Why is my citation more expensive WITH traffic school?

Question

I checked my citation online, and it gives me a few options.

Pay citation - 380$

or

Traffic School - 400$ PLUS FEES!!

Shouldn't it be cheaper AFTER traffic school??

Answer 1

Short answer:  because they can.

Longer answer:You would think that would be the case but you must consider that traffic citations are a big source of revenue for governmental entities.  Since most people would prefer to keep a moving violation off of their driving record (keeps insurance rates lower and has consequences for future moving violations as well), most people who are eligible opt for driving school.  Since the courts know this, they have added "administrative" and/or "dismissal" fees onto the ticket dismissal process after successful completion of driving school.  While the ticket does end up costing as much "out of pocket" after driving school, the city or county still gets their revenue, and you get the benefit of not having this moving violation as a stain on your driving record.  In addition, most insurance companies give a discount for up to 3 years following the completion of an approved driver safety course which should offset much of the cost of the "administrative" fees charged by the court.

Answer 2

Traffic School is cheaper in terms of points not being added to your driving record and contributing to an increase in your car insurance.

Answer 3

You can pay the citation - for whatever it is, by pleading guilty but you WILL recieve points on your license.

You can pay the Traffic School and Fees and more-than-likely avoid points (which will raise your insurance by anywhere from 200-500 dollars - depending on your age and how many points) and in the end you'd probably save money in the long run doing the traffic school option.

good luck!