When you receive a traffic ticket in California, it can result in a point being added to your DMV record. These points can raise your insurance premiums, impact your ability to keep your license, and create long-term consequences. But the good news is — there are options to remove, reduce, or mask these points from public view. This guide explains how the system works and what you can do to protect your driving record.
Understanding the California DMV Point System
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) assigns points to your record for traffic violations. The severity of the violation determines how many points are added:
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Minor violations like speeding or running a stop sign typically carry 1 point.
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Serious offenses such as reckless driving or driving under the influence (DUI) result in 2 points.
If you accumulate too many points in a short period, the DMV can label you a “negligent operator,” which can lead to license suspension. For example, if you get 4 points within 12 months, your license may be suspended or placed on probation.
How Long Points Stay on Your Driving Record
Points don’t stay on your record forever. Most minor infractions remain for approximately three years, while more serious offenses can stay for up to 10 years or more. The time frame varies depending on the type of violation:
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One-point violations (e.g., speeding): Generally stay for 3 years.
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Two-point violations (e.g., DUI): Can remain for 10 years or longer.
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Failure to appear in court for a traffic matter: May stay on your record for up to 5 years.
Even though these points drop off after a certain period, insurance companies and employers may still access your full record, especially if they request a certified report.
Using Traffic School to Mask a Point
While you can’t completely remove a point from your DMV record, traffic school is one of the most effective ways to mask it from view — which means insurance companies won’t see it, helping you avoid rate increases.
When you complete a DMV-approved traffic school course for an eligible violation, the court notifies the DMV, and the point is hidden from your public driving record. It’s important to note that the violation still exists in the DMV’s internal system, but it won’t count against you in terms of insurance or license penalties.
Eligibility for Traffic School
You may qualify for traffic school if:
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Your ticket was for a moving violation that carries only 1 point.
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You have a valid driver’s license.
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You haven’t taken traffic school for another ticket in the past 18 months.
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Your violation wasn’t committed while driving a commercial vehicle.
Once you complete traffic school, give it a few weeks for the masking process to be finalized, then request a copy of your driving record to confirm.
Fighting the Ticket in Court
If you believe the citation was issued in error or there are extenuating circumstances, you can contest the ticket in court. If you win your case, no conviction is entered, and no point is added to your record. This is one of the few ways to truly avoid the point altogether, not just hide it.
Even if you lose the case, you may still be eligible for traffic school depending on the outcome and the judge’s discretion.
Letting Points Expire Over Time
Sometimes, the best course of action is to let the point expire naturally. Most one-point violations fall off after three years, and two-point violations after ten. If your insurance rate has already increased due to the point, it may go down again once the point expires — but only if your record remains clean in the meantime.
Be sure to maintain safe driving habits, avoid future violations, and periodically check your driving record so you’re aware of what’s still active.
Keeping an Eye on Your DMV Record
You can request a copy of your driving record from the California DMV to see how many points are currently listed. This is helpful if you’re applying for a job that requires driving or want to know when a point will fall off your record.
There are two types of records:
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An unofficial public copy, which you can view online.
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A certified copy, which you can request by mail and is typically used by employers, courts, or legal representatives.
If you notice any errors — such as a point that should have expired or a ticket listed in error — you have the right to dispute it and request a correction.
How an Attorney Can Help
Navigating the DMV’s point system and traffic court process can be confusing and time-consuming. An experienced traffic attorney can help by:
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Assessing your eligibility for traffic school
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Representing you in court to fight a ticket
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Negotiating with prosecutors to reduce charges
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Helping remove incorrect points from your DMV record
An attorney may also be able to get a violation reduced to a non-point offense or dismissed entirely, depending on the circumstances.
Need Help Clearing Your Record?
At Southwest Legal, we specialize in helping California drivers fight traffic tickets, avoid DMV points, and keep their driving records clean. Whether you’re eligible for traffic school or want to challenge a violation in court, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Don’t let a point on your record damage your insurance or driving privileges. Contact us today for a free consultation and get expert legal help to protect your license and your future.
