Traffic School Course Eligibility -  FAQ's

Course Restrictions: How often can I elect to attend traffic school?

When you elect to attend online traffic school or a live (classroom attendance) traffic school, you sign an affidavit (which may be on your citation) indicating your intention to complete the requirements imposed upon you by the court. Part of the affidavit that you sign is your acknowledgement that you have not elected to attend traffic school within the previous year. For example: If you elected to attend traffic school on January 19, 2002 and you receive another ticket on April 27, 2002, you will not be able to elect to attend traffic school for your second ticket. What this also means, you will not be able to elect to attend traffic school again until after January 20, 2003.

Also, keep in mind, if you receive two tickets at the same time, you will only be allowed to elect traffic school for one (1) of your tickets, provided that you have not elected to attend traffic school within the past 12 months.

The affidavit that you sign is a statement, which also indicates that you have not elected to attend traffic school more than 5 times.

Court Orders and TCAC courses, on the other hand, are not applied towards your "elected option allotment". A judge can order you to attend traffic school as many times as he wishes. And, in some cases -- where a judge may be a bit distraught with a particular licensed driver behavior, may order an individual to attend a course more than once, or, in some cases a series of courses, in order to have adjudication withheld for one citation.

If you mistakenly elect to attend traffic school when you are not eligible to do so, or if you have questions regarding your eligibility status, please call the clerk of the circuit court in the county in which your citation was issued.

Who may choose to attend a driver improvement course?

Any person charged with a moving or non-moving traffic violation that would result in points being assessed to their FLORIDA driving record, may choose to attend a driver improvement course. However, circumstances for Driver Improvement Class attendance is prohibited for the following:

• All criminal violations
• CDL drivers who are charged with serious traffic violations while in their commercial motor vehicle

What is the benefit of attending a driver improvement course?

Attending a driver improvement course to satisfy the violation will be entered on your driver record as an "adjudication withheld." In other words:

• No points will be assessed against your FLORIDA driver license,
• The civil penalty will be reduced up to 18 percent and
• Your current insurance company cannot impose an additional premium or refuse to renew a policy for motor vehicle insurance solely because the insured committed a non-criminal traffic infraction with the exceptions of a second infraction within 18 months, a third infraction in 36 months, or exceeding the speed limit by more than 15 mph.

Do I have to pay the civil fine when I attend a driver improvement course?

Yes, but, it's reduced up to 18 percent as required by law. For the exact cost of the civil penalty, contact the Traffic Division of the Clerk of Court in the county where you received your citation.

How can I elect to attend a driver improvement course?

You may come to the Clerk's office in the county where you received the citation or, in some cases, the officer provided you with an envelope at the time you were cited for the violation. This envelope may have an affidavit attached to it where you may use it to indicate your intention to attend a driver improvement course. It is important to carefully read all of the material that the officer provided you.

Within 30 calendar days of the date your ticket was issued, complete the affidavit, have your signature notarized and return the affidavit to the Clerk's office in the county where you received your citation. Mail the affidavit early enough to ensure it is received in the Clerk's office within the 30 calendar days.

Check with the Clerk's office in the county where you received your citation to see if the civil penalty accompanies the election affidavit. You will have between 60 and 90 days from the date of the ticket to complete an approved course and submit the completion certificate to the traffic division of the Clerk's office.

Do I have to pay to attend a driver improvement course?

Yes, fees range for the 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement course between $22.95 to $45.00.

Do I need anything else after I attend the driver improvement course?

Yes, you must present the completion certificate to the Clerk's office in the county where you received your citation. Please consult with the traffic division in the Clerk's office in the county where your received your citation for their exact requirements.

Can I change my mind after I elect to attend a driver improvement course?

No. Once you notify the clerk of your intention to attend a course, you have between 60 and 90 days from the date of the citation to complete the course and present proof of completion. Please consult with the traffic division in the Clerk's office in the county where your received your citation for their exact requirements.

What happens if I choose to attend and don't?

Good question. A person who chooses to attend driver improvement, and has paid the civil penalty, but fails to attend the program must pay the clerk of the court up to 18 percent deducted -- because you "elected" to attend the course -- and a $10 processing fee for occupying the clerks time. Other than that, no additional penalties, court costs or surcharges will be imposed. The clerk of court then notifies the DHSMV of your failure to attend driver improvement, and points for the violation are then added to the individual's driving record.

How many times can I choose to attend a driver improvement course?

You can choose to attend a driver improvement course only once in any 12-month period and no more than five times in your lifetime.

Where can I get more information about an election?

For the specific requirements, please contact the traffic division of the Clerk's office in the county where you received your citation or visit our eligibility area to see if you qualify.

If I live in a county different than the one where I got my citation, what do I do?

Contact the traffic division of the Clerk's office in the county where you received your citation for their specific requirements. 

If I choose to attend a driver improvement course and do not attend, does this count as one of the five times I am allowed to choose this option?

Yes it does. Once the affidavit has been signed and recorded by the court you may not choose the school option again for 12 months, and all monies are forfeited.

Are all traffic citation procedures and fees the same in all Florida counties?

No, not exactly. Each county has its own procedures for this process. If you have any questions, contact the traffic division in the Clerk's office in the county where you received the citation.

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