How to Sell a Car in Texas

If you are planning on selling a vehicle in Texas, you will have to fill out some paperwork. Sweat the subtleties of the transaction now and you won’t have to deal with them down the road.

With nearly 30 million residents and over 26 million registered vehicles, Texas is one of the largest car markets in the United States. As such, ensuring that the sale of a vehicle is smooth and legally compliant is essential for both the seller and the buyer.

However, Filing a Vehicle Transfer Notification within 30 days of the sale is crucial to protect the seller from being held responsible for any parking tickets or toll violations incurred by the new owner.

Let’s look at the paperwork that must be submitted to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to officially transfer ownership of your vehicle. We’ll also touch on additional documents necessary to sell a vehicle in Texas.

Preparing to Sell Your Car in Texas

Before listing your car for sale, it is important to prepare the vehicle and ensure it is in good condition for potential buyers. The following steps will help you get started:

1. Clean and Inspect the Vehicle

First impressions matter, and potential buyers are more likely to consider a well-maintained and clean vehicle. Clean both the exterior and interior of the car thoroughly, paying attention to detailing, removing personal items, and ensuring the vehicle is presentable.

• Exterior: Wash and wax the car, ensuring there is no visible damage or major scratches.
• Interior: Vacuum and clean the upholstery, dashboard and any surfaces that may have accumulated dirt.
• Mechanical Inspection: Conduct a basic vehicle inspection or visit a mechanic to ensure that the car is in proper working order. Address any minor repairs that could increase the value of the vehicle.

2. Determine the Value of Your Car

To set a fair and competitive price for your vehicle, you will need to determine its market value. Several factors influence a car’s value, including its make, model, year, mileage, condition, and the current demand for similar vehicles in Texas.

You can use online tools such as Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to get an estimated value of your car. Alternatively, visiting dealerships for a trade-in offer can also provide a benchmark for pricing.

Additional Documents Necessary to Sell a Car in Texas

As a seller of a vehicle, you must provide specific documents to the buyer. These documents include the bill of sale, a valid vehicle title, the completed title assignment with signature and odometer disclosure.

Additionally, the motor vehicle sales tax is a mandatory fee for individuals purchasing a vehicle from a private seller. The sales tax is calculated based on either the purchase price or the vehicle's standard presumptive value.

Be sure to make copies of these documents to store in your records. You never know if any technical or legal challenges will pop up in the future.

At this point, it is the buyer’s responsibility to complete the remainder of the required documents and pay the fee necessary to register the vehicle in his name in the state of Texas.

Gathering Paperwork and Documentation

Gathering all necessary paperwork and documentation is essential when selling a car in Texas. You’ll need to provide the buyer with a signed title, a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR), and a Bill of Sale. Make sure to fill out the original title correctly, including the odometer reading and sales price. You’ll also need to provide proof of liability insurance and a registration sticker. If you’re selling to a dealer, you may not need to provide all of these documents, but it’s still important to have them ready.

Title Transfer

The state of Texas requires that your vehicle’s title be transferred to the new owner. To make this transfer, you must fill out the title assignment found on the back of your vehicle’s official title certificate.

If you fail to perform a legal title transfer when selling your car, there will be consequences. As an example, it is possible that you will be held responsible for subsequent crimes and violations committed in the vehicle.

In Texas selling or trading in a vehicle to a dealer, the vehicle stays in the seller's name until it is ultimately sold to an individual. Therefore, it is crucial to file a Vehicle Transfer Notification to protect yourself from liability for any actions taken with the vehicle by the new owner before the title is officially transferred.

It is prudent to go to the nearest county tax office with the vehicle buyer to guarantee that the application for the new vehicle title is filed. If you need a certified copy of your automobile’s title from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, fill out the VTR-34 form. You can download this form from the DMV’s online library of forms.

Supplemental Material That Will Help You Sell Your Vehicle in Texas

Texas has nuanced laws concerning vehicle efficiency and safety. Therefore, many buyers ask sellers for an in-depth vehicle history report before agreeing to a sale. Such a report provides information about the vehicle ranging from prior accidents to major repairs, odometer alteration and/or instances of theft.

If you have endured any sort of accident, consider enrolling in a TX driving safety course. This course will enhance your defensive driving skills. Such a course might reduce your automobile insurance rate. It is even possible that this course will remove points from your driving record after a speeding ticket or other violation.

Have your vehicle history report on-hand so you can show it to the buyer immediately after he requests it. Furthermore, having the vehicle history report on-hand makes it that much easier to market your vehicle and ask the highest possible price.

Steps to Complete the Sale

Once your car is prepared for sale and the legally required documents are gathered, you can proceed with the sale process.

1. Find a Buyer

There are several ways to find a buyer for your vehicle. You can choose to sell the car privately through online listings, trade it in at a dealership, or sell it to a car-buying service. When selling privately, consider advertising the car on platforms such as Craigslist, Autotrader, or Facebook Marketplace to reach a wider audience.

2. Negotiate and Finalize the Sale

After finding a potential buyer, it’s time to negotiate the sale price. Ensure that the agreed-upon price reflects the condition of the car and the market value. Once a deal is reached, both parties must sign the Title Transfer and other necessary documents.

