through 4, 6, or 8 hours of content. California lets you go as fast as you can read.

Most people finish in 2 to 4 hours. You can take breaks and come back anytime.

How much does it cost?

Here's the full cost breakdown:

Cost	Amount
NoToTicket course fee	$39.99
Court administrative fee	$50–$100
Total	$89.99–$139.99

Compare that to the cost of not taking traffic school: your ticket goes on your record, and your insurance goes up an average of $582 per year for 3 years. That's $1,746 in extra insurance costs.

You save $1,600+

The math is clear. A few hours of your time and under $140 saves you over $1,600 in higher insurance premiums.

What does the course cover?

California online traffic school covers topics the DMV requires:

California traffic laws and regulations
Safe driving techniques
Sharing the road with pedestrians and cyclists
Effects of alcohol and drugs on driving
Road rage and aggressive driving
Distracted driving awareness

The content is designed to be easy to read and understand. No trick questions. No confusing legal jargon.

What happens after I finish?

Once you pass the final exam:

You get your completion certificate immediately
We electronically report your completion to the DMV and your court
The ticket is masked from your driving record within 5–10 business days
Your insurance company never sees the ticket

Can I take traffic school on my phone?

Yes. Our course works on any device — phone, tablet, or computer. There's no app to download. Just open your browser, log in, and start.

California traffic school FAQ

Do I still have to pay the ticket fine? Yes. Traffic school dismisses the ticket from your record but you still pay the fine. Think of it as paying to keep your record clean and your insurance low.

Can I take traffic school for a camera ticket? Yes, red light camera tickets in California are eligible for traffic school.

What if I fail the final exam? You get unlimited retakes. The exam is open-book. Very few people fail.

Don't miss your deadline

California courts give you a deadline to complete traffic school (usually about 60 days from your court date). If you miss it, you lose your eligibility. Start early.

Get started now

Don't let a California traffic ticket cost you thousands in higher insurance. Take online traffic school, dismiss your ticket, and keep your record clean.

Related reading:

Ready to dismiss your California ticket?

Start Traffic School — $39.99