Traffic violator school
TVS
Overseen by California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Occupational Licensing
- What it does
No violation point is counted for a conviction that is kept confidential after traffic violator school.
What the source says
“No violation point count shall be assessed pursuant to Section 12810 if the conviction is confidential.”
California Vehicle Code section 1808.7, read October 7, 2026
If you have a noncommercial license and finish traffic school, the point from the ticket will not show on your DMV record.
What the source says
“If you have a noncommercial driver’s license and finish traffic school, the point from the ticket won’t show on your DMV record.”
Traffic school - California Courts Self-Help Guide, read October 7, 2026
- Who can take it
A court may order or permit a driver with a noncommercial Class C, M1 or M2 license who pleads guilty or no contest to, or is convicted of, a traffic offense to attend a licensed traffic violator school.
What the source says
“a court may order or permit a person who holds a noncommercial class C, class M1, or class M2 driver’s license who pleads guilty or who pleads no contest or who is convicted of a traffic offense to attend a traffic violator school licensed pursuant to Chapter 1.5”
California Vehicle Code section 42005, read October 7, 2026
The court notice should say whether you can go to traffic school.
What the source says
“The court notice should say if you can go to traffic school. If you’re not sure, contact the court to ask.”
Traffic school - California Courts Self-Help Guide, read October 7, 2026
- Course length
A traffic violator school course must give at least 340 minutes of classroom instruction, or 42,500 words for a non-classroom course, plus at least 60 minutes for the final test.
What the source says
“Each course must provide a minimum of 340 minutes of time for classroom instruction or a 42,500 word count for non- classroom instruction expressly devoted to traffic safety and provide a minimum of 60 minutes for completion of the required final test.”
Outline of Required Topics and Standards for State of California, Department of Motor Vehicles Approved Traffic Violator School Course (OL 613), read October 7, 2026
- Taking it online
DMV describes traffic violator schools that offer internet instruction.
What the source says
“is typically used by traffic violator schools offering internet instruction and courts with a large number of traffic violators attending TVS.”
Traffic Violator School - California DMV, read October 7, 2026
- How often
The DMV keeps confidential the record of the first conviction in any 18-month period for which a driver completes a traffic violator school program.
What the source says
“The record of the department relating to the first proceeding and conviction under Section 1803.5 in any 18-month period for completion of a traffic violator school program is confidential”
California Vehicle Code section 1808.7, read October 7, 2026
- Certificate
A licensed traffic violator school reports successful course completions to the court by posting them on the DMV's web-based database.
What the source says
“A licensed traffic violator school shall notify the court by posting on the department’s Web-based database established pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 11205 information regarding successful course completions.”
California Vehicle Code, Division 5, Chapter 1.5, Traffic Violator Schools (sections 11200 to 11223), read October 7, 2026
- Who approves it
The California Department of Motor Vehicles licenses traffic violator schools.
What the source says
“The department shall license schools for traffic violators for purposes of Section 41501 or 42005 and to provide traffic safety instruction to other persons who elect to attend.”
California Vehicle Code, Division 5, Chapter 1.5, Traffic Violator Schools (sections 11200 to 11223), read October 7, 2026
- Good to know
The final test must be graded, and the passing score is 70% or more.
What the source says
“The post lesson examination shall be graded and a passing score shall be 70% or more.”
Outline of Required Topics and Standards for State of California, Department of Motor Vehicles Approved Traffic Violator School Course (OL 613), read October 7, 2026
A driver ordered to traffic violator school may choose which school to attend.
What the source says
“A person ordered to attend a traffic violator school pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b) may choose the traffic violator school the person will attend.”
California Vehicle Code section 42005, read October 7, 2026