Selling your car online can sometimes get a bad reputation, but there are ways to use it so you get the visibility and the price you want. The best part is that it can save you time, so selling your car doesn’t turn into a months-long headache. eBay is one of the most respectable (and safe) ways you can sell your car to a legitimate buyer. Listed below are some of the reasons why eBay is known as a front-runner in the Online Car Sales Arena.

A Little Expertise

Selling a car is going to be a lot of work no matter what, and likely not without its share of inconveniences. Those hassles are why people trade in their cars in the first place. But going through a dealer will likely only get you a fraction of what the car is worth, making it an easy but not a financially sound idea. eBay is not only trusted by buyers, but the fees are relatively inexpensive (or even free.) Basically, you’ll just need a few computer skills before you list, and you’ll be in business.

The Process

You’ll need to take lots of photos, and you’ll want to make sure your car cleans up well. Get it professionally detailed and don’t look back about the cost. Presentation matters more than ever today. You’ll need to register on eBay if you haven’t already, and then start gathering the information you’ll need. This not only includes the title and vehicle information (VIN, miles, etc.), but also the price your car normally sells for. Don’t just check KBB.com though, look for similar cars on eBay that have sold in your area. Some vehicles are more highly prized in certain cities (e.g., all-wheel drive in snowy states.) You can access that information when you look through past sales on eBay listings.

Create Your Listing

Once you have the information, you’ll want to place a price on your vehicle, and then set the terms of sale. There is no bidding for cars on eBay, regardless of how you sell it. Be specific about your vehicle, and don’t leave anything out. Misrepresenting your car could violate eBay’s rules of selling. For example, you may list your car at $1,000 with no negotiations and no returns, but you’ll need to detail the information you do and don’t know first. Once the sale process begins, be as active as possible on the listing. Answer questions, update the information, and potentially reconsider your pricing if you aren’t having any luck. It would also be wise to take traffic school a defensive driving course to dismiss tickets before you sell. Once you sell, you’ll need to work out the delivery and pick-up times with the buyer.

Focus on Local

You can sell nation-wide on eBay, but you’ll likely want to sell locally instead. Local listings are sold on their classified site, which works very much like Craigslist or your local newspaper. eBay will not take a cut of the sale prices, though you will be limiting the amount of people who see your ad (those within a 200-mile radius.) Listing nationally will not only cost you, but it makes it a lot more likely you’ll run into delivery and pick-up problems. If you do choose to sell nationally, you’ll pay $60 to eBay if your car sells for less than $2,000, and $125 for anything over $2,000. You will not have to pay the fee if the car isn’t sold, and will be able to relist it quickly for a different price should you so choose. The fees and the number of pictures you can upload are still more reasonable than many of the other online forms of sale.

• Demystify car registration in Florida – Learn more at Car Registration Florida!

What is the best way to fight a traffic ticket?

Every state in the nation has their own way of handling speeding tickets, with some being more lenient than others. There are certain things that stay the same across the US if you plan to fight the ticket. For all states, you’ll have a chance to tell your side of the story if you feel there was a mistake made when issuing the speeding ticket. For example, if you know you were going 55 miles an hour when the officer clocked you at 65, then his radar gun or detection device may have been poorly calibrated or just plain broken. Always plead not guilty in any court of law if you intend to fight. In all states, you’ll need to fill out the proper paperwork and pay the court fees to get your record and plead your case.

When you argue your case in either a conference or a court, you need to know the regulations that will help you win. For example, radar units are supposed to be calibrated before every shift, and before and after an officer uses it to clock a speed. These types of stringent requirements are difficult to follow for a busy speed trap, so you may be more in luck than you think. Evidence like camera footage may help you prove that the light was yellow by the time you crossed into the intersection. The court will consider your past driving records to help make their decision, so highlight any good behavior on the road too. You also can hire a lawyer who may be able to use their skills and expertise to get your ticket completely cleared for your record too.

What are the benefits of taking online traffic school?

