SACRAMENTO (KCBS) – Beginning July 1, repeat traffic offenders who have used traffic school to keep their records “clear” face a tougher road. A new law changes how the Department of Motor Vehicles and California courts keep track of convictions.
In short, beginning next month, California courts would no longer dismiss infractions in the event that a driver attends traffic school. The dismissals had previously amounted to a clearing of the record, which left the state’s system with no comprehensive detailing of a driver’s actual history.
“It simply closes a loophole whereby a lot of motorists have been able to attend traffic school 2 and 3 times, multiple times, within an 18 month period of time,” explained DMV spokesman Mike Marando. “Whereas now, this law tightens that up to basically say one time within 18 months.”
KCBS’ Anna Duckworth Reports:
Offenses will now be recorded as convictions and then “masked” after completion of traffic school. But, show up in court again and the court will have a record of your violation history.
“The judge will know right then that, hey, you’ve been assigned to traffic school once already in 18 months. Thereby, the second offense within that 18 month timeframe, you won’t be allowed to go to traffic school,” Marando said.
Convictions for major violations like DUIs or reckless driving won’t even be “masked” in the system.
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