Getting a traffic ticket can be a stressful moment — the fines, the points, and the risk of increased insurance rates can feel overwhelming. But here’s some good news: many drivers don’t realize there is a way to reduce those costs, dismiss the ticket in some
states, and protect your driving record. In this article we’ll walk you through what to do after you get a ticket, how defensive driving fits into that, and how Comedy Defensive Driving can help you reduce costs, dismiss tickets, and become a safer driver.
Stay Calm — Don’t Panic
The first thing to understand is that getting a traffic citation isn’t the end of the road. It’s a warning shot. The sooner you respond (or act), the more options you often preserve.
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Read your ticket carefully. It should list deadlines to respond, pay, or contest.
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Note your court date (if given) or notice to appear.
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Don’t ignore the ticket. Failure to act can result in additional penalties, suspension of license, or a warrant.
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Contact the issuing court (or check their website) to find out whether you are eligible for defensive driving in your jurisdiction. Not all states, or all types of violations, allow it.
Can You Dismiss a Traffic Ticket with Defensive Driving?
Yes — in many states (or counties) a state‐approved defensive driving or “traffic school / driving safety course” option exists to help you dismiss a ticket or have points reduced. But there are important caveats:
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You’ll usually need court approval before taking the course (or your dismissal may be denied).
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Some violations (e.g. very serious ones, DUI, reckless driving) are often excluded.
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The course must be state‑approved to count for the dismissal or point reduction.
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Sometimes you can only use this option once every so many years (e.g. once every 12 or 18 months).
If your court or state allows defensive driving, your ticket may be dismissed (i.e. you don’t have to pay the fine or accrue points). Even if 
full dismissal isn’t possible, completing a course may reduce the number of points on your record or limit the insurance impact.
How Defensive Driving Can Reduce Costs & Insurance Rates
One of the biggest fears after a ticket is the “insurance hike.” Insurance companies typically raise premiums when your record shows one or more moving violations. But here’s how a defensive driving course can help:
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Insurance discount: Many insurers offer a percentage discount (often around 5–10 %) if you complete an approved defensive driving or traffic safety class.
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Avoiding rating class upgrade: If your record stays cleaner (fewer points), you might avoid being bumped into a higher-risk category.
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Ticket dismissal / point reduction: By dismissing the ticket or reducing points, you avoid the big jump in insurance that often comes after multiple infractions.
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Preventing future costs: The course also teaches safer driving habits (anticipation, risk avoidance), which can reduce your chances of future tickets, accidents, and insurance claims.
At Comedy Defensive Driving, we offer state‑approved courses designed not only to qualify for ticket dismissal and insurance discounts, but also to reinforce safe driving habits — with a little humor. (Yes, you can laugh while doing it.)
Step‑by‑Step: What to Do from Ticket to Course to Certificate
Here’s a streamlined plan:
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Check eligibility
Contact your court or visit their website to see if defensive driving is allowed for your violation in your area. -
Request court approval (if required)
Sometimes you must notify the court or file a motion. Don’t take the class before permission is granted (or it might be rejected). -
**Enroll in a state‑approved defensive driving course
Choose one like Comedy Defensive Driving that meets your state’s requirements. -
Complete the course
Take the lessons, pass any quizzes or modules, and finish all requirements. -
Request certificate delivery
Use instant print, e‑file, overnight mail, or whichever your course provider offers. -
Submit the certificate to the court (and your insurer, if applicable)
Present proof by the court’s deadline to secure the dismissal / point reduction.
Also give a copy to your insurance company to secure any discount. -
Follow up
Check with the court to confirm the ticket was dismissed and points were removed. Review your driving record. Monitor your insurance premium to see the effect.
Common Questions (FAQ)
Q: What if I miss the deadline for the defensive driving option?
A: If you miss your court’s deadline, that option may be void. You may have to pay the fine or contest the citation instead. Always act early.
Q: Does completing defensive driving guarantee my insurance won’t go up?
A: No guarantee — insurance companies have their own policy. But many will offer a discount, and having fewer points helps your case.
Q: Can I take defensive driving more than once?
A: That depends on your jurisdiction. Some states only allow it once every 12–18 months. Confirm local rules before enrolling.
Q: How much time does the course take?
A: That depends. Some courses let you go module by module (take 10 minutes now, finish later). Others require a full block (e.g. a 6‑hour class). Comedy Defensive Driving offers flexible pacing.
Q: Is it safe to take the course online?
A: Yes, as long as it’s state‑approved. Online courses let you work at your own pace, on multiple devices, log in and out as needed, and avoid travel to a classroom.
Why Comedy Makes it Better
At Comedy Defensive Driving, we believe education doesn’t have to be boring. By combining compelling visuals, humor, and real 
defensive driving strategies, you:
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Stay engaged (less skipping or “just click through”)
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Retain the lessons better — safer driving in real life
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Finish faster and with more enjoyment
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Get your certificate in your choice of formats (instant print, overnight, e‑file)
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Rely on state‑approved credentials for ticket dismissal or insurance discounts
We’ve taught millions of students since 1989, helping people dismiss tickets, reduce insurance, lower points, and drive more safely overall. (Yes, we’ve got decades of experience.) comedydefensivedriving.com
If you’ve just received a traffic ticket, there’s good reason to have hope — you don’t have to just accept the fine, points, and insurance hike. In many places, a state‑approved defensive driving or traffic safety course can help you dismiss the ticket or reduce your points, and potentially lower your insurance premium.
Don’t wait until the deadline passes. Check with your court, enroll in a qualified course like Comedy Defensive Driving, and take control of your driving record. Laugh a little while you learn, and come out ahead.
👉 Ready to get started? Visit our Defensive Driving Course page to find courses for your state, enroll today, and set yourself up for ticket dismissal, lower costs, and safer driving.
Drive smart, stay safe, and let the jokes keep you awake.