Traffic school is offered in most states as a way to clear your record. Depending on the severity of your offense, it may be mandated that you take these classes. Typically, you’ll want to plead guilty if you intend to take the classes, but you don’t have to. For example, in California, you can still fight the ticket and potentially have the option to take traffic school if a judge allows it. However, the judge does not have to justify their decision to you if they don’t allow you to take driving school, so bear this in mind if you’re weighing your options.

If you live in the states of Arizona, Florida, California or Texas, you can have the ticket dismissed entirely if you take traffic school. If you live in New York state, traffic school will take up to 4 points off your license. Arizona, Florida, and Texas will only allow you to take the traffic school option once a year. In California and New York, it’s up to 18 months. You should have had only one moving violation, and it must be for a speeding ticket as opposed to reckless driving to get the points removed. Another major bonus in taking traffic school is that you may be able to reduce the cost of your insurance as well as get the points removed.

• Find out the fines and costs associated with a speeding ticket in Virginia in our comprehensive guide on How much is a Speeding Ticket in Virginia?
• For information About How much is a Red Light Ticket in New York?, click: How much is a Red Light Ticket in New York?

Traffic tickets are not welcome no matter why you get them, and they will always pose the receiver with a dilemma: to pay, to ignore, or to fight? A ticket can translate to potential points on your license which can increase your chances of having your license taken away. It can even interfere with your job if you get too many of them. And they’re not cheap. Just one ticket in California can run you more than $230.00 if you’re caught going 15 miles over the limit. Most people will go to traffic school to stop the points from going on their driving record, however, getting your traffic ticket reduced is an option. It normally starts with the date on your ticket.

Show Up – In Person

It’s possible that you could defend your ticket in writing, but it’s not always offered and not necessarily recommended. It’s much easier for an official to ignore or skim a written request than it is when a person makes the effort to defend themselves in the flesh. Plus, if you write to contest the ticket and lose, you generally can’t appeal the decision. Depending on where you live, you may have a traffic court date or potentially a settlement conference to attend to start the process. Taking the time off from work may be a hassle, but if you the costs are high or if you feel like the officer made an error, then it may be worth it. A conference will be a good time to determine if there’s a way to get the ticket knocked down to something a little easier on your record.

Going to Trial

Trials will eat up your time and money with court dates and fees, but again, a trial may be what keeps you from having a major black mark on your driving record. Sometimes the officer won’t show up, in which case you win by default. You may have to do some research on the officer who gave you the ticket (e.g., when their radar gun was last calibrated, etc.) in addition to having your own arguments. You can also hire a lawyer to fight it for you. Those that specialize in traffic tickets may have more of a chance to get your ticket reduced to a minor parking violation. Lawyer rates vary though, so do some research before going this route. Your case will be a civil case, so the evidence will be about witnesses, statements, and physical evidence (e.g., camera footage.)

Mitigation

Mitigation is a way for you to admit fault, but explain the circumstances. For many, this will become an exercise in their negotiation and people skills, but sometimes it’s not even taken into consideration. There are certain judges out there who will reduce a $120 traffic ticket by $30 and extend the deadline — without even asking you to make a case. But most of the time, if you have a good driving record and a decent story, you’ll probably see some leniency after giving the details. Whatever deal is offered up is ultimately yours to either take or appeal, but you would need to do so with extreme caution. Any potential sign of disrespect to either the judge or law enforcement in general is not going to be appreciated. (We’re sure you’re surprised.)

Alternatives

Each state is different when it comes to alternatives for reducing a traffic ticket, so check into the specifics for all the above. Some states will allow you to take traffic school or a defensive driving course to avoid the points and some states will let you wipe the ticket entirely if you keep your driving record clear for a full year. Regardless of where you live though, there are ways to reduce your traffic ticket if you know where to look.

• For information on How much is a Speeding Ticket in Alabama?, click:
  How much is a Speeding Ticket in Alabama?

Those who have moved to Arizona from another state and have a valid driver’s license will likely be able to bypass the written knowledge test as well as the driving test. Military members who have moved to Arizona from another state can transfer their home state driver’s license in a streamlined manner. There are several different types of Arizona driver’s licenses.

