How A Driver Improvement Course Can Help With Traffic Violations
The National Institutes of Health highlights numerous studies that have established a link between driver education and fewer traffic violations. In Virginia, there are numerous benefits associated with taking a driver improvement course – and a reduction in future traffic violations is only one example. These courses can also help drivers address traffic violations that they have already committed – and it could be a relatively easy way to have certain tickets dismissed. Of course, the specific benefits of a driver improvement course depend on the unique circumstances of each motorist. To discuss how these courses might help with their own unique challenges, motorists may wish to speak with experienced traffic law attorneys in Virginia. Consider calling (757) 929-0335 to continue this conversation alongside Driving Defense Law.
A Driver Improvement Course Helps Prevent Demerit Points
Many motorists in Virginia take driver improvement courses as a voluntary, preventative measure. If a driver successfully passes their course, they may earn five “safe driver points.” The DMV subtracts safe driver points from demerit points, potentially allowing a motorist to commit more traffic violations without negative consequences. With a balance of five safe driver points, a motorist would only start earning demerit points after committing two violations worth three points each. In other words, the safe driver points act as a “buffer” against future violations.Note that a motorist may only earn safe driver points once every two years, and they may only accumulate a maximum of five safe driver points at any given time. In addition, a motorist automatically earns one safe driver point per year for avoiding all accidents. According to the Virginia Department of Vehicles (DMV), 18 demerit points within a calendar year trigger an automatic license suspension for 90 days. In addition, a motorist with 18 points per year must complete a driver improvement course before regaining their license. The same rules apply to drivers who accumulate 24 demerit points within two years. 12 demerit points per year do not trigger a suspension, but a driver improvement course becomes mandatory to retain driving privileges.
A Driver Improvement Course Could Let You Keep Driving
Although driver improvement courses are mandatory for motorists who accumulate 12 demerit points per year, they may also be helpful for those who are worried about crossing this threshold in the near future. For example, a motorist might have ten demerit points on their record. They might realize that a driver improvement course will become mandatory after just one more three-point violation. In addition, they might realize that after a few more violations, they could completely lose the right to drive. This motorist might choose to preemptively take the driver improvement course, thereby pushing their total demerit points down to five. This could provide considerable peace of mind while reducing the chances of a suspension in the future. Note that if this motorist had committed another violation, the driver improvement course would have likely been mandatory anyway. In other words, the motorist has nothing to lose by taking the improvement course early – and they have everything to gain. That being said, a driver improvement course may be more challenging than many motorists realize. The course covers topics like road rage, intoxication, highway rules, weather conditions, and many others.
A Driver Improvement Course Could Reduce Your Fines
Although voluntary driver education certainly has its benefits, some motorists may have little choice in the matter. That being said, a driver improvement course can still help motorists avoid more serious traffic consequences. Often, courts allow motorists to complete driver improvement courses in exchange for lower legal fees or fines. As long as the motorist meets the specific requirements of the court, they can present their completion certificate and pursue lower overall costs associated with violations. Note that the court is much more likely to take this step for first offenders. A motorist who has committed numerous prior violations is less likely to enjoy this type of leniency. Even first-offenders may not be eligible if they have committed particularly egregious traffic violations.
Can I Get a Ticket Dismissed With A Driver Improvement Course?
In addition to reducing fines, the completion of a driver improvement course could also cause the court to dismiss tickets entirely. Again, this is usually reserved for first-time offenders, and those who are facing reckless driving charges may not be eligible. In addition, motorists should make sure that their course meets the specific requirements set forth by the court. Motorists may wish to speak with Driving Defense Law to receive targeted guidance based on their specific circumstances. For example, there are specific driver improvement courses for commercial drivers with commercial drivers licenses (CDLs). There are also specific driver improvement courses for “mature drivers” (those over the age of 55). Finally, those facing reckless driving charges may face more extensive education programs that are 12 hours long instead of the standard eight hours. Many motorists take driver improvement courses to receive insurance premium discounts. Although this may be possible, motorists should know that they may need to choose between earning insurance discounts or safe driver points with a single completion certificate. In addition, these additional benefits may not apply to those who must take driver improvement courses as part of a court order or DMV requirement. The court generally decides whether a driver will earn safe driver points in this case, and these points are not guaranteed.
Contact Driving Defense Law To Find Out More About Our DMV-Approved Driver Course Today!
Once motorists in Virginia understand the potential benefits of driver improvement courses, they may begin the signup process. Numerous organizations offer driver improvement courses, but it is important to select a DMV-approved option. A specialized course may also be necessary, especially for mature drivers or those facing reckless driving charges. Before signing up for a driver improvement course, it may be worth discussing the various options alongside an experienced traffic law attorney in Virginia. Driving Defense Law can help motorists assess their options, and this law firm also offers its own DMV-approved driver defense course. To discuss the next steps, consider calling (757) 929-0335 today.
