Getting a traffic ticket is more than just a minor inconvenience – it could put you at risk of losing your license if not taken care of. Traffic violations can also cause your insurance rate to increase, especially if it isn’t the first. And then there’s the issue of your driving record.

In most states, drivers are assigned points for traffic violations. This point system helps the motor vehicle departments keep track of reckless drivers. Only Hawaii, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Rhode Island, Washington and Wyoming do not participate in a type of demerit point system.

When you commit a traffic violation in any other state, you will accumulate a certain number of points on your driver record. The number of points you get varies depending on the type of violation as well as the state in which you live.

The purpose of having a demerit point system is to encourage responsible driving habits. If you accumulate too many points, you could face a license suspension or revocation. The more points you accumulate, the higher your insurance company charges for your insurance rates.

Accruing points in a short time also has adverse effects on your driving record. In fact, accumulating the same number of points a short time later will result in a longer suspension and potentially higher fines. That’s why it is important to remove the points from your record as soon as possible.

Depending on where you live, completing an online traffic school could remove points from your record and get you back on the road. While it may not dismiss a ticket altogether, it could help reduce the punishment.

Each state has different rules for point systems. The best way to knock points off your record and stay safe behind the wheel is to check with your state’s DMV to see if completing online traffic school is an option.