The buyer will need to register the vehicle in their name with the Texas DMV, but as the seller, you must ensure that the Title Application (Form 130-U) and the Odometer Disclosure are completed accurately.

3. Transfer of Ownership

To legally transfer ownership of the vehicle, you will need to complete the following steps:

• Sign the Title: As the seller, you must sign the back of the title and provide the buyer with the original copy. Ensure that the odometer reading and buyer’s information are filled out.
• Submit a Vehicle Transfer Notification (Form VTR-346): This form is submitted to the Texas DMV and notifies the state that you are no longer the owner of the vehicle. This step is critical to protect you from future liabilities, such as toll charges or traffic violations, after the sale.
• Provide a Bill of Sale (Optional): While not mandatory, the bill of sale can be used for record-keeping and as a safeguard for both parties.

4. Transfer the License Plates and Registration Sticker

You must remove the license plates from your vehicle before the buyer accepts the keys and drives off. It is possible to transfer these license plates to another vehicle you own. Reach out to your nearest county tax assessor collector's office for details on such a transfer.

Additionally, don’t forget to cancel your insurance policy on the sold vehicle. Contact your insurance provider to terminate coverage once the sale is complete.

Taxes and Fees for Selling a Car in Texas

The buyer is responsible for paying the title transfer fee and state sales tax on the purchase of the vehicle. As the seller, you do not have to pay these taxes, but it's important to inform the buyer of these obligations. In Texas, the sales tax is 6.25% of the sales price or the vehicle's standard presumptive value (whichever is higher).

Don't Forget the Bill of Sale!

It is necessary to document the actual sale of your vehicle. The transaction is recorded on a “bill of sale”. This document should include all essential information about the seller, the buyer, the automobile and the agreed sale price.

Sign and date the bill of sale and request that the buyer does the same. Make copies for yourself and the buyer. Keep this document in your records as it is proof of the vehicle sale transaction.

Conclusion

Selling a car in Texas requires careful attention to documentation and state regulations. By following this guide, you can ensure a smooth and legal transaction, protecting both yourself and the buyer. With thorough preparation and attention to detail, selling your car in Texas can be a straightforward and stress-free process.

Back Home In California? Might Be Time For Traffic School

Now that the war in Iraq is at an end, thousands of soldiers will be coming to the spouses; boyfriends and girlfriends; families and life they left behind. With so many soldiers returning to the United States, you can expect that at least a few thousand of these soldiers will be coming home to California. Given that they have been gone for awhile, in some cases years, now might be a good time to consider an online traffic school. It is not easy getting accustomed to civilian life. Things are different in the military, especially when you have been serving your country over seas. Adjusting to life back in the states can be difficult. They have enough trouble finding civilian jobs, re-connecting with family and friends and sorting out their new living arrangements without worrying about traffic citations. That's where an online traffic school can help you. In California, like every state, you rack up points with every traffic citation you receive. If you only get one or two, that's one thing, but in California four points in 12-months; six points in two years or eight points in three years are enough to earn you a suspended license. Having a suspended license can make life back in the states a lot more difficult. No car makes finding a job, or keeping a job nearly impossible, especially in California where public transportation is not all that convenient. An online traffic school can help you keep those points from adding up. It can also help you brush up on skills you might have lost or that have at least become rusty while you were defending the country. It is no secret that a defensive driving course can help you be a safer driver. Depending on where you live it might also help keep your insurance rates low and help you keep points from adding up on your license. With all this in mind, if you're just getting home from active duty and need an online traffic school, gives us a call or visit our web site. You served for us, now let us serve for you. Image: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Laughing Your Way To Cheaper Auto Insurance Rates

It seems crazy at first, like Earth Shoes, car phones, and kiwi slices as decoration. In keeping with its commitment of promoting driver safety and providing the state’s motorists with enhanced customer conveniences Arizona Supreme Court approved Improv Traffic School, an online humor-based defensive driving program, for Arizona drivers who are cited for moving violations. Improv gained its fame in the driver training field in the early 80’s, when its founder Gary Alexander partnered with the famous Improv Comedy Club to create an interactive and fun traffic school and defensive driving program for Los Angeles motorists. Based on a simple notion that when you enjoy the learning process you simply learn more, Alexander has grown Improv to one of the largest and most respected defensive driving schools in the country. Since then more than a million students have taken Improv’s classes in both classroom and online settings for ticket dismissal, insurance discounts and court ordered defensive driving. Improv’s teaching methodology has been backed by a number of studies showing that its edutainment curriculum is effective in reducing future crashes and moving violations. I can’t guarantee none-stop laughs”, Gary Alexander admits, “I will shoot for less painful, simple and effective”. Eligible Arizona Motorists who successfully complete Improv’s online defensive driving course are eligible to have their moving violations dismissed by issuing court. The Improv’ s online traffic school course is available to Arizona motorists at www.myimprov.com The online course consists of 10 simple modules featuring a combination of comedic, YouTube style video clips that are supported by easy to navigate text and graphics covering a variety of driving subjects ranging from basic traffic laws to more serious issues like DUI and seat belt use. The real beauty of this course is that it’s not only fun and effective; it can also be completed at your own pace in as little as 5-minute increments. Upon completion of all modules and passing of a simple quiz covering course material you get a certificate of completion that can be submitted to the court.

