Virginia Traffic School Requirements
Confirm with your court or DMV. Traffic-code rules change and vary by court — verify the current rule on Virginia’s official .gov page or with the court handling your citation before you act. This page is general information, not legal advice.
In Virginia, traffic school eligibility operates through the state's point reduction system. Completion of a voluntary DMV-approved Driver Improvement Clinic results in the addition of 5 safe-driving points to a driver's record. Virginia's licensing system uses a combined demerit and safe-point framework, allowing drivers to offset accumulated violations through approved educational programs.
The frequency with which a driver may attend such a clinic is typically limited to once every 24 months. This restriction prevents repeated use of the same remedial measure within a short timeframe.
The authority governing these provisions is Virginia Code § 46.2-490.1. However, eligibility for traffic school depends on several factors that vary by individual circumstance, including the specific offense committed, the driver's prior driving record, and whether the court overseeing the citation permits enrollment in the program. Drivers should confirm their eligibility directly with the court that issued their citation or with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, as eligibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis. This information is provided for general reference and should not be construed as legal advice.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Eligibility / notes | Voluntary DMV-approved Driver Improvement Clinic adds 5 safe-driving points (Virginia uses a +/- demerit/safe-point system). |
| Frequency | once / 24 months |
| Points effect | +5 safe-driving points |
| Governing statute | Va. Code § 46.2-490.1 |