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Can You Register a Car Online?

can you register car online There are many reasons why states require people to register their cars. Part of the reason is for taxation. But other reasons include keeping track of who owns what car, figuring out the number of cars on the roadways, and ensuring the vehicles on the roads are safe. If you are looking to register a new vehicle or pay your current registration for an existing vehicle, you may wonder if this is something you can do online. The answer to this question varies based on the state you are in. Here are a couple popular states and the information you need to know about how to register a car online in these states. [framed_box]New York   In New York, some registrations are eligible to be renewed online. You may be eligible to complete your renewal process online if your registration has not been expired for a year or longer, your registration is not suspended, you have insurance and you have had your vehicle inspected in the last year. If you are eligible to renew online, your registration paperwork will indicate that you can go online and make the payment. If you are not eligible, you will have to go to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles to renew your registration.[/framed_box] [framed_box]California   In California, online car registration can only be used for cars that are currently registered in California and have been within the past year. If you are looking to register a car from out of state or looking to register a car that has not been registered in over a year, you will need to go to the DMV. Additionally, online registration may not be completed if the information you need to complete the process has not been electronically submitted. This includes a smog check and your insurance papers. If you pay online without proof of either of these, you will be asked to submit them by mail or in person before your registration process can be completed. Also, be sure you have completed a driving course at an accredited driving school. If you are wondering how to register a car in California easily take a look at some more of our content.[/framed_box] [framed_box]Arizona   Unless you are looking to register a car from out of state, the answer to the question " can I register my car online in Arizona" is yes. Your renewal slip will tell you whether you need an emissions test or not. If you do, you must obtain this test and have it electronically sent to the DMV before you can register your car. Once that information has been received, you can register your car online. Be aware that if you have outstanding tickets, you may be required to pay those before you can register your vehicle. This can also be done online, making the process easy.[/framed_box] [framed_box]Texas   Texas, of course we did not forget you. If you are wondering how to register a car in Texas there are a few ways including online, by mail or in person to a county substation. One of the unique things about Texas is that you do not even need to wait for a renewal form to register your vehicle. You can register it simply using the license plate number or VIN number when the time comes.[/framed_box] [framed_box]Florida   Florida will not allow you to register out of state vehicles or vehicles that you have just purchased online. However, if you are looking to register a vehicle that has been previously registered in your name, you can re-register it online. You can re-register your vehicle up to three months in the state of Florida as long as there is a current proof of insurance certificate meeting the state minimum on file for your vehicle. Most states are now allowing customers the ability to pay their registration fees online, rather than having to mail them in or pay them at a DMV office. If you live in New York, Florida, Texas, California, or Arizona, you live in one of the states that allows this, making it easy to pay your vehicle registration when the time comes. Those states also make it easy for you to take traffic school online to dismiss a ticket. Great news for the super and somewhat-super computer savvy.   [/framed_box]

Tampa Traffic vs. Orlando Traffic

Everyone knows about the indisputable feud between Tampa and Orlando. The two Floridian cities share the same interstate highway, but there can be only one… better city. When you weigh the pros and cons of both cities, they come out equal. What isn’t equal, however, is their traffic conditions. Which do you think is worse: Tampa traffic or Orlando traffic? Traffic is a deal-breaker. Just ask anyone who moved away from Dallas, Los Angeles, or Atlanta. Joining the ranks among the worst traffic conditions in the country could be one of these tourist traps. That’s why we’re breaking down the traffic conditions of Tampa and Orlando to discover which city has the worst traffic.

Orlando Traffic

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Rush Hour

Rush Hour is a major contributor to the traffic conditions in Orlando, Florida. Calm down, we’re not talking about the hit thriller/action film Rush Hour starring the amazing Jackie Chan and hilarious Chris Tucker. We know how much you love that movie. In fact, there are four specific times that are considered rush hour: 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and, finally, 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. This accumulates to about 6 hours of traffic during the week. In other words, you could watch Rush Hours 1, 2, and 3, while waiting in rush hour traffic. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Disney World

Disney World brings in millions of tourists every single year, which makes Orlando one of the busiest vacation destinations in Florida. Between the out-of-state drivers and the drive-by gawkers, the roads can become a dangerous place. Immediately, they become filled with people driving under the speed limit, clogging up intersections, highways, and exits. Whenever tourist enters Orlando, they automatically become your 85-year-old grandmother. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

“The I-4 Mystery”

“The I-4 Mystery” is folklore told amongst locals throughout the city. It tells about the mysterious nature of interstate 4 traffic, which travels through downtown Orlando. Some days, traffic could flow perfectly, but other days it could be mind-numbingly gridlocked. Instead, “the I-4 Mystery” sums up the odds and ends of various reasons why traffic could be backed up. It’s not so much a mystery as it is road construction, roadside incidents, and traffic violators. [/framed_box]

Tampa Traffic

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Rush Hour

Rush Hour times in Tampa aren’t nearly as bad as they are in Orlando. With fewer tourists checking in and out of hotels, Tampa will naturally experience less tourist traffic during mid-day. That doesn’t stop the bay city from having evening traffic. The rush begins at 7:30 to 9:30 AM and picks up again at 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM in the evening. Everyone just needs to see those famous Tampa sunsets. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Reckless Drivers

Reckless Drivers are in every city. They clog up the roads by driving sporadically. Especially when they get pulled over by a police officer. Nothing is more frustrating than shifting to one lane of traffic when a reckless driver gets pulled over. If this is you, maybe try becoming a defensive driver. Also, if you enroll in traffic school, you can save money by keeping your auto insurance rates from increasing. Two birds, one stone, but in Tampa beach terms: two seagulls, one volleyball. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

A Good Economy

A Good Economy is a fantastic news for a city’s growth. However, when a city grows in the population without updating its infrastructure, it could lead to traffic congestion. Forbes listed Tampa as one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas, but the roads are having a hard time keeping up. More cars mean more traffic. Regardless of which city has the worst traffic, the important advice to remember, when driving, is to be a defensive driver. When you’re not, and you get a traffic ticket, remember you can prevent your auto insurance from increasing by enrolling in a traffic school. Now go watch some Rush Hour. [/framed_box]

