Traffic ticket in California?

[jorian23]

I got my first ticket for failure to yield left turn.
My insurance renewal is at March and I will be leaving the country a few months later. Since I wont be back for a few years, Im not sure if its worth doing traffic school.
Will AAA charge me extra for getting a ticket before the renewal date?
Can I just pay the fine(no traffic school) and cancel my insurance at March and go without driving until I leave the country and If I come back within 3 years, do traffic school at that time to clear my record on DMV? My license will expire before Im back too...

Thinking for a best way to save time and money.

[aldric13]

You need to check with your agent on whether 1 point will raise your rates, it could depending upon your age and how long you have been insured. If it will affect your insurance, a point with DMV can affect your rate for only 3 years. On the other hand, traffic school only costs $50 more, plus the price of the school, so it might be worth it.

Something to consider in thinking about letting your insurance lapse is that 20th Century Insurance has been pushing a scheme which would allow insurers to charge higher rates to those who have not had insurance for a period of time. That is not presently the law, and was defeated once at the polls, but who knows what will happen in the future. You might think about keeping minimal coverage in effect, and you might discuss with your agent obtaining insurance which will cover you abroad.

Also, if you do not renew your California license, you will be unable to drive in a foreign country without obtaining a license there.

[hampton83]

First of all, AAA isn't going to raise your premium for one ticket (one point). Let them know you are going to be leaving the country - you can pay a pro-rated premium for the few months you will still be here and continue having insurance coverage and be able to drive.
If you are going to go to traffic school to clear your record, you will have to do it now. You either pay the fine or do the traffic school - and you have to do it within the time-limits stated (I don't know how long they give you, but it used to be 60 days).
Again, talk to the folks at AAA - the agent should be able to tell you if that ticket is going to effect your eligibility and/or premium rate when you return. Also, check with DMV about your license - you may be able to get an extension on its expiration so that you still have a valid license when you return.