What Online Traffic Schools Are Approved in Redding
The California Department of Motor Vehicles does not maintain a single official list of approved online traffic schools. Instead, the DMV delegates approval authority to individual traffic courts. In Shasta County (where Redding is located), the Shasta County Superior Court approves specific traffic school providers that meet state requirements. Any school you choose must be approved by the Shasta County court system, not just claim DMV approval.
To find which schools are currently approved, contact the Shasta County Superior Court traffic division directly at (530) 225-5700 or visit their website. The court can tell you which online providers they recognize and whether your specific traffic citation qualifies for traffic school. Some courts maintain a list on their website; others require a phone call.
The approval process is straightforward: the court vets providers to may support they meet California Vehicle Code Section 1808.7 requirements, which set standards for course content, testing, and record-keeping. Once a school is approved by your local court, you can take the course online from anywhere, including Redding.
Key Takeaways
- Shasta County Superior Court approves online traffic schools for Redding residents, not the DMV directly; you must use a court-approved provider.
- Contact the Shasta County traffic court at (530) 225-5700 to confirm which online schools are currently approved and whether your citation qualifies.
- Approved schools must meet California Vehicle Code Section 1808.7 standards for course content, testing, and completion reporting to the court.
- Once you complete an approved course, the school reports your completion directly to the court and DMV; you do not submit paperwork yourself.
- Costs for online traffic school in California typically range from $25 to $75, though prices vary by provider and course length.
How the Court Approval System Works in Shasta County
California law requires that traffic schools meet specific standards before courts allow them to operate. The Shasta County Superior Court reviews providers to confirm they teach defensive driving principles, include a final exam, and maintain records of completion. Once approved, a school can serve any Redding resident whose citation falls within the court's traffic school rules.
The court's approval does not mean the DMV endorses the school—it means the court has verified the school meets state law. When you complete an approved course, the school sends a Certificate of Completion directly to the Shasta County court and to the DMV. The DMV then updates your driving record to show the violation was handled through traffic school, which typically prevents the point from being added to your record.
Not every traffic citation qualifies for traffic school. Violations involving accidents, commercial vehicles, or certain serious infractions may be ineligible. The court can tell you during your initial contact whether your specific citation qualifies.
Steps to Enroll in an Approved Online Course
First, confirm with the Shasta County Superior Court that your citation qualifies for traffic school and obtain the list of approved providers. You can do this by calling (530) 225-5700 or visiting the court's website. Have your citation number and violation code ready.
Once you have the approved provider list, choose a school and enroll through their website. You will need to provide your citation number, driver's license number, and date of birth. Most approved schools charge between $25 and $75 for the course; some offer discounts for online enrollment.
Complete the course material at your own pace—most online courses can be finished in one to two hours, though some allow you to spread it over several days. You will take a final exam, which you must pass. After passing, the school automatically sends your Certificate of Completion to both the Shasta County court and the DMV. You do not need to submit anything yourself.
Timeline and What Happens After Completion
Most online traffic schools allow you to complete the course within 24 hours of enrollment, though you can take longer if needed. The school typically sends your completion certificate to the court and DMV within one to three business days. The court then updates its records and notifies the DMV that you have satisfied the traffic school requirement.
The DMV usually processes the completion notice within 10 to 15 business days. Once processed, your driving record will show that the violation was handled through traffic school, and the point will not be added. You should not see any change to your insurance rates as a result of this violation.
Keep a copy of your Certificate of Completion for your records, even though the school reports it automatically. If you are ever asked to prove you completed traffic school, you will have documentation.
Differences Between Approved and Unapproved Providers
An unapproved traffic school may offer a lower price or faster completion, but the Shasta County court will not recognize the certificate. If you complete an unapproved course, the court will not report your completion to the DMV, and the violation will remain on your record with the point intact. You may then face higher insurance rates and a mark on your driving history.
Some online schools advertise heavily but are not approved in Shasta County. Always verify approval directly with the court before enrolling. A school approved in another county may not be approved in Shasta County, so do not assume a well-known provider is automatically available to you.
The court approval process exists to protect you: approved schools must teach legitimate defensive driving content and maintain accurate records. Using an unapproved provider puts the burden on you to prove completion, and the court may reject it.
What to Know About Course Content and Requirements
All approved traffic schools in California must cover the same core topics: safe driving practices, California traffic laws, and the consequences of traffic violations. The course material is standardized by state law, so the content will be similar regardless of which approved provider you choose. The main differences are usually in how the material is presented—some schools use video, others use text and images, and some use a mix.
You must complete the entire course and pass the final exam with a score of at least 70 percent. Most schools allow you to retake the exam if you do not pass the first time. The exam tests your understanding of the course material, not your driving history or the specific violation on your citation.
Some approved schools offer additional features like mobile-friendly courses, Spanish-language options, or the ability to pause and resume. These features do not affect the court's recognition of your completion—they are just convenience options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take online traffic school if I got a ticket in Redding but live somewhere else?
Yes. You must use a school approved by the Shasta County Superior Court, but you can take the course from anywhere. The court's approval is based on the location where you received the citation, not where you live. Contact the Shasta County court to confirm your citation qualifies and get the approved provider list.
What if I do not pass the final exam on my first try?
Most approved schools allow you to retake the exam at no additional cost. You can usually retake it when ready or after reviewing the course material again. There is no limit on the number of attempts, though some schools may require you to wait a few hours between attempts.
Will traffic school remove the violation from my record?
Traffic school does not erase the violation—it prevents the point from being added to your driving record. The violation will still appear on your record, but with a notation that it was handled through traffic school. This distinction matters for insurance purposes: insurers typically do not raise rates for violations handled through traffic school.
How much does online traffic school cost in Redding?
Approved online traffic schools in California typically charge between $25 and $75. Some schools offer discounts for online enrollment or for completing the course quickly. The price does not affect the court's recognition of your completion, so you can choose based on cost, course format, or other features.
What if the Shasta County court says my citation does not may have access to for traffic school?
Some violations—such as those involving accidents, commercial vehicles, or serious infractions—are ineligible for traffic school under California law. If your citation does not may have access to, you will need to handle it through other means, such as paying the fine or contesting the ticket in court. The court can explain your options when you call.