The so-called “normal” driver’s license is referred to as the Class D Arizona driver’s license. The state also provides Class M motorcycle licenses. Those who are interested in a license to operate a commercial vehicle will need a Class A, Class B or Class C commercial driver’s license, typically referred to with the acronym of “CDL”. Teen drivers have different testing and licensing requirements including instruction permits and diver’s education.

Where to Start: The Issue of the Permits and the Application

The state of Arizona does not mandate that adult driver’s license applicants obtain a permit before applying. However, if the applicant is applying for his first driver’s license in any state, he will need a permit in order to practice driving in a legal manner. More information about permits can be found on the Arizona MVD Driver’s Permits in AZ web page.

One can apply for an Arizona driver’s license by completing the Driver License/Identification Card Application, referred to as Form 40-5122. The Arizona MVD should be commended for allowing driver’s license applicants to start the license application process on the web. This online service empowers applicants to fill out the application, figure out the necessary ID requirements and print the completed package that must be brought to the MVD office. The information the applicant enters online is transmitted in an electronic manner and subsequently stored for reference upon his visit at the brick-and-mortar Arizona MVD office.

Completing the Process

To complete the driver’s license application one must submit the above referenced application. If he hails from another state, he must surrender his out-of-state license. He must provide proof of identity as well as age and his legal presence in the state of Arizona. An apartment lease, mortgage document, or utility bill will likely suffice to prove Arizona residency. To prove one’s identity, the applicant must provide a birth certificate, U.S. Passport, a Social Security card, I-94 or two other accepted documents. One of these documents must show a clear photograph of the applicant.

All driver’s license applicants must successfully complete the vision exam. If the applicant has not obtained a driver’s license from any state yet holds a permit, he will not be required to take Arizona’s permit test. Finally, the applicant must pay the applicable fees. These fees differ by the applicant’s age as well as the type of license he seeks.

• Those between 16 and 39 years of age must pay $25.
• Those between 40 and 44 years of age must pay $20.
• Those between 45 and 49 years of age must pay $15.
• Anyone 50 years of age and older must pay $10.

Once all of these steps have been completed, the applicant will be provided with a temporary license with his photo. It will likely take several weeks for the permanent driver’s license to be mailed to the applicant’s residence. Be careful once you start driving! Arizona traffic schools stay in business due to those nonchalant drivers and help them dismiss their costly traffic tickets.

• Discover everything you need to know about California ID Cards – Read more at California ID Cards.

What Changes are in Store for 2017?

Arizona’s law changes make red light and speeding cameras optional for towns, cities and counties. Each town/city is empowered to decide whether such cameras will remain in place or be removed. The residents of Tucson voted to eliminate these cameras. It is likely that many towns and cities throughout the state will soon follow suit.

Speed Limit Changes

HB 2032 permits counties and cities to increase or decrease the speed limits of streets positioned next to public park facilities. The old law stated that such alterations could only be altered on streets that are next to schools. This law is still in place yet it is further modified to apply to public park facilities as well as educational institutions. Pedestrians and motorists should both be hyper-cautious while traversing roads and walkways near public parks. Those who reside in neighborhoods near these facilities might take a while to adjust to the new speed limits. As a result, many will likely proceed well above or below the newly determined rate of speed. If you do get a ticket, you can dismiss it by taking AZ Traffic School online.

A new Law Just About Everyone can Agree On

Starting in 2017, the spouses and dependents of military members who perish in the line of duty will receive car registrations at no cost. You will be hard pressed to find anyone who disagrees with the spirit of this law.

Vehicle Illumination Laws

Functional vehicle lights will be mandatory in 2017. Each and every light on the vehicle must function without flaw. If the lights are inoperable, an Arizona police officer can pull the vehicle operator over and conduct a search. Though critics of this new law claim this power equates to harassment, the spirit of the law is to prevent accidents and consequently, preserve the health and well-being of Arizonans. It is also worth noting that the state has determined that police officers can use such stops as sufficient probable cause to perform a search of the vehicle. All Arizona motor vehicle operators should be aware that this style of search is admissible and legal in every regard. The bottom line is that the state has determined that the rights of police officers to safeguard the public trumps drivