What To Do: Traffic Ticket During Coronavirus

Receiving a speeding ticket is stressful under normal circumstances, but coronavirus has added another layer of complexity. Today we’ll look at what to do if you receive a traffic ticket during Coronavirus. There’s no need to be anxious, most tickets are able to be handled entirely online right now. If you’re eligible for defensive driving we have advice on how to complete the process from ticket to dismissal.

First, do I qualify for defensive driving? You will be eligible for a defensive driving course if you meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. You were ticketed for a minor moving violation.
2. You were cited for no more than 25 MPH over the posted speed limit.
3. You have a valid, non-commercial driver’s license.
4. You have not taken a defensive driving course in the past 12 months.

If you meet those eligibility requirements, great! You’re on your way to dismissing your ticket entirely without having to go to court.

Next, check the court’s website and find the form to request a defensive driving course. To be eligible you will need to plead no contest and send the court the completed form to request defensive driving (you will find this on their website), pay the fine, proof of insurance, and possibly some additional information depending on the court. You should be able to handle this either online or by mail.

Then sign up and complete an approved defensive driving course. The court will provide instructions on how to submit your Certificate of Completion and Type 3A Driver’s Record after completing your course. For most courts this will be online or by mail due to coronavirus court closures.

Last, once you finish your course follow those instructions to submit the documentation. The defensive driving course will provide you the required Certificate of Completion and you also may need to provide an up-to-date Type 3A Driver Record. Follow all instructions from the court and defensive driving company and your ticket will be dismissed like it never happened. As an added benefit, you will also receive a copy of the Certificate of Completion to provide to your auto-insurance provider. This can provide a discount of up to 10% for 3 years.