Be Thankful For Safe Driving

Be Safe Behind The Wheel All Year Long

Curious about who appreciates **safe drivers** the most? **The police** sure do! Just ask any California police officer, especially those who patrol interstate highways, and they will tell you, their worst memories are of crash scenes. People injured or killed through driver negligence; children hurt or left without a parent, or parents; innocent bystanders struck because they just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Being a safe, defensive driver is no accident. An online traffic school can help. Anyone who has attended traffic school will admit they walked out smarter than when they walked in, no matter how much they believed they wouldn't. Safe driving is a skill that is honed through practice and careful study. As we get older those skills sometimes lose their edge and we find ourselves unable to keep up with the ever-changing demands of safe highway driving. Vehicles become faster, more complicated and perhaps more difficult to operate, and as we travel farther by car than we have ever gone before we are likely to drive into areas which are unfamiliar, leaving us at a loss to understand local traffic laws, throughways or just plain lost and confused. There are also more distractions behind the wheel than we have ever had before. People today have to be cautioned about not just talking on a cell phone behind the wheel, but also texting. We have DVD players in our cars, onboard computers, dashboard mounted computer screens and a plethora devices meant to make the driving experience more pleasant but that also can distract us from our priority--driving! If you think your defensive driving skills are losing their edge, or just want to brush up on a skill you probably take for granted, do yourself a favor (and the local police) and consider a traffic school online. You'll thank yourself later. Image: m_bartosch / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Good News For Defensive Drivers: It’s Working!

Safe Driving Does Make A Difference

Ever wondered if defensive driving truly matters? Don’t doubt it. **The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration** just revealed the lowest traffic fatalities recorded last year. With 32,885 traffic related deaths last year, the NHTSA said the number is on a definite downward trend. In fact, that's the lowest number of traffic related deaths since 1949, and a full 25 percent decline from the highest number which was recorded in 2005. All of this is on top of the fact Americans are now driving more miles than ever before. The NHTSA factors in increased safety features on vehicles for at least some of the decline, but there is no disputing that safe drivers are having an effect. In fact, as more and more drivers look at improving their driving skills through the use of online traffic school the roads become a much safer place to be. Defensive driving schools help you not only understand the rules of the road, but understand your own limitations behind the wheel. Drivers who have successfully complete a traffic school online are less likely to take risks behind the wheel and more likely to follow the proper traffic regulations. That makes their journey not only safer for them, but also safer for everyone they pass on the road. Insurance companies too are waking up to the fact that defensive driving courses make a difference and many offer a reduction in premiums for customers who have successfully completed a course. So before you turn your nose up at taking a defensive driving course, take a look at the numbers. After all, a fact is a fact.  

Texting And Driving Do Not Mix

Distracted Driving Kills

You don't need to go far to see that distracted driving causes more accidents. If you've finished an online traffic school, you know how risky it is to take your eyes off the road. **Anything distracting while driving** can be deadly. Defensive driving courses have been saying it for years: Keep your eyes on the road. That means your eyes cannot be staring at a tiny text screen, watching you scroll through status updates on your smart phone, or even staring at the GPS device that will likely just 'tell' you where to turn. If they do, if your eyes leave the road for even a second, that's all it takes for the driver in front of you to brake suddenly, a deer to cross your path or a pedestrian to step off the sidewalk in the path of your vehicle. If you don't see them, you will hit them. When it comes to what you learn at traffic school online the first rule is to keep your eyes on the road. That was probably the first thing whoever taught you how to drive said to you while you weaving your way down some country road or through an empty parking lot. A car is a 4,000 pound missile and you are taking aim every time you step on the accelerator and get behind the wheel. If you don't pay attention to what you are doing you risk your life, the life of whoever is riding with you and the life of everyone who passes you on the road. Be a safe driver, be a careful driver, be an attentive driver and be a defensive driver. Put down the smartphone when you get behind the wheel. Turn it off if you have to, but definitely don't try to text while you drive. The life you save might be your own. Image: scottchan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

NTSB Wants Complete Ban On Cell Phone Use While Driving

Distracted driving is like playing with fire on the road—it's dangerous and risky. Statistics show that **over 3,000 lives lost** each year because of it. Imagine texting and suddenly hearing a loud crash—scary, right? Even kids know texting while driving is not smart. Every second counts in an emergency. Ever missed a turn because of a quick glance at your phone? Distracted driving does that and more. It’s like driving while wearing a blindfold. **Stay focused, stay safe.** Keep those eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Don’t let a text be the last thing you see. It’s not worth it. National Transportation Safety Board this week released a report recommending a complete and total ban on the use of cell phones while driving.  The ban would include wired, wireless, hands-free devices and texting devices, but would not include the use of such devices by passengers in an automobile. According to the most recent estimates by the National Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 14 million drivers use hand-held phones, which they consider distracted driving. They also estimate that more than 3,000 deaths last year were directly caused by distracted driving. This emphasis on distracted drivers is a direct result of the completion of a 10-study of driving habits conducted by the NTSB. The findings showed a direct connection between distracted driving and crashes, which prompted the recent suggested ban. Drivers who completed an online traffic school understand the dangers of distracted driving so this should come as no surprise to them. Driving requires your full attention, both on the road ahead of you and the areas all around your vehicle. If your attention is drawn away, whether its toward a cell phone, the radio or even a GPS device, the opportunity is there for you to have a crash. It takes less than a second for someone to step off the sidewalk in front of you; the car ahead of you to brake suddenly, or you to find yourself in the midst of an emergency situation. Anything which draws your attention away from the hazards of driving, is itself a hazard. At the moment, the use of cell phones by drivers vary from state to state. In 35 states it against the law to text message while driving. Another 30 states ban cell-phone use by novice drivers, and 10 ban all use of hand-held cell phones while driving. If the NTSB has its way this will be the case in all fifty states. It seems likely that some nationwide rule governing the use of hand-held devices by drivers will be enacted, especially when you consider the strength of the NTSB in past actions. For anyone who has successfully completed traffic school online course this will hardly come as a shock because they already know just how dangerous it is to let anything come between them and their focus behind the wheel. Image: Sarunyu_foto / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Different Insurance for Different Stages of Your Life

