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Many states require a DUI traffic school or driving school course as part of DUI penalties ordered by a judge during sentencing. In some cases, this education program may be optional to help reduce your penalties, reinstate your license more quickly or remove points from your driving record. In other circumstances, it will be mandatory. Let’s review more about these programs below.
Traffic school and driving school are broad terms that can apply to a variety of driver education programs. For our purposes here, these terms interchangeably describe a driving education program completed as part of the penalties for a drunk driving conviction, either as part of your sentence from the court or to alleviate other penalties. These programs are required after a drunk driving conviction (or possibly another alcohol- or driving-related offense) because the state where you live uses these courses to encourage safer driving behavior in the future and reduce DUI recidivism. Sometimes, DUI traffic school or DUI driving classes are integrated into a larger state-mandated alcohol treatment program, and sometimes they operate as standalone programs.
As with all DUI penalties, DUI driver’s school requirements vary widely by state. DUI driving school is mandatory for all offenders, including first-time offenders in some states, while in other states or circumstances, it is ordered by a judge. Additionally, DUI traffic school is technically an optional program to help get back on the road faster or to reduce other penalties in some states or circumstances. These programs are intended to discourage drunk driving and help participants become safer drivers by teaching about the dangers of drunk driving and other safe driving techniques and, in some cases, integrating with counseling or treatment options for alcohol addiction. In California, for instance, DUI traffic school is a classroom-style course that focuses on educating about the dangers of drunk driving and can vary in length from a 12-hour class completed in one month for the least serious offenses to as much as 30 months for third-time DUIs (or second-time with very high BAC) and beyond.
In California, Arizona, Alaska, Texas, Iowa and other states, an online option for DUI traffic school is available for drivers to take from home. In some states, there may also be a DVD or on-demand streaming option. These online or DVD courses typically consist of some combination of a textbook/workbook, audio or video lectures and quizzes or a final exam. In most states, there is also a classroom DUI driver’s school course available through state-approved driver education providers. Usually, you’ll have to listen to lectures or read about the dangers of drunk driving and then demonstrate your comprehension by taking some sort of exam(s). You may also be asked to hear from people whose lives have been negatively impacted by drunk driving.
These classes typically cost between $30 and $50. You can receive financial assistance based on your income in some states. For longer-term courses that also integrate with alcohol treatment programs, fees are substantially higher. Once you successfully complete the course, the provider will give you a certificate or other proof of completion, which you may be able to submit to the court or your state’s DMV to reduce your penalties, expunge your drunk driving offense from your record or regain driving privileges. It can also help reduce your car insurance premium. Consult with your legal representation to ensure you meet DUI traffic school requirements to reduce your DUI penalties and can get back to driving as quickly as possible after your DUI.
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