I figured since so many of you shared your advice and opinions, I’d give you a traffic ticket update. If you remember, I told you about my recent traffic ticket for turning right on a red light while on a trip to IKEA.
Do you remember my delimma? Should I pay the ticket and take the 2 points on my driving record? Should I travel 3 hours round trip to meet in person with the county prosecutor to review my case? After careful thought and review of your suggestions and advice, and after speaking to my auto insurance agent, I decided to just pay the $135 fine and accept the 2 points on my driving record.
It was a tough pill to swallow (who likes to pay a fine anyway?), but in the end that is what I chose to do. I had spoken to my auto insurance agent. He explained that 2 points will effect my auto insurance rates but he didn’t feel it would be a huge impact. He explained the rates wouldn’t increase until they reviewed my driving record in the future which usually happens when your auto policy is up for renewal.
The good news
There is a silver lining to this story however! After paying the fine I received a letter in the mail from the Secretary of State. The letter explained that based on my driving record (which up until this point is good), I am eligible to participate in Michigan’s Basic Driver Improvement Course program. It is optional, but if I successfully complete the course, any points stemming from the ticket are not placed on my driving record! The letter also says the violation and points will not be disclosed to my insurance company.
I checked into the program by visiting www.Michigan.gov/BDIC. There are a list of approved sponsors of the course and you can opt for a classroom setting or take the online course. I’m 100% excited to see the online option. In quick review it appears as if this online course will run about $35. This is a small price to pay, in my opinion, to keep those 2 points off my driving record.
Once the craziness of the holiday time is over, I’m signing up and tackling this course. I wanted to share this experience with you in case you are in the situation in the future. I’m not sure what prompts the Secretary of State in Michigan to offer this option to driver’s. For more information on that you could call the Department of State Information Center at 1-888-767-6424.