Your age changes your insurance rate. A young driver gets charged more since they’re a higher risk. Older drivers’ rates consider their slower reflexes and declining vision/hearing. Your life stage plays a big part in your insurance rate, but **discounts** are available for every stage. Knowing all the discounts lets you **control** your auto insurance rate. Young Drivers - Young drivers need discounts, but there are not many available. Is your student on the honor roll? Honor roll students qualify for discounts with many companies. Other companies offer safe driver programs for teens that may include completing a defensive driving course. Check with your agent to see what discounts are available in your state and with your auto insurance company. Adult Drivers - A homeowner discount is one of the biggest discounts offered by auto insurance companies. With some companies, this discount only requires your own your home. With other companies, it is a discount given when you have auto and homeowner insurance with the same company. Ask your insurance agent if a security system reduces your auto policy premium. The best way for an adult driver to ensure low car insurance rates is to keep a clean driving record. First accident forgiveness and safe driver discounts are available when a driver has a clean record over a long period of time. Senior Drivers - When you reach age 55, ask your agent about special discounts available for seniors. If there is a safety class discount available, call your local Department of Motor Vehicles  for a list of approved defensive driving courses. When you successfully complete the safety class, (sometimes referred to as traffic school or a defensive driving school),  give the certificate of class completion to your auto insurance agent. Your agent will enter the certificate information into the system and you will see the decrease on your next bill.

Insurance Reduction for New York Drivers

New York drivers fork out some of the steepest insurance fees in the nation. Lucky for them, New York is one of the rare states that **requires** insurers to lower premiums. The catch? Drivers need to finish a NY DMV-approved **Defensive Driving Course**. Here’s the kicker: no need to sit in a classroom for six hours! **Online options**, like the Improv Defensive Driving Course, let you **learn at your own pace**. Check out these frequently asked questions about the course. Q.  After completing the Defensive Driving  Course (aka as PIRP - Point and Insurance Reduction Course), how do I receive the insurance reduction? A.   Upon completion Improv's Defensive Driving course, we will issue you certificate of completion.   If you present your certificate to your insurance company or agent within 90 days after course completion, your liability and collision premium reduction will begin immediately, retroactive to the date you completed the course. If you present your certificate more than 90 days after course completion, the insurer may issue the premium discount effective from the date presented. Q.  Will the PIRP course prevent my insurance company from raising my premiums? A.  No. Insurance reduction does not prevent general premium increases, or premium increases due to violations or accidents. However It provides a 10% reduction for three years, from the base rate of your current liability, no-fault and collision premiums. Q.  What if more than one person named on a policy completes the PIRP course? A.  The insurance premium reduction applies to all motor vehicles principally operated by the motorist who completes the course.  The reduction can be applied to only one driver for each covered vehicle. Q.  If I complete a DMV approved motorcycle safety/accident prevention course, does the insurance reduction benefit extend to my automobile coverage? A.  Yes. The reduction applies to the liability and collision insurance premiums for both your motorcycle and automobile. Q.  Will young operators (under 18)  and drivers participating in assigned risk pool receive the insurance premium discount? A.  Yes. Any insured driver who is the principal operator and completes a Point & Insurance Reduction Program course will receive the reduction. Q.  If a youthful operator is already receiving a driver education reduction, will the PIRP discount also be applied? A.  Check with your insurance company or agent to find out if both reductions will be given at the same time