How to Decrease Your Auto Insurance Costs

decrease auto insurance defensive driving Owning an automobile can be expensive. There's the cost of the car itself, gas, registration, maintenance and repairs, and, of course, auto insurance premiums. Noting that, it's only natural for vehicle owners to try to save money on their total vehicle ownership if possible, and one of the biggest consistent costs is auto insurance. Though auto insurance rates vary based on state, driving experience and the owner’s driving record, generally consumers should plan to set aside anywhere from $800 to $1,000 per year to insure their car. The good news is that there are several ways to decrease auto insurance costs; from taking a defensive driving course online to bundling your auto package with other coverages. Here are some tips to help shave dollars off your insurance premiums: [framed_box]

Take a Defensive Driving Course

Doing this is beneficial, even if you don't want to shave points off your license. That's because it shows insurance companies that you're being proactive about your driving safety, something that many look at favorably and award discounts for. Of course, if you have points on your license, taking a defensive driving course online can help reduce them in some states. In many cases, passing a certified course can take points off your license, thereby reducing rates or preventing rates from increasing further. Here are a few courses that guarantee an auto discount for you: California Mature Driver Course Your CA Insurer is required to provide an auto discount to those age 50-55 years or older (depending on insurance company), who present proof of completion of the mature driver improvement course approved by the California DMV:California Mature Driver Course

Florida Mature Driver Course Your FL Insurer is required to provide an auto discount to those age 50-55 years or older (depending on insurance company), who present proof of completion of the mature driver improvement course approved by the Florida DHSMV:Florida Mature Driver Course

New York Defensive Driver Course Your NY Insurer is required to provide an auto discount to those who present proof of completion of a defensive driving course approved by the New York DMV:New York Defensive Driving Course

Delaware Basic Driving Course Your DE Insurer is required to provide an auto discount to those who present proof of completion of a 6-hour basic driving course or 3-hour refresher course approved by the Delaware DMV:Delaware Basic Driving Course
Auto Insurance Discount Course Most auto insurance companies in other states provide an auto discount to those who present proof of completion of a defensive driving course. Check with yours first to confirm! www.MyImprov.com [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Shop Around

If you think you're paying too much for auto insurance, it never hurts to shop around a little bit. Go to other insurance companies, tell them what you're paying now and that you're looking for a company that can beat that price. Insurance companies are running a business, and part of business is gaining new clients. Companies are likely going to be more than willing to try to earn your business, and if you have more entities that you can insure with them, they'll likely sweeten the quote that they give you even more. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Own Your Car

Leasing has its benefits, but when it comes to saving money on auto insurance, that's not one of them. That's largely because when you lease, you're required to keep certain amounts of coverages and there's no wiggle room around it. If you own your car, you can likely save money by reducing coverage to legal minimums. Sure, you may have to pay some money out of pocket if you are ever in an accident and the limits don't fully cover the damage, but for most people, this is a risk that they're willing to take to save money on insurance premiums. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Bundle Packages

Have a home? A boat? Other vehicles? When you insure multiple entities with one insurance company, you're likely to receive a discount. Think of it as an appreciation discount, as for insuring multiple entities with the company you get rewarded for your business and your trust with the respective insurance company. The more you can bundle, the more you're likely to save. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Ask Your Insurance Agent

Here's one that not many drivers think to pursue: Simply just call up your current insurance agent and see if there's anything that you can do to receive some sort of reduced or discounted premium. Often, something as simple as just parking your vehicle in the garage - where it's more guarded from Mother Nature and potential theft - can yield a savings. Adding certain modern-day safety features to your vehicle can help as well. Driving less miles per year may be able to help. Your agent can also tell you if taking the defensive driving course online can net a discounted rate. [/framed_box]

Florida Tourist Traffic Traps

I'm sorry, but you haven't provided the text that needs rephrasing. Could you please share the text you want me to rephrase? For tourist and speeders, traffic traps are the bane of highway travels. Lurking in the shadows, highway patrol waits for their unsuspecting victim to speed through their trap. But, the victims aren’t so much victims as they are perpetrators for violating the traffic laws. Once they get a ticket, they usually opt to take online FL traffic school to dismiss the ticket. However, some highway patrol takes it too far. One example of excessive speeding traps is the scheme that occurred in Waldo, Florida. An investigation began in the tiny village after 7 police officers wrote 12,000 speeding tickets in one year. Speeding is always bad, but speeding traps are worst. The investigation led to the disbandment of the entire Waldo police force. Florida has the reputation of excessive speeding traps throughout the state, so we’re listing some of the top traffic traps for Florida tourist. [framed_box]

Lawtey

Like Waldo, this small shanty town is notorious for its high rate of speed traps. Be on the lookout for signs that quickly reduce speeds, school zones, and how fast you’re going through the town. When driving through this town, remember you can’t spell Lawtey without “Law” - as in, follow it. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Miami

One of the biggest cities in Florida, Miami has countless reports of speeding traps. Most reports note turnpikes, streets throughout the city, and occasionally on the highways. When visiting this town, remember you can catch some sun, beach fun, and some traffic tickets. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg has its fair share of traffic traps. When passing through the city, watch out for school zones and speed limit signs that fluctuate quickly. The police are relentless with issuing tickets. Instead of calling it St. Petersburg, it should be called St. Speedersburg. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Tampa

You can find yourself falling into a traffic trap whenever you take an exit in Tampa. Drive the speed limit, or a few below, when you leave a highway. Police like to pull over unsuspecting speeders who are adjusting their speed. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Lady Lake

In this small town, reduce speed signs are littered throughout the area. This makes the land ripe for ticketing. You’ll pass through this town when you’re taking US 441. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Sarasota

When you’re visiting Sarasota, be sure to check out the Big Cat Habitat or the Marine Laboratory, because you’ll need to do something happy after accumulating all your traffic tickets. Sarasota has an abundance of traffic traps. Be wary of traveling through this city; especially around bridges and school zones. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Gulf Breeze

