What is Traffic Violator School?

Traffic violator school, sometimes referred to as TVS, can be viewed as a type of driving improvement school. A driver who is guilty of certain traffic violations often may be able to attend a traffic violator school to help clean up his driving record. This school must be approved and recommended by the local judicial system, usually traffic court. If he successfully completes the coursework, proof of completion can keep the driver from accumulating "points" that can lead to the loss of a driver’s license as well as the possibility of higher insurance rates for the infraction.

Traffic violator school is not for everyone, and eligibility requirements vary from state to state within the United States. For example, in California, only moving violations are eligible. These include, for example, not halting the vehicle at a stop sign and reckless driving. A driver whose violation is alcohol-related, such as a DUI or driving drunk, is usually not permitted to attend a TVS. In other countries, the TVS works similarly, and drivers cannot attend the school without the permission of their local court. Also, drivers who have repeat violations, or have been ticketed previously within a certain period of time, can be ruled ineligible.

Numerous traffic violator schools are available, both online and in person. The local schools are usually overseen by an official agency, such as a Department of Motor Vehicles, also known as a DMV. Usually the courses are four to 10 hours in length. The time may be grouped together in one seating, or it may be broken up over a period of days.

Drivers who are given the option of attending an improvement course must pay for the course as well as the fine and court costs they have been charged with for their initial traffic violation. Coursework in traffic violator school usually consists of watching a traffic-related film or video and interaction with the instructor. Participants must show the court proof that they have passed the course. Successful completion can sometimes lead to the dismissal of the ticket that got the driver in trouble in the first place, but not always.

Some jurisdictions have acknowledged the fact that it is sometimes easier for working people, or people with family responsibilities, to attend TVS via the Internet, from their home computer. Also, some schools, especially those offered online, have taken the business of imparting traffic education in another direction, offering “funny” schools, with jokes and comics to keep participants’ attention and help them learn.