QuestionQUESTION: I am an 18 year old driver with nothing on my record. (I did traffic school when I was sixteen for a speeding violation) I just got a ticket for going 95 in a 55 while passing on a down hill slope. This occurred in Sonoma County, California. Will I be able to go to traffic school? If not, what should I expect?
ANSWER: Hi Michael and welcome to AllExperts!
Under what section of the Vehicle Code were you cited?
There are a few sections that would apply, and one of them would definitely prevent you from attending traffic school, as well as severely penalize you financially and possibly suspend or revoke your drivers license.
As soon as you advise, I can be more specific and hopefully give good news!
Terry
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: The vehicle code was 22349(b) Thanx.
AnswerOk, good news....
The 3 sections that could have been given in this circumstance were:
22349(b) CVC Exceeding the maximum speed limit (infraction)
22350 CVC Driving faster than what is safe (infraction)
23103 CVC Reckless Driving (misdemeanor)
As you were driving 40 over the limit, they COULD have cited and/or arrested you for reckless driving. This one would have hurt you, possibly suspending or revoking your license, and incurring a possible jail term plus a huge fine. Fortunately, this wasn't the case.
In this incident, you should be able to ask for traffic school and expect a fine of $350.00 plus the cost of traffic school. The advantage of traffic school is not having this on your DMV record. You can take traffic no more than once every 18 months.
Keep in mind when you do ask for traffic school, you must plead guilty to the offense. This should not be a problem in this case, but another similar violation will definitely be impacted by this case.
I hope this answers you question correctly Michael. I hope everything works out well for you. Drive safe!
Terry