When you’re vacationing to Destin (everyone loves Destin) watch out for speeding traps around Gulf Breeze on US 98. This area is known for the traffic traps set to catch you unsuspectingly. Which, everyone will be caught unsuspectingly, because the only thing people will be thinking about is their awesome vacation in Destin. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Orlando

Orland has one of the densest and unforgiving traffic traps in the state. Disney World can’t supply enough magic and wonder to make these traffic traps vanish. Some police officers like to catch tourist, who are unfamiliar with the area, when they least expect it: right outside Mickey Mouse’s Kingdom. That’s how Disney World works, right? Don’t fall victim to the tourist traffic traps around Orlando. When you slip up and exceed the speed limit, you’ll be slapped with an expensive traffic ticket. Getting a traffic violation will result in a higher annual car insurance rate. But, there’s a solution to this problem. Enrolling in an online traffic school and passing your Florida driving test will keep your insurance rates from skyrocketing when you, unfairly, get ticketed. So, enroll in one of our online traffic school course to get started taking your test. [/framed_box]

Steps to Pay Online Florida Traffic Ticket

So, you’ve got yourself a traffic ticket in Florida. Congratulations on joining a special club that stretches from Pensacola to Miami – and to plenty of tourists as well! The Sunshine State may even lead the country in terms of numbers of speeding tickets, according to the National Motorists Association. And it makes sense -- drivers can encounter everything from theme park parking lots as large as some states; some of the most crowded urban interstates in the country, and all sorts of coastal highways and byways where it’s easier to watch the beautiful scenery instead of a rapidly-rising speedometer.

What to do with your Florida Traffic Ticket

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Be patient.

Do not pay it right away. You have 30 days to think over your options. But don’t wait too long, after 30 days, the state begins applying fines and other possible penalties! [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Be certain.

Paying can, however, lead to more “points” on your license. Too many points over a certain amount of time can lead to a suspension or revocation of your license from Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. If you’re at this point or getting close, consider finding an online traffic school, which can reduce the number of points. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Make Payment.

You will also however, have to pay the ticket along with attending traffic school. Luckily, Florida makes it easy to pay tickets. Payment can be mailed in, dropped off at a county courthouse or a state Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office, or online in some counties. [/framed_box]

Steps To Pay Online Payments

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Step 1. Check County

Check County with the county where the ticket was incurred if this service is available. If you can’t remember, the county name and instructions will be printed on the ticket. If you can’t find your ticket, contact the county where you believe it happened, and they’ll assist and either send you a reprint or at least tell you the payment procedure. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Step 2. Check Clerk List

Look at list of all 67 county clerk offices, provided by Florida’s Division of Library and Information Services. Here, you can get a geographic address, phone number and other contact information, such as email, fax or web site. The list doesn’t say whether any particular office offers online payment; this requires browsing or calling the office to ask about payment, the process and what site to visit. Counties that do offer online processing make it fairly easy to find this information, such as Bay County, which provides a well-organized menu of fees and services, everything from license reinstatement costs to late fees. As with most legal situations, the burden to properly comply is up to the person with facing the penalty, so excuses like “my email bounced back” or “my Internet was down” are rarely adequate. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

3. Provide Info

If a county can securely process online payments through its site, it generally requests information from ticket-holders such as: • Your valid recognized credit card • Your ticket citation number and other information about it (day/time) • Your driver’s license info • Your full name • The amount to be paid Counties may also charge their own surcharge for local court/processing fees beyond the standard citation fee. This is usually no more than a few dollars. By the way, those who don’t want to pay their ticket online, or at all, don’t have too many good options. Ignoring it can lead to a suspension of your license within a month and bigger fines as time goes by. [/framed_box] You can also contest it, which includes requesting a hearing, calling witnesses, discussing the law and presenting evidence on your behalf to a judge. It can be time-consuming and ultimately more expensive in terms or time and effort, even if it’s dismissed.

  • Discovering the cost of a speeding ticket in Alabama is as simple as clicking here: How much is a Speeding Ticket in Alabama?

What to Bring to My Florida Driving Test

If you are a first-time driver in Florida, you will need to pass both a written and driving exam before the DMV issues you a license. Upon passing a test, the State of Florida will deliver your license within two to four weeks of completion. When you arrive for your Florida driving test, you will need to bring some items with you. [framed_box]

Written Exam Requirements

To apply for a Florida driver’s license, you must first take a written exam. Although you must pay fees for license registration and driver exams, the written exams are free of charge. If you fail the exam and need to retake it, then you’ll pay $10 for each retake. Other than that, you simply show up and take the test. If you pass the test, you’ll then schedule a driving test. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Driving Test Requirements

The driving test will give you the opportunity to demonstrate necessary driving skills and follow fundamental traffic laws. You will need to provide a vehicle for the driving test. The DMV also requires you to bring the following documents: • Valid Registration. You do not have to own the car that you are driving. Whoever owns the vehicle must provide valid updated registration. Current registration means that the car is registered in the same year that you are operating it for the test. • Insurance Coverage. The owner of the car must provide proof of insurance from an insurance company in Florida. The insurance must be currently active. The vehicle must be covered by the minimum insurance allowed in the state of Florida. • Vehicle Inspection. Before the facilitator gets in the car, he or she will inspect the car to make sure that it is both roadworthy and legal. Some examples of inspection may include making sure all the lights, and turning signals are operational, the tires are aired up to capacity, and the motor or transmission is properly running. You may also be required to perform an emission test on the vehicle. • Retake Fee. If you fail to pass the test, then you will need to schedule a retake. The retake fee is $20. It must be paid before the facilitator administers the test. You can reschedule the test on the same day that you failed the initial test. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

What Are You Tested On?

