What traffic school does (and doesn’t) do
California traffic school masks your violation from insurers and removes the point from your DMV record — but you still pay the full fine plus an additional $64 court fee and $35–$60 school tuition. Total typically lands around $300–$400.
Eligibility
You are eligible once every 18 months, for most non-commercial moving violations up to 1 point. Some violations (railroad crossings, HOV, hands-free) are excluded. Commercial drivers are ineligible for masking.
Traffic school vs. TBWD: the math
If your TBWD is granted, total cost = $0 (full bail refunded) and no point. If denied, the bail is applied to the fine and you still have the option to attend traffic school. Starting with TBWD is usually the higher-EV play unless you have an urgent deadline.