Transportation and Vehicle Safety: Stop sign violation, eric terry, traffic schools

Question
Hello Terry, I know your expertise is In California law but I live In Missouri
and Would very much appreciate your thoughts. Ive been driving for 4
years and recently got my first ticket.(failure to yield at a stop sign). It's
only $100 so I would rather pay and not go to court. I just don't want my
insurance to go through the roof, as it's already $360 a month. I've heard
of people going through some kind of school to prevent this. Is this
through court or the insurance company? Thanks and anything you have
to say would be helpful. I hope I'm freaking out for no reason.  

Answer
Hello Eric and welcome to AllExperts!

Traffic school is always the best resolution for a traffic offense that doesn't have a high probability of being contested before a magistrate.

They are not provided through an insurance company or even a court. There are a glutton of companies out their (online and physical) which legally can provide you with proof of completion, which you take/send to the court.

Usually, you may do this once per 18 months on a handful of violations under certain circumstances. Yours would be one of them from what you have stated.

In California, they would send a courtesy notice that would state you are eligible and provide information on how to do this. I am not aware of how this is done in your State, but if it appears different, contact the court directly and ask.

Secondly, there are many great traffic schools out there, along with some that are not as good and some that are a scam. Look at this website to locate one in your area.

http://www.dmv.org/mo-missouri/traffic-schools.php

I hope you have a great day Eric!

Terry