The objective of the driving test is to determine your ability to maneuver the vehicle in real life situations. Facilitators will often ask you to perform the road test in busy traffic throughout your home city. They want to know that you can drive in real scenarios around other drivers and pedestrians. Therefore, if you have a learner’s license, you should gradually work your way into operating the vehicle on the road with a licensed driver in the passenger seat. The more you drive, the more you will improve your skills. You will drastically improve your chances of passing the test. You’ll be tested on specific maneuvers including: • 3-point turn • Parking • Passing a vehicle • Backing • Giving right-of-way Failure to perform one or more of the maneuvers above could cause you to fail your test. Therefore, you will want to prepare yourself for the day of the test. ‎✔ Get a good night’s rest the night before. ‎✔ Eat a healthy breakfast on the morning of the test. Proper sleep and eating a good breakfast will help you concentrate during the road test. If you have practiced all of the required maneuvers over an extended period in real life situations, then you should pass the test with flying colors! [/framed_box]

How to Drive in Every State

howTodrive Almost every kid yearns for the day when they can be old enough to learn how to drive. Getting that driver’s license is a rite of passage that carries so much meaning. For most young drivers, learning how to drive symbolizes freedom and responsibility. It’s a giant leap away from childhood and a small step toward adulthood. Once you learn how to drive, you can go places without your parents, run errands for your parents, get a job that’s beyond walking or bicycling distance, and go on real dates. It’s an amazing time in life that happens only once. Drivers Ed

How you learn to drive depends on where you live and what your situation is. If you go to a school where they offer Drivers Ed, you might learn how to drive with a bunch of your friends sitting in the back seat, which is simultaneously a blast and intimidating. If driving school is affordable, you might learn about defensive driving from a stranger. Your last – and sometimes preferable option – is to learn how to drive from your parents or a family friend. However, you officially learn about defensive driving, there’s probably a bunch of stuff you didn’t learn. But don’t worry. We’re here to fill in the gaps. Here’s the guide on how to drive that you’ll never hear from anyone else. Watch Other Drivers’ Faces

When you watch driving videos, they always tell you to “look out for other cars.” But defensive driving requires more than that. You can get a whole lot of information about what a car is going to do by watching the driver’s face. Say you’re coming up on an intersection. The driver of the car at the stop sign is laughing and talking to his buddy. Every now and then his car creeps forward. He can’t wait to zip out. Does he see you coming? Keep an eye on that driver to make sure he looks at you. If he doesn’t, there’s a good chance he might pull out right in front of you. To be on the safe side, slow down or move to the next inside lane. Don’t Double Pedal

Your right foot is for driving, and your left foot is for the clutch if you have a manual transmission. Don’t double pedal with your left foot hovering over the brake and your right foot hovering over the accelerator. This is a bad habit that can lead to a) overuse of brakes, b) an accident. Just don’t do it. Don’t Eat in the Car

Yes, your mom’s car is full of Burger King wrappers. You grew up at the drive-thru. That’s what drive-thrus are for, right? We’ve heard it all before. But eating in the car is a bad, bad idea. First, you could choke, and trying to maneuver your car out of traffic and danger is a lot harder when you’re also trying to not choke to death. Second, if you’re eating, you’re not holding the wheel with both hands. Third, eating in the car is messy business. You’ll end up trashing your car, getting stains on your clothes and not paying attention to the task at hand, which is, ahem, driving. Eating in the car puts your life at risk. Burger King won’t tell you that, but we will. Drive Safe!

So now that you know the real secrets to knowing how to drive, we feel confident you’re ready for adulthood. Learning how to drive is something that almost everyone hopes to accomplish one day. But do you want to know the best part of learning how to drive? It’s learning how to drive safely.

Can You Test Drive for Fun?

test drive defensive driving Where would we be without the test drive? Probably more unsatisfied customers – new owners may discover that a vehicle that looked great and had good reviews didn’t “feel right” once he or she got behind the wheel. This could lead to more buyer’s remorse and owners either changing their minds right away, or hanging onto it unhappily for years, vowing never to return to that dealer again. Good for Sales Either way is bad news for the salesperson, since it’s their job to find the right car for the right owner and hopefully build strong relationships that last for multiple vehicles. Making prospective buyers comfortable by letting them try before they buy goes a long way in making purchases happen. Certainly some enjoy driving several types of vehicles before finding something that appeals to them, or spend the weekend just doing test drives – and that’s OK with most dealership employees, especially if they eventually end up making a purchase. Good for You Some people may even visit a dealership or dealerships with the intent of test driving only, not buying. That’s OK too. The biggest challenge for a dealership is getting people to the lot, and once they’re there, it’s potentially much easier to talk them into a super deal. Though some lot visitors are obvious browsers, they still should be given the same attention as any other shopper even if the pay-off may come later rather than sooner. Most salespeople need to always be focusing on their numbers, and taking time for a ride with another looky-loo can sometimes cut into time helping more serious customers. But from a customer service point of view, you never know which drive will switch a tester into a buyer. Here’s why test drives are important to the buyer and seller: 1. Buyers remain educated. Want to learn more about a particular make or model? The best way is to give one a spin and see how it performs. It’s one thing to read the specs online, but more satisfying to feel it, and then remember the experience when it’s time for shopping. 2. One drive may not be enough. If you’re serious about a particular auto but don’t need to rush, you can test drive multiple occasions. Try it on rainy and sunny days, in daylight or night, or even on daily errands or heavy traffic so more defensive driving skills are required. This gives you more time to learn about other costs, such as different insurance premiums or discounts. 3. It can be fun. Even if the dealership can offer nice financing and your budget could stretch a little, you might prefer to not take on new debt right now. But testing different cars and doing your homework can still be entertaining, even if the gratification is delayed. You can also try something outside of your price range, just for the experience. 4. It encourages the salesperson to try harder. As a consumer, you’re likely to want to work with a salesman or saleswoman who you know and trust. And someone who has been patient with your browsing habits is definitely appealing. The better salespeople can even keep an eye out for certain vehicles that may interest you. 5. You can win things. As a way to get more people visiting, some dealerships offer no-obligation incentives for people who test drive, such as event tickets, gift cards or small appliances. The sales staff is encouraged to work their magic to convert all test drivers into buyers, but legally the promised prize is yours if you satisfy certain conditions like join a mailing list.

How Do Other Countries Dismiss Traffic Tickets?