Pricey used cars test conventional wisdom

Always saving money at our online traffic school. Conventional wisdom says **buying used cars** saves money. But, **rising prices** in the U.S. auto resale market might **challenge** that belief. Edmunds.com estimates the average price paid for a used, three-year old auto has risen $1,471 -- or 8.5 percent -- since last year, reaching $18,832. The price you'll pay for used SUVs like this Chevy Tahoe may have risen substantially. What's behind the rise? Edmunds analysts believe it's a combination of bargain-hunting consumers and the rise of certified pre-owned car sales at dealerships: "Used cars are in great demand and relatively short supply, so their prices are remarkably high," stated Edmunds.com Analyst Joe Spina. "Automakers understand that many traditional new car buyers are considering used cars, and in response are emphasizing their certified pre-owned car sales programs through which they can earn revenue on used car sales. This effort will keep used car prices high since CPO cars sell for a higher price than comparable noncertified used cars, raising the ceiling for the entire used car market." Indeed, Edmunds.com estimates the percentage of used cars sold as CPO rose from 13.8 percent to 18.5 percent. This data is interesting, but it doesn't look like every used car buyer is likely to encounter sharply higher used-car prices than they did last year. And when they do, I'm not sure it will be because of CPO and frugal consumers. After all, a lot of the biggest price hikes seem to be focused in trucks and SUVs, and I'd be willing to bet that has more to do with gas prices than anything else. After all, the resale values for trucks and SUVs, which generally get poor gas mileage fell sharply in response to the gasoline price spikes of 2008. Due to the depressed global economy and the resulting lack of demand, gas prices have been fairly stable since then. People, as they are wont to do, have forgotten how painful those big gas bills were back in 2008, so they're more willing to buy SUVs and trucks than they were when gas prices were high. The other big movers were American brands, which I would wager have benefitted from improved brand perception as American car buyers have taken notice of their reliability and design upgrades. On the other hand, if your preferred car is a Japanese sedan or station wagon, you might be in luck. The Edmunds.com value estimates have the Honda Accord and the Subaru Outback coming in at a lower than last year. We had a lot of spirited discussion in the comment section a few months ago about whether buying a new car could be financially smart if it was close to or less than the price of a used model thanks to a generous rebate or other dealer incentive. I think in the majority of cases, buying a low-mileage used car is probably the better decision. That said, rising used car prices and higher rates on used car loans are going to change the equation a little bit on some vehicles, and refusing to acknowledge that could leave you missing out on getting a new car for the price of a used one. So what do you think? Is it time for the frugal to consider new cars? Why do you think used cars are getting pricier? leave your comments here on our defensive driving course blog!

Top Ten Cheapest New Cars

Buying a new car can be smarter than used when you think about **total cost**—like special deals, repair costs, gas mileage, and wear. The *great news* for practical shoppers: you can buy a **new car under $15,000** and save money! With good credit and some cash down, you might get one for less than daily takeout.

We included some choices on the list that include sedans, hatchbacks and coups. The prices are the sticker price for the cheapest version of the model, so you may be prepared to drive a stick shift and may forgo some luxuries like air conditioning.

Ranked in order of cheapest (don't confuse with Best Value) to most expensive, the winners are:

1. 2010 Hyundai Accent Blue Coupe, $10,690.00

2. 2010 Nissan Versa 1.6 Base Sedan, $10,730.00

3. 2010 Kia Rio Base Sedan, $12,390.00

4. 2010 Chevy Aveo LS Sedan, $12,685.00

5. 2010 Chevy Aveo5 LS Hatchback, $12,835

6. 2010 Toyota Yaris 3 Door Hatchback, $13,365.00

7. 2010 Toyota Yaris 5 Door Hatchback, $13,665.00

8. 2010 Kia Soul Base, $13,995.00

10. 2010 Suzuki SX-4 Base Sedan, $14,094.00

The Suzuki SX-4 is one of the better looking cars on the list that also commands great reviews. But no air conditioning would be a deal breaker for us (considering our Defensive Driving Course Headquarters are in Los Angeles... where it hit 115F this summer). Operating a traffic school, gives us an access to many experts and individuals with automotive expertise. A quick research has confirmed that if we were handing out the award for best value on the list, it would go the new Ford Fiesta S (which is the only 2011 model on the list). Ford packed a lot of extra goodies into the Fiesta, including power mirrors, capless gas filler, aux in / USB jacks and A/C, yet has managed to keep the price reasonable for the entry level model. Surprisingly it also offers a sportiest ride on the list. If you enjoy getting your freak on with a twisty road, this is where you should begin shopping. Word of caution: it isn’t easy to find base models on dealer lots, since they take up as much room as loaded models, have less margin and can be hard to move. If you have to special order one, expect to pay full sticker price instead of haggling over invoice plus $500. On the other hand, sometimes a dealer can be very motivated to sell a year old entry level car, even if it’s in a higher trim level. It may take some time (and travel) to find exactly what you're looking for, but we always thought that the hunt is half the fun.

Fighting Traffic Tickets – Is it a Good Idea?

**Figure Out If It's Worth It** First, decide if battling a ticket is worth it. If a ticket means thousands of dollars in higher insurance, risk of losing your license, or other serious troubles, it might be worth the effort. But, fighting tickets isn’t always easy or worth it. Here are some simple tips for deciding: **Understand the Law You’re Accused of Breaking** Many police officers don’t know the law in detail— that’s for lawyers. Begin by reading the exact law you’ve allegedly broken and break it into parts. Once it's broken down, if you can show your actions didn’t fully fit the law’s exact words, you’re closer to proving your innocence. For example, here’s a stop sign law with its elements separated: “[A person] [operating a human-powered vehicle] [approaching a stop sign shall slow down] and, [if required for safety, stop before entering the intersection].” Notice, stopping is only needed if it’s for safety, and the law permits you to “cautiously make a turn or proceed through the intersection without stopping.” If a cop wrote “rolled through intersection without a complete stop,” you can argue in court that you didn’t break the law. Judges can accept this reasoning since it’s a common lawyer tactic. Remember, you’re innocent until proven guilty. **Don’t Pay the Ticket Right Away** When you get a ticket, don’t pay it immediately. In most places, paying means admitting guilt. Instead, find out how to get a court date. **Think About Traffic School** Some places let you attend traffic school to get charges dropped or points erased from your record. Research your state laws to explore this option. If online traffic school works for you, ask for it in court. Most places accepting traffic school let you do it online. Traffic school usually takes 4-12 hours, which is better than other penalties. **Common Defenses for a Traffic Ticket** Several typical defenses help fight tickets. These often rely on your right to question the accuser. **The Officer Doesn’t Show Up** The easiest win happens if the officer doesn’t show. You have the right to question them, so if they’re absent, you usually win automatically. Want to up your odds of a no-show?

