CA-specific points question.

[curtis73]

I was in a rush the other day (my buddy got hit on his motorcycle so I was trying to get to assist asap) and got caught doing 60 in a 40. I have one point on my license already and since I'm thinking about working for some limo companies, the fewer the better.

How many points is 20 over in CA?
Is traffic school a good option?
How long is traffic school? It makes a difference if its a 3-day thing or just a couple hours.

I searched the cryptic CA state website and came up with a few ideas. I don't want to necessarily plead not-guilty because he got me fair and square and dotted all his "I"s. Its a good citation, I just don't want the points.

[Igovert500]

I don't know about CA specifically, but I'll offer what advice I can.

a) many times if you plead not guilty, before going into court, you meet with the prosecutor (cop, da, assistant da) and they try and cut you a deal with a lower charge. (this has literally happened to everybody I know in PA and NY, and quite a few on this board) So whether you are guilty or not, this can have it's benefits. And if for whatever reason, it doesn't happen like that, you can always go into court and say that you do admit to speeding but would simply like to explain the details surrounding the situation.

b) I don't know about your states traffic school, but many offer one online, and if not, I would only expect it to be a maximum of like 8 hours, not multiple days.

c) In NY I know that if you take a defensive driving course (like $30 and 6 hours) it will lower your insurance by 10% AND remove 2 pts off your license.

Hopefully somebody who knows more about CA specifically will reply too.