KickedOut In the United States, if you are cited for a traffic infraction, this infraction shows up on your driving record. However, depending on where you reside, you may be able to take traffic school every one to three years to have one ticket, such as a speeding ticket, red light infraction or other similar ticket, removed from your record. This may leave you wondering if this is standard in all parts of the world or how other countries dismiss tickets. Here is more information about dismissing or removing tickets from driving records in other parts of the world. United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, they work on a points system that is very similar to those used in the United States. You get a certain number of points and once you exceed that points value, your license can be suspended. However, in the United States, you can take traffic school to remove one of these tickets and the points from your record. This is not an option in the United Kingdom. They only way to prevent points from hitting your record is to fight a ticket or not to get a ticket in the first place, unless you received a speeding ticket. Speeding ticket offenders can avoid a speeding fine, points and/or court by taking a 4-hour Speed Awareness Course. For other traffic offenses, the UK's National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme (NDORS) offers a range of courses which are designed to cover most low level moving traffic violations.   Australia

In Australia, the traffic ticket system is set up like it is in the United States. Each state has their own set of rules and laws. Just like in the United States, most states do have a points system in place. If you get too many points on your driving record for traffic infractions, your license will be suspended. However, just like in the US, in most states, you can attend traffic school to remove one ticket from your record. Once again, the frequency with which you can attend the school or take the course varies from state to state. Some are two years and others are four. And the number of points dismissed varies by state. However, if a state allows it, it’s a great way to remove unwanted points from your record. Germany

Germany is another country that issues points based on the citations you receive while driving. These points can remain on your record for 2 1/2 years up to 10 years. If you receive a large number of points, your driving license will be suspended and you must go through a psychological examination to attempt to get your license back. While this state does not allow traffic school, you can get points removed from your record by taking part in formal training schools that are offered by the government in the country, in certain cases. A judge has to approve the training class and the removal of points based on what your offense was. Italy

Italy has one of the most unique driving systems around. Drivers automatically start with 20 points on their driving record. If they drive well for two years, they receive two additional points, up to a maximum of 30 points. If they receive an infraction, they lose points. If they lose all their points, they can have their license suspended. Italy does not offer driving school or any other form of training. The only way to earn your good points back is by driving safely and following all traffic laws. Every country has different laws when it comes to driving, driving infractions and licensing. Learning about the different country will help you see how strict your area is or how laid back it is compared to various countries around the world.

TOP 3 DRIVING TEST FAILS

driving test fails drivers ed You hold your breath as you carefully turn on your blinker to make a right turn onto a four-lane road. Your passenger helpfully advises, “Get into the left lane,” and you do. And that’s why you flunk your driving test — you should’ve gotten into the right lane, then signaled, looked over your shoulder and changed lanes. Darn it! If you were unsuccessful on the first try at your driving test, it probably made you feel like a big old loser. After all the buildup, having to retake an online driver's ed course or going to work and telling people you failed felt like wearing a “dunce” cap and sitting on a stool in the corner. You're not alone, if you're one of the many people who didn't pass right away. In the ‘90s, the state of California actually made its driving test easier because so many people — 64 percent! — were flunking on the first try. But anyone who’s failed their driving test for making a simple error can’t hold a candle to some people who have failed their tests in spectacularly bad fashion. Here are the TOP 3 offenders: Sink or swim River Car One lady in England reportedly showed up to take her test — for the fifth time — and drove straight into a river. Luckily for her, her swimming skills got her back to shore. The instructor wasn’t so lucky, however. He climbed on the roof of the car and yelled for help. You can read the full story< a href="https://www.1stdrive.com/funny-driving-lesson-stories/">here. Take it to the bank Bank Car In another widely reported case of flat-out nutty driving tests, a woman failed because within 10 seconds of getting behind the wheel, she drove into a bank and flipped her car on its roof. For Full Story, CLICK HERE If at first… For some reason, many of the craziest driving tests tend to pop up in England — driving on the wrong side of the road, maybe? In one widely publicized case, a 42-year-old man reportedly failed his driving test 36 times. But, good news, the 37th time was the charm! Another 30-year-old man still hadn’t passed after 86 tries... And another English lady was said to have failed her driving theory test some 110 times... For Full Story, CLICK HERE Why is it so hard for some people? The requirement of a test to get a driver’s license exists in some form throughout the world, and road tests are designed to test a driver's ability under normal conditions. In the United States, one of the reasons that passing driving tests can prove difficult is that they can vary by state. Just before the turn of the 20th century, New York City and Chicago became the first places to require passing a test before being allowed to drive a vehicle. In 1903, Missouri and Massachusetts became the first states to require that drivers have licenses, but Missouri didn’t require a test! Your mileage may vary Since then, there’s never been a standardized driving test in the United States, and driving requirements vary. In South Dakota, you must be 14 years and 3 months old to get a restricted license. In New Jersey, the age is 17. Drivers younger than 18 typically are required to take some type of driver education course before testing for a license. In New York, that restriction also applies to adults driving for the first time. Driving can be tough With all the varying restrictions, it’s no surprise that some would-be drivers won’t pass their test on the first go — or maybe even the 10th. But as with many activities in life, practice makes perfect. For drivers who have received a moving traffic violation or wish to earn a discount on car insurance, defensive driving courses or traffic schools can be the solution. If you’ve gotten a traffic ticket, traffic court in your county may let you go to traffic school to have the ticket dismissed with no points added to your record. If you voluntarily enroll in traffic school, you may even earn a safe driver discount from your car insurance company.

How to get a speeding ticket off your driving record

Flame Speeding tickets tend to happen when you least expect them, and when your funds seem to be at their lowest. But there's a much bigger danger beyond just your rapidly shrinking bank account — points on your license. Tally up enough of those points, and you may find yourself not only broke but also on the bus. But there are ways that you can get a speeding ticket wiped entirely from your record completely.

What is the best way to fight a traffic ticket?

