12 Hour Traffic School: Costs, Registration, and Best Schools

A 12-hour traffic school is a second chance program designed for drivers who do not meet the qualification guidelines for the 8-hour traffic school. Drivers that are candidates for this type of traffic school are those who have attended the 8-hour traffic school within the 12 months prior to their latest violation. If your driver's license is in danger of suspension because of points or has been revoked, successfully attending this school will negate the suspension, and enable the license to be restored.

A major difference, other than the four hours, between the 8-hour traffic school and the 12-hour course, is that attendance in the 12-hour traffic school will not keep the points from appearing on your driving record, and the offense will be visible to your insurance company. With the 8-hour course, points will not appear on your driving record, and your insurance company will not be informed of the offense.

Purpose of 12-Hour Traffic School
If you have committed traffic offenses that are serious enough to place your license in danger of being revoked, this is your last chance, unless you choose to fight the ticket. If a traffic offense is DUI-related, neither type of traffic school is an option. Depending on your municipality, if you want a revoked license restored, or you need hardship license, the 12-hour traffic school will be beneficial.

Typical Fees Charged
Attending traffic school does not mean you don't have to pay your fine. The full cost of the fine must be paid, plus a $25 court cost. You must also pay the traffic school tuition of $25 to $90, depending on the school.

To register for the course, contact the school, and give them the pertinent information required.

Typical Information Required
To register for the course, you will need your driver's license, the court order (if this applies) and the citation. Of course, you must also bring in, and pay, the specified fee before you attend the class.

The best traffic schools are state and DMV certified. In addition, each municipality will issue you a list of certified 12-hour traffic schools complete with contact name, address and phone number. These traffic schools have good records of accomplishment. AAA provides excellent traffic schools, and NDSS (the National Driving School Service) also provides quality instruction.

Where to Find a 12 Hour Traffic School near You

If a judge ordered you to go to a 12-hour traffic school, there are a number of ways to find a class that is inexpensive and near you.

Ask the Court
You can ask the clerk of court for a list of the available traffic schools in your area. This is usually a free service. But go early, the court clerk's office gets very busy and you do not want to wait all day for the information. This is often the most convenient method, if you are already in court for you violation.

Contact the DMV
The safest way to plan on enrolling for a 12 hour traffic school is to contact your DMV. Any schools that are recommended by the DMV will be officially recognized by that organization. The DMV will provide you with contact information for a third party company that sets up the registration; once you contact that company directly you can finish the application and enrollment procedure.