Minor Running a Red Light

[va mom]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Virginia: My 17 year old was running late for school and ran a red light. The officer was across the street and saw her. She has received advice from her friends to go to court instead of just paying the fine. Is this her best course of action? Should she attend driver school prior to her court date or would it matter?

 

[FlyingRon]

Don't take driver school now.

If she goes to court and has an otherwise clean record she will most likely be offered driving school as an option in lieu of the conviction (the case will be continued until she takes the course). She'll need to take the driving school anyhow even if convicted because the DMV requires it for youthful drivers who get a conviction anyhow.

Note, that those under 20 are not eligible for online driving school (you can take it through most community colleges or some private contractors) and those under 18 must have a parent accompany them (but you do get 'good points' on your license for doing so). However, if you're lucky, the judge may authorize "adult school" if your child is close to 18 so you don't have to go (they did up in Loudoun when my daughter got hers a few days before turning 18).