Judge with gavel   Every state in the nation has their own way of handling speeding tickets, with some being more lenient than others. There are certain things that stay the same across the US if you plan to fight the ticket. For all states, you'll have a chance to tell your side of the story if you feel there was a mistake made when issuing the speeding ticket. For example, if you know you were going 55 miles an hour when the officer clocked you at 65, then his radar gun or detection device may have been poorly calibrated or just plain broken. Always plead not guilty in any court of law if you intend to fight. In all states, you'll need to fill out the proper paperwork and pay the court fees to get your record and plead your case. Judge with gavel   When you argue your case in either a conference or a court, you need to know the regulations that will help you win. For example, radar units are supposed to be calibrated before every shift, and before and after an officer uses it to clock a speed. These types of stringent requirements are difficult to follow for a busy speed trap, so you may be more in luck than you think. Evidence like camera footage may help you prove that the light was yellow by the time you crossed into the intersection. The court will consider your past driving records to help make their decision, so highlight any good behavior on the road too. You also can hire a lawyer who may be able to use their skills and expertise to get your ticket completely cleared for your record too.

What are the benefits of taking online traffic school?

Judge with gavel   Traffic school is offered in most states as a way to clear your record. Depending on the severity of your offense, it may be mandated that you take these classes. Typically, you'll want to plead guilty if you intend to take the classes, but you don't have to. For example, in California, you can still fight the ticket and potentially have the option to take traffic school if a judge allows it. However, the judge does not have to justify their decision to you if they don't allow you to take driving school, so bear this in mind if you're weighing your options. Monopoly car on American map   If you live in the states of Arizona, Florida, California or Texas, you can have the ticket dismissed entirely if you take traffic school. If you live in New York state, traffic school will take up to 4 points off your license. Arizona, Florida, and Texas will only allow you to take the traffic school option once a year. In California and New York, it's up to 18 months. You should have had only one moving violation, and it must be for a speeding ticket as opposed to reckless driving to get the points removed. Another major bonus in taking traffic school is that you may be able to reduce the cost of your insurance as well as get the points removed.

How to Get Traffic Ticket Reduced

CutMoney Traffic tickets are not welcome no matter why you get them, and they will always pose the receiver with a dilemma: to pay, to ignore, or to fight? A ticket can translate to potential points on your license which can increase your chances of having your license taken away. It can even interfere with your job if you get too many of them. And they're not cheap. Just one ticket in California can run you more than $230.00 if you're caught going 15 miles over the limit. Most people will go to traffic school to stop the points from going on their driving record, however, getting your traffic ticket reduced is an option. It normally starts with the date on your ticket.

Show Up - In Person

traffic ticket reduced It's possible that you could defend your ticket in writing, but it's not always offered and not necessarily recommended. It's much easier for an official to ignore or skim a written request than it is when a person makes the effort to defend themselves in the flesh. Plus, if you write to contest the ticket and lose, you generally can't appeal the decision. Depending on where you live, you may have a traffic court date or potentially a settlement conference to attend to start the process. Taking the time off from work may be a hassle, but if you the costs are high or if you feel like the officer made an error, then it may be worth it. A conference will be a good time to determine if there's a way to get the ticket knocked down to something a little easier on your record.

Going to Trial

Trials will eat up your time and money with court dates and fees, but again, a trial may be what keeps you from having a major black mark on your driving record. Sometimes the officer won't show up, in which case you win by default. You may have to do some research on the officer who gave you the ticket (e.g., when their radar gun was last calibrated, etc.) in addition to having your own arguments. You can also hire a lawyer to fight it for you. Those that specialize in traffic tickets may have more of a chance to get your ticket reduced to a minor parking violation. Lawyer rates vary though, so do some research before going this route. Your case will be a civil case, so the evidence will be about witnesses, statements, and physical evidence (e.g., camera footage.)

Mitigation

reduce traffic ticket Mitigation is a way for you to admit fault, but explain the circumstances. For many, this will become an exercise in their negotiation and people skills, but sometimes it's not even taken into consideration. There are certain judges out there who will reduce a $120 traffic ticket by $30 and extend the deadline — without even asking you to make a case. But most of the time, if you have a good driving record and a decent story, you'll probably see some leniency after giving the details. Whatever deal is offered up is ultimately yours to either take or appeal, but you would need to do so with extreme caution. Any potential sign of disrespect to either the judge or law enforcement in general is not going to be appreciated. (We're sure you're surprised.)

Alternatives

Each state is different when it comes to alternatives for reducing a traffic ticket, so check into the specifics for all the above. Some states will allow you to take traffic school or a defensive driving course to avoid the points and some states will let you wipe the ticket entirely if you keep your driving record clear for a full year. Regardless of where you live though, there are ways to reduce your traffic ticket if you know where to look.

Other Resources

What Information is on my Driving Record and Who Can See it?

Your driving record can have a major impact on your life. It affects your auto insurance rates, can affect your ability to get a job driving, and can even impact whether a police officer gives you a ticket or not. Unfortunately, most people do not know a lot about their driving record. Here are some of the questions you may have about that important piece of paper and the answers to these questions.

Who Can See My Driving Record?

  Your driving record is public record. As such, anyone who requests to see your driving record has access to it. However, most often, your insurance company, a potential employer, a current employer you do driving work for, and law enforcement request copies of and look at your driving record.

What Type of Information is on a Driving Record?

  Your driving record contains information about your past driving offenses. This includes traffic infractions, accidents and criminal driving offenses, such as driving under the influence charges. Your record will also detail how many points are on your driving record. Every state uses a point system based on the severity of an infraction you received. For example, if you ran a stop sign, you may get one point on your record, whereas an accident you were at fault for is two points. If you reach a certain point level, your license may be suspended. Additionally, depending on the state you reside in, your driving record may also include the age in which you became licensed to drive, if your license has ever been suspended and for what reason, and any cars that are registered to you.

How long do DMV points stay on your driving record? Your driving record lists how many points you have. This may lead you to wonder how long points stay on your record. Unfortunately, there is not a one-size-fits all answer to this question. The answer varies based on the state you reside in. In most states, accidents and tickets stay on your record for three to five years, but can stay on as long as seven years in some places. Criminal traffic infractions can stay on your record for anywhere from seven to ten years. Also, some states allow you to remove points by attending traffic school. The number of points you can remove is typically one or two points every two to three years. However, not every state allows this. Always check laws in your state to find out how their point system works and how long points stay on your record. Usually some form of traffic school or defensive driving course will take off or hide multiple points from one's record.

