Approved Louisiana Traffic Schools for Ticket Fine Reduction

🚦 Approved Louisiana Traffic Schools for Ticket Fine Reduction

Louisiana permits drivers to reduce or dismiss traffic fines by completing defensive driving courses approved by local courts or the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). Programs like GoToTrafficSchool.com and I Drive Safely offer online courses accepted statewide, while parish-specific schools such as Bee Safe Driving School (Shreveport) provide localized options. Eligibility depends on violation severity, driving history, and court jurisdiction, with most courts allowing one dismissal every two years under Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 892.1.

Article 892.1 authorizes courts to dismiss Title 32 moving violations (e.g., speeding, improper lane changes) if drivers complete a state-approved defensive driving course. Key provisions include:

  • One-time eligibility: Drivers may use this option once every 24 months.

  • Exclusions: Criminal offenses like DWI, reckless operation, or hit-and-run (Title 14 violations) are ineligible.

  • Court discretion: Judges may impose additional fines or court costs despite course completion.

Pre-Trial Diversion Programs 🚧

Parish district attorneys frequently offer diversion programs requiring defensive driving courses. For example, Terrebonne Parish mandates a $210 fine plus course completion for speeding violations, while Richland Parish allows out-of-state drivers to avoid record entries through similar programs.

Approved Traffic Schools and Platforms 🚗

1. GoToTrafficSchool.com 

  • Approval: Accepted by most Louisiana courts for ticket dismissal.

  • Course Features:

    • 4-hour online program with interactive modules.

    • $24.95 fee, excluding court costs.

    • Certificates emailed directly to courts.

  • Insurance Benefits: Qualifies drivers for discounts up to 10% with providers like State Farm.

  • ➡️ GoToTrafficSchool

2. I Drive Safely

  • Approval: Valid in Jefferson Parish and other jurisdictions.

  • Process:

    1. Obtain court permission.

    2. Complete the 4-hour course.

    3. Submit the certificate via email.

  • Eligibility: Requires a valid Louisiana license and non-criminal moving violations.

  • ➡️IDriveSafely

3. DriveSafe Online

  • Approval: Louisiana’s first state-approved online course.

  • Features:

    • 1-hour accelerated format.

    • $21.99 fee with coupon code “Gator.”

    • Mobile-friendly design with no timers.

  • Outcomes: Average annual insurance savings of $200.

  • ➡️DriveSafeOnline

4. Ticket School

  • Approval: Accepted in Ascension, East Baton Rouge, and Lafayette parishes.

  • Benefits:

    • Dismisses fines for violations like speeding <25 mph over the limit.

    • Prevents license suspension under the Problem Driver Pointer System.

  • ➡️Ticket School

Parish-Specific Considerations 📍

1. East Baton Rouge Parish

  • Approved Schools: Louisiana Driving School, BR Safe Driving School.

  • Fines: Speeding fines double in school zones ($100–$500). Drivers completing courses reduce fines by 50% in non-criminal cases.

2. Terrebonne Parish

  • Violation Costs: Minimum $25 fine plus $185 court fees for offenses like improper turns. Diversion programs require course completion and partial fine payment.

3. Shreveport (Caddo Parish)

  • Court-Approved Providers: Bee Safe Driving School, Advantage Driving School.

  • Reduction Process: Contact the DA’s office for pre-trial diversion; fines typically drop to $60–$100.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fine Reduction 📝

1. Contact the Court

  • Determine eligibility by calling the parish clerk or DA’s office.

  • Confirm approved schools and deadlines (e.g., Monroe Parish requires enrollment within 21 days).

2. Enroll in an Approved Course

  • Select a platform like DriveSafe Online ($21.99) or Ticket School ($24.95).

  • Complete modules on hazard perception, braking distances, and Louisiana traffic laws.

3. Submit Documentation

  • Email certificates to the court (I Drive Safely) or mail physical copies (DTA).

  • Verify dismissal via the OMV driving record portal.

4. Apply for Insurance Discounts

  • Submit certificates to providers like Allstate or Progressive for 5–10% premium reductions.

Limitations and Risks ⚠️

1. Ineligibility for Serious Violations

  • DWI, reckless driving, and felony charges cannot be dismissed through traffic schools.

2. Out-of-State Drivers

  • Non-Louisiana residents may still face insurance hikes if their home state accesses diversion records.

3. Hidden Costs

  • Courts often require partial fine payments (e.g., $60 in Richland Parish) alongside course fees.

Louisiana’s traffic school system provides a viable path to fine reduction, with online platforms offering flexibility and parish-specific schools ensuring local compliance. While programs like DriveSafe Online streamline dismissals, drivers must navigate court-specific rules and eligibility limits. Future reforms should standardize approval processes statewide to reduce jurisdictional disparities.