Q: I got my first speeding ticket ever, but should I bother taking a driver safety course?
I am 28 years old, and this is my first moving conviction in 10 years of driving. I am aware that this conviction will last 4-5 years on my record, as will the points, but since I intend to be cautious about my driving from now on, should I bother taking a driver safety course over simply paying the fine? According to my insurance company, my rates will not go up, given my record (though they could be lying), so there appears to be little chronic financial damage from the ticket. Given your experience, what do you believe I should do?
A:
Hello Asker,
If your insurance company has verified your rates will not increase AND you are not employed by a company that would take issue with traffic violations, then a conviction is not the worst thing in the world. Be aware that it WILL remain on your license for many years as I've seen tickets as old as 30 years on driving records. The most relevant rule to consider is that if you receive THREE moving violation convictions within a 12 month period, you WILL be suspended. Aside from that, there is little harm that this ticket could otherwise cause so long as it is paid and you don't miss any scheduled court dates.
Before I advise you to forgo court supervision, I would like to explain how it works. Court supervision doesn't count as a moving violation conviction for the purposes of the above cited rule and is invisible to insurance companies and most employers. Those are the only benefits of supervision. If these benefits are not worth your time and money for the course, then yes, forgoing court supervision in this instance may be a good idea so long as you understand that these are what you give up to take a conviction.
I hope that answers your question and let me know if you have any other questions.
Sincerely,
Jason A. Wilkins
Attorney at Law
(630) 445-2293
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