Do driving records from different state look the same?

  Driving records from all states look very similar but they do not look identical. As was mentioned above, the rules for points and how long infractions stay on your record varies from state to state. As such, the records themselves vary. It is also important to note that the records a law enforcement agency can view are different than the ones that are public record that insurance companies and employers view. A law enforcement agent can see your entire driving record. Many take a good look at this information when deciding whether to let you off with a warning or a ticket.   Your driving record can have an impact on your life. As such, it is always wise to take the time to learn about this topic. This can help you to better understand what a driving record is, who sees it, what is on it and how that information is used.

How To Access Your Driving Record

DrivingRecordCar At some point in time, you may find yourself needing to access your driving record, in order to submit to a court, employer, or for any other purpose. Here are some helpful steps for requesting your driving record for some of our most popular states: California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Arizona. California CAcar You can request an online unofficial copy of your driving record directly from the California DMV website for a $2 fee. You would first need to be a certified user of the DMV website by registering online. You can do this through this link: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/FIM/sps/uscfed/usc/self/account/create . Once your California DMV user account is set up, you can go to this link https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/online/dr to request your unofficial online driving record. Please make sure that you have a printer ready and that it is in working order, so you can print out the driving record when it opens, as you will only have one opportunity to print out your record after the fee has been paid. If not, you will need to repay the fee to access the record again. Please note that if you need an official driving record document, you will need to fill out an INF 1125 document (PDF accessible on the link provided above) and mail it in to the DMV Headquarters. The address is listed on the form. New York NYcar For New York, you can request an official certified DMV driving record (abstract) online, by mail, or in person at a DMV location. In order to request your driving record online, you must first register for a New York DMV account. You can sign up by going to this link: https://my.dmv.ny.gov/crm/?register=T . Please note that you must have your most recent driver’s license / learner’s permit / non-driver ID information available in order to register. Once your account is set up, you may request the driving record through the MyDMV site. The fee for the online driving record is $7. Once you order the driving record, you will be able to access it to download to your computer and print it up until 11:59 PM the following day. If you would like to request your driving record by mail, you would need to fill out a MV-15 form “Request for DMV Records,” accessible through this link: https://dmv.ny.gov/dmv-records/get-my-own-driving-record-abstract and mail it, along with a photo copy of your proof of identity, and a personal check or money order for $10.00 payable to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles” and mail it to MV-15 Processing, NYS Department of Motor Vehicles, 6 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12228. If you would like to request your driving record in-person at a DMV location, you would just need to fill out an MV-15 form “Request for DMV Records” (accessible through the above link) and bring proof of your identity and $10.00 for the fee. Texas TXcar For Texas, you can order a copy of your driving record online or through the mail. You can access it online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/driverrecords.htm . You will need the following information to access your driving record: your Texas driver’s license, your current DPS audit number, date of birth, last 4 digits of your social security number, credit card (for payment), adobe PDF reader, access to a working printer, and an understanding of the type of driving record that you need. Here are the different types of driving records available: Type 1 – Status Record, Type 2 – 3 year history, Type 2A – Certified 3 year history, Type 3 – List of all crashes and violations, Type 3A – Certified list of all crashes and violations, Type AR – Certified abstract of complete driving record. If you would like to request your driving record by mail, follow the directions on the Driver Record Request Form (PDF), which is available on the link provided above. Florida FLcar For Florida, you have two options to request your driving record. You are able to request a copy of your driver’s license in person at a Driver License office, a tax collector, a court clerk, or from a private vendor or you can request it by mail. In order to request a copy of your driving record by mail, you would need to fill out a Driver License Request Form, which can be accessed through this link: http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/abstract.html and provide the appropriate fee, which is $8 for a 3 year record and $10 for a 7 year record. You will need the following information, in order to request your driving record: full name, birth date, social security number, Florida Driver License number, and the address where to send the record. Send the form and payment to Bureau of Records, P.O. Box 5775, Tallahassee, Florida, 32314-5775. Please note that it may take up to two weeks for your request to be processed. Arizona AZcar For Arizona, requesting your driving record is very easy online. You would go to the following link: https://servicearizona.com/webapp/citizenMVR/begin.do Then, you would want to provide your personal information, pay the fee, and then download and print your Driver License Motor Vehicle Record results. You must have the following information available to access the record: Arizona driver’s license number, birth date, last four digits of your social security number, and a major credit card for payment. Please note that you should have your printer ready to print out the driving record.