• Postponing the court date can significantly increase the odds that the officer will not be present during the trial.
• Never go with the date on your ticket. That's usually a "gang date" for the officer, where the officer has scheduled all of his or her court dates at once. If you schedule for an extension that falls on a different day, chances are they aren't going to come in on their day off just for you.
• Try to choose a court date that is closer to the holidays or summer vacation days - this might increase the odds of your officer being out on vacation.

Camera Tickets and Hearsay People often think that there's little they can do with a camera based ticket, but they're amazingly easy to beat. Here are some tips:

• Courthouses will rarely go through the trouble of bringing the video or picture to court, usually resulting in an automatic dismissal of the ticket.
• Even if they do, there is no human subject to question other than the officer who viewed the tape. The second the officer opens his mouth, you just object "hearsay". Hearsay is the equivalent of "so and so told me", which courts consider unreliable evidence. After all, the officer didn't actually see you do anything, rather the officer is relying on the observations of someone/something else. As a result, the officer can't testify as to what you did wrong and obviously neither can the camera. It takes courage to do this, but it can work.

Trial by Declaration In many states, you are entitled to a trial by mail. You submit your claim as to why you are innocent in a letter, and the officer must do the same. While officers will often show up for court because it is an overtime opportunity, trial by mail is pure paperwork, and they will often not bother to submit their side of the story. When this happens, you win by default. Should you lose by mail, you have lost nothing: you can still request an in-person trial, request traffic school, or pay your fine. The Sixth Amendment Requires a Speedy and Public Trial The sixth amendment guarantees you a speedy and public trial, and this can be an easy basis to avoid a ticket. For example, in California, a speedy trial is defined as 45 days from the time of the infraction. In many jurisdictions you must go to the courthouse in person to get a court date. Among those legal documents you are asked to sign, will be one in which you waive your right to a speedy trial. Do not sign this document. You cannot be legally forced to waive this right. What this means is that if the court system cannot fit you in, within those 45 days, (times for your state may vary) then your case must be dismissed. Tickets Based on Radar Guns Most radar guns need to be recalibrated every 30-60 days, and due to ignorance, lack of funding, or laziness, they rarely are. One solid argument for your case is to prove that the measurement device is faulty. In some states the officer must check the calibration after issuing the ticket - usually by using two tuning forks held in front of the radar, which vibrate at the frequencies for 35 mph and 55 mph. Verify whether this was done and documented. Check Your Ticket for Errors While courts will often excuse minor errors on a ticket ? a misspelled name or whether your car color is maroon or dark red ? if the officer cites the wrong law on the ticket, or grossly misidentifies the highway or your make of car, you may to get your ticket dismissed. Defenses That Don't Work The following is a short list of common defenses people often make when fighting traffic tickets that just don't work:

• You claim ignorance of the law. It doesn't matter how honestly you misunderstood what was required, it won't work.
• You argue that no one was hurt. The no-harm-no-foul rule doesn't apply in court. The only exception is whether safety is part of the law itself, and you can argue that obviously you operated your vehicle safely because no one was hurt.
• You complain that the officer selected you alone out of a dozen other potential violators. Admitting that you were in fact guilty, but that there were other guilty people present doesn't help you. You can win a "selective enforcement" defense, but it's very hard to do and requires that you demonstrate the officer had a specific and improper motive to pick on you. For instance if you filed a report against the officer and he just happened to pull you over the next day with a dozen other violators nearby, you may win.
• You give the judge a sad story. It doesn't work, judges hear this all day long and may doubt your honesty. At best this will slightly reduce your fine.
• You claim the officer is lying. Between you and the police officer, the judge is more likely to believe the officer. Unless you have specific proof, it won't work.

Cell Phone Use While Driving: New Level of Fail

Ian Charles Mason, 34, from Jamul, California, ignored warnings from law enforcement about the dangers of distracted driving. Working at a comedy traffic school, I always tell folks not to use their phones while driving. Mason ignored this advice and ended up losing $121,860 and a 55-pound bag of marijuana, landing him in jail. Fate was not on the good side of Mason on the 21st of September, when an officer observed Mason blatantly violating the California Vehicle Code rule by talking on his cell phone while driving. He was pulled over by Officer Campbell who noticed that Mason seemed to display signs of intoxication and subsequently arrested him for driving under the influence. The vehicle was searched and it turned out that there were six plastic bags stored inside the trunk. These large bags contained 55 pounds of marijuana, each packed in a smaller one pound bag. The Humboldt County Drug Task Force was at once notified and they quickly responded. Officers also found Masons’ cash stash hidden below the rear seat of his vehicle. His cash and 55 pounds of marijuana were seized as asset forfeiture. Everyone knows it’s illegal to carry marijuana for the intent of sale (without the proper medical licenses) but it’s another thing to get caught for it because of talking on your cell phone and driving. This is exactly what happened to Ian Charles Mason; he soon found himself sitting in the Humboldt County Jail. So, for those driving on roadways, refrain from using your cell phones while behind the wheel. I will try and drive that point home again and again here on our Defensive Driving Course website because especially in California drivers just do not seem to get the point.