Weirdest Traffic Laws from Each State

weird traffic laws traffic school Even on the Federal Highway System, the Rules of The Road vary from state to state. Here we’ve collected and commented on some of the more arcane and unusual traffic laws you may want to remember if you live in, or travel in the United States. Read up! Ignorance of the law is no excuse, and if you break the law, you may have to take traffic school to dismiss the ticket. Alabama – It’s illegal to drive a car while blindfolded. Alaska – No driving with a dog tethered to your car. Arizona – It’s against the law to drive a car in reverse on a public road. Arkansas – in Little Rock it’s against the law to honk your car horn anywhere that serves cold drinks or sandwiches after 9 p.m. California – In Glendale, it’s illegal to jump from a car going over 65 mph. Colorado – It’s illegal to drive a black car on a Sunday in Denver. Connecticut – it’s illegal to hunt from a car. Delaware – “R” rated movies shall not be shown at drive-in theaters. Florida – It is illegal to skateboard without a license. Georgia – There’s no driving through playgrounds in Georgia. Hawaii – It’s against the law for a vehicle in motion to use its hazard lights. People might think it’s a Luau. Idaho – it’s forbidden for Senior Citizens over the age of 88 must lose all sense of balance, them to ride a motorcycle in Idaho Falls. Illinois – It’s illegal to drive a car without a steering wheel. And, of course, impossible. Indiana – It’s against the law to sell cars on Sundays. Try Maine. Iowa – No vehicle may sell ice cream in Indianola, Iowa. Kansas – No tire screeching in Derby, Kansas. Kentucky – It’s illegal for your pet to molest a vehicle in Fort Thomas. Louisiana – A woman’s husband is required by law to walk in front of the car waving a flag as she drives it. Maine – It’s illegal to buy a car on a Sunday. Better move to Indiana. Maryland – It’s a misdemeanor to swear from a vehicle while driving through Rockville. Massachusetts – You cannot drive with a gorilla in your backseat. In the front seat is okay with the seat belt buckled. Michigan – It’s against the law to sit in the middle of the street and read a newspaper. But in Detroit you may lie there and be covered by one. Minnesota – You can be charged as a public nuisance if your truck leaves mud, dirt or sticky substances on the road in Minnetonka. Mississippi – In Oxford, it’s illegal to honk your horn, even though it is an additional means of communication included in the price of your car. Missouri – You can’t honk someone else’s car horn in University City, Missouri. Montana – You can’t drive a herd of livestock numbering more than 10 on an interstate highway unless the herd is preceded and followed by flagmen. Nebraska – By law, drivers on mountains should drive with caution near the right edge of the highway. Surprisingly, Bighorn Mountain rises to 4,731 feet. Nevada – Even though it’s the desert, t’s illegal to ride a camel on the highway. New Hampshire – It’s against the law to inhale bus fumes with the intent of inducing euphoria. If you want to kill yourself, that’s covered under a different law. New Jersey – If you have been convicted of DUI, you can never apply for personalized license plates. New Mexico – It may or may not be kidnapping, but it is illegal for cab drivers to reach out and pull potential customers into their taxis. New York – It’s against the law to disrobe in your car in the beach town of Sag Harbor, Long Island. North Carolina – In Dunn, North Carolina it’s illegal to play in traffic. North Dakota – it's illegal to lie down and fall asleep with your shoes on. Ohio – It’s illegal to run out of gas in Youngstown. Oklahoma –Cars must be tethered outside of public buildings. No guidance on to what. Oregon – It is illegal to place a container filled with human fecal matter on the side of any highway. No containers! Pennsylvania –Any motorist who sights a team of horses coming toward him must pull well off the road, cover his car with a blanket or canvas that blends with the countryside, and let the horses pass. Rhode Island – One must make a loud noise before passing a car on the left. Preferably with your vehicle’s horn. South Carolina – When approaching a four way or blind intersection in a non-horse driven vehicle you must stop 100 ft. from the intersection and discharge a firearm into the air to warn horse traffic. South Dakota – No horses are allowed into Fountain Inn unless they are wearing pants. Tennessee – It’s illegal to shoot game from a moving vehicle. But hitting it with your car is legal, and can be delicious. Texas – You must have windshield wipers to register a car. Utah – By law, birds have the right of way on all highways. Luckily, they don’t usually exercise it. Vermont – It’s illegal for cars to backfire in Rutland. Virginia – Radar detectors are illegal. Washington – A motorist with criminal intentions must stop at the city limits and telephone the chief of police as he is entering the town. West Virginia - It’s legal to eat road kill. No info on whether you can shoot it from your car. Wisconsin – One may not camp in a wagon on any public highway. Wyoming – If you open a gate over a road, river, stream or ditch, you’d must close it behind you.

How to Get a Traffic Ticket Reduced

judge To put it bluntly, traffic tickets are hell. You wind up paying exorbitant fines because some municipalities are increasing the amounts to raise revenue. Moreover, the police are more vigilant than ever about catching motorists in the wrong. If all of this is not bad enough, never forget about the cameras that photograph your car speeding and send the pictures to you in the mail, along with a large bill.
So what can the average driver, such as yourself, do to survive in this age when “Big Brother” is watching their every move on the roads? Well, the answer is to enroll now for a defensive driving course. Not only will you receive pertinent information on how to remain safe behind the wheel but also a possible reduction of license points and having your ticket reduced or dismissed. The Driving School of Today Today You might at first be a bit wary of the advice to attend driving school. After all, you are probably a busy person. When do you have time to sit in a classroom? Well, scheduling classes is no longer an issue. The driving school of today can take place either in a traditional brick and mortar building or online. You can have online class wherever and whenever convenient. In fact, many families and coworkers enroll in group classes to motivate each other to complete the courses. Ticket Reduction poof Most states allow those who completed a defensive driving course to have their traffic tickets dismissed. The school should be recognized by the state. Moreover, the instructor must be certified by the authorities and the course most be for a certain number of hours. Check with your driving school to ascertain the specific requirements in your jurisdiction. Upon completion of the course, motorists may receive ticket dismissal, license point reduction and automobile insurance discounts. Defensive Driving vs. Traffic School vs Be careful when enrolling. Some states define the two kinds of schools differently. In New York and Florida, you will be taking a defensive driving course to have your traffic ticket points reduced.
Arizona dismisses certain traffic violations after a motorist completes an approved defensive driving course. In contrast, traffic school is for serious violators ordered to take classes by the courts. Meanwhile, California uses the two names interchangeably. Going to Court ToCourt Americans have the right to defend themselves in a court of law. Some choose to do so when presented with a traffic ticket. They want to fight it out with the city to get the infraction removed from the record.
In certain cases, these challengers are successful. A California physicist was able to use scientific principles to win. He demonstrated that a police officer, situated at a certain angle, perceived his car to have run a stop sign when in fact it had stopped. In other instances, an alleged violator can win by default when the officer who presented the ticket does not show up in court. Nevertheless, these victories are few and far between. Motorists usually wind up having to pay the fine and possibly some court costs. Defensive driving school is the easier route without a doubt. Just enroll, finish the course and the violation disappears. Enroll and Get on With Life

Everyone wants to save money. One way you can do so today is by enrolling in a state approved defensive driving school. You can have your ticket dismissed, removing the fine. Better yet, your driving record will be wiped clean, leading to a reduction in your insurance premium rate. Perhaps best of all, you will learn some driving skills that can help you avoid getting tickets in the future.