Worried About Rising Gas Prices? Be Prepared!

Unleaded regular's hovering around $3 per gallon - which is high, but manageable. What if it goes back up to over $3 per gallon - or even $4 per gallon? Here are a few things to think about in the way of hedging your bets and insulating yourself and your family from the economic shocks that could very well be just around the corner: Evaluate your fleet: If you currently drive a gas-hungry vehicle, the time to consider replacing it with a more efficient one is before gas-hungry vehicles become virtually worthless overnight - as would happen if gas prices head south of $4 per gallon. People who are driving 17 mpg SUVs and pick-ups when gas prices suddenly spike will be left holding the keys to vehicles almost no one else wants, either. Meanwhile, it'll be a seller's market for fuel-efficient cars. Those who don't have one will have to pay top dollar to get one. Act pre-emotively and you'll come out on top. Fail to act and you'll be stuck with a vehicle that may cost $100 to fill-up that isn't worth a third of what you paid for it. If you absolutely must have a truck because of the work that you do or the area where you live, consider buying a diesel-powered pick-up to replace your gas-burning one. It's true diesels cost more to buy - and the fuel is often more expensive than gas. But at $4 or $5 per gallon, the economics of owning a diesel truck that gets 30 mpg vs. a gas truck that's in the teens back flips in your favor. Plus, a diesel-powered vehicle can last two or three times as long as an otherwise similar gas-powered vehicle. If you only have to buy a new vehicle once every ten or 12 years vs. once every eight or so, that'll save you some bucks, too. Pare down your fleet: Some families have more vehicles than people. That's fine, provided you can easily afford all those vehicles - and not just the cost to feed them fuel. People often forget all the peripheral costs of ownership, like insurance, taxes and, of course, necessary maintenance. If you keep multiple vehicles, the total costs can end up being quite high - even if you're not actually driving the cars much. If you can get by with two cars instead of three - or one car instead of two - the savings now can be considerable. And they'll be even more so in a world of $4 gasoline. Another savvy move is to cash out the equity you may have in excess vehicles. By selling off a surplus car or two, you can sock away several thousand dollars - which could come in very handy on the day that fuel prices rocket to a buck (or three) more per gallon than they are right now. Investing in a low-bucks used economy car is another smart move. The glitter surrounding a new electric car or hybrid may be dazzling - but it'll take many years to work off the cost ($41k for a new Chevy Volt) of buying one, even at $4 or $5 per gallon. A $4,000 used Corolla that gets 35 miles per gallon could ease the pinch of $50 fill-ups considerably. Evaluate your job/where you work: Many of us spend two hours (or more) every workday getting from home to our jobs and back home again. We bought into this because of the math. The lower cost of living in the 'burbs offset the cost of fuel spent commuting, etc... Well, it used to. But the equation changes when gas prices double or triple. All of a sudden, instead of spending $40 per week for fuel, you might be spending $80. For many families, the additional unexpected expense might be the straw that breaks the camel's back. And there's a double-whammy involved. Once gas prices sail past $4 per gallon, those far-flung suburban homes become less and less desirable - and their value falls. This is already happening. But if we get to $4 or $5 fuel, the downturn in the housing market could become a collapse. Few people can afford a big mortgage - and $400 per month for gas on top of it. So if you're already close to the edge, money-wise, and know that a significant increase in your commuting costs could put extreme stress on your budget - begin thinking about options before a theoretical risk becomes an immediate crisis. Ask about telecommuting (if possible). Discuss ride-sharing with co-workers and friends. Maybe even consider moving closer to where you work. Once we get to $4 or $5 gas, your options will not be nearly as good as they are now. Save elsewhere: None of us can control the cost of fuel; if the sign says $4 per gallon and we need to fill up, that's what we'll pay. However, we do have control over other expenses. And we can compensate for increased energy costs by reducing what we spend on other things. Many of us, for example, could easily get by without things like video cell phones and PDAs. Sure, electronic gadgets are fun - and handy. But the question should be: Are they necessary? And if the answer is "no" then the next question ought to be: Do I prefer having some money in the bank to cushion against possible upticks in energy costs (which can't be evaded) or am I willing to risk being strapped for money if that happens in order to have the gadgets I want but don't really need? One last thing. Did you know that in most cases you can save money on your car insurance if you take an online traffic school class or defensive driving course? It works perfect for people with bad driving records and there are even comedy traffic schools online to make taking a class even easier. The more money you have in the bank - and the lower your monthly expenses for other things - the less $4 or even $5 per gallon fuel can hurt you.

How To Avoid A Speed Trap

It may seem like every day is a battle while driving on the road. You race across town to get to places on time .. avoiding cars that are driving too slow or too fast. In most cases you may fall into the latter category since you're always trying to make it to your destination on time.  And then BAM a speed trap... Most of you may have experienced being in a speed trap and it sucks getting that hefty traffic ticket which usually derives you NO mercy especially if you're going fast on residential roads. Although we are in no way encouraging you to beat the system and go fast through town here are some tips on how to minimize getting caught in "THE SPEED TRAP." Note: We do not condone speeding. 1. Don't speed. But if you are then look out for typical speed trap spots like heading down hills, rounding curves. 2. Utilize services online that will help you on the road. Folks are getting hip to speed traps around their town and are using the world wide web to help their fellow drivers: The Speed Trap Exchange website [http://speedtrap.org/] helps you find speed traps along your route; before embarking on a trip do a little research and take the list with you. Another tool to avoid speed traps and apparently favorite amongst soccer moms can be found at Trapster.com. This application can be downloaded to your cell phone and will send you real-time alerts about locations of a speed trap. What's even better is that it is hands free so it also avoids you getting a ticket for holding your cell phone to check. Visit Trapster.com for all the info. 3. Buy a Radar detector. Note to Truck Drivers: By federal law, radar detectors are illegal in commercial vehicles (such as trucks) in all states. Radar "jammers" are also illegal in all states. 4. Seems that the best tool on the road is to have knowledge of the road you're traveling so educate yourself on the maximum speed limits in all the states you'll be visiting as speed laws vary from state to state. Visit: http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/enforce/speedlaws501/introduction.htm So enjoy the road with these little tips on avoiding speed traps but most of all drive safely ... not too fast. Also, if you happen to need it online traffic school or defensive driving course could be the best way to fix your driving record.

DMV “Points” For Non-Moving Violations?

Did you know **state DMVs** hand out "points” for more than just moving violations? This little-known fact can surprise many drivers. If a driver racks up too many points, they might face license suspension! For instance, in California, points are added for actions like speeding or running a red light, but there's more. Accidents, insurance lags, and even some parking infractions count. According to the Insurance Institute, about 20% of drivers don't realize this. Imagine getting a letter saying your license is on the line! Always check your record and keep those points low to avoid trouble. Safe driving is more than avoiding tickets—it's about staying alert to all rules. Buckle up for a lesser-known secret of the road! In Virginia and Maryland, for example one can get points – as well as a beefy fine – for violating carpool restrictions, or driving unbuckled. The logic behind the points system up to now has been that it provides an objective means of ranking drivers according to their propensity to drive safely – or not. Various moving violations that enhance the risk of an accident – for example, running a red light – cause a certain number of demerit points to be assigned to that driver’s record. Accumulate too many points within a given period of time – the limit is usually 12-15 or so within a calendar year – and the DMV can suspend or revoke the offender’s license. Insurance companies use the number of points on a driver’s DMV record to adjust insurance rates up or down. The more points, the more you pay. Drivers with 12 points or more are often stuck in the so-called “SR-22? high-risk group that typically has to pay $2,000 or more annually for coverage. Arguably, the points system has many flaws - the most glaring one being the assignment of demerit points for simple "speeding," which often means you're guilty of nothing more serious than running afoul of a speed trap, which may be no reflection on your competence or safety behind the wheel. But at least up to now the general rule has been that the offense must involve a moving violation that could put others at risk. Handing out points just because you haven’t got the mandatory number of bodies in your vehicle (HOV violation) turns that concept on its head. The person may be a scofflaw deserving of a fine. But his offense has got absolutely nothing to do with the quality of his driving. A multiple carpool lane violator could rack up a pile of points on his record – which to any insurance agent or DMV clerk would look much the same as the record of a habitual red light runner or DWI offender. Is that reasonable – or ridiculous? Seat belt laws are a similar case in point. It’s no longer sufficient merely to issue fines to those who refuse (for whatever reason) to buckle up. Most state governments have passed legislation that imposes demerit points in addition to the fines, simply for failing to wear a seatbelt. There have even been calls to issue tickets to passengers who aren’t buckled. But driving while unbuckled is no more a threat to others than is baring too much skin – or wearing tacky clothes. Maybe it’s not the best idea, but does it rise to the level of a moving violation? What it ultimately comes down to is whether we want a government – or a Salvation Army cajoling us to adopt certain “good for us” behaviors. The old-school outlook on government is that government’s job is to protect citizens from other citizens – not from ourselves. But more and more, the government is stepping in to cajole us to adopt certain behaviors and actions it thinks we should, even though these actions (whether it’s not wearing a seatbelt or smoking cigarettes) don't directly affect anyone else. On a purely practical level, too, the use of big sticks such as the DMV points system to hencpeck and pester people over matters peripheral to their driving muddies the waters as effectively as a Mississippi paddle-wheeler. If “offenses” such as not having the proper number of warm bodies in one’s car are thrown in with genuinely dangerous actions such as red light-running and reckless driving, the DMV points system becomes less and less a barometer of safe driving and more and more an instrument of social coercion. Maybe that’s what it’s all about, in the final analysis. There’s big money at stake – because with a greater variety of offenses on the books that can result in “bad driving records,” our friends in the insurance industry have an easier time jacking up our rates. And with more pretexts for harassment by the state, our friends in government will have more tools available to extract money from our hides via traffic tickets and court costs. That seems to be the the lay of the land. What do you think? At least a defensive driving course is still cheap enough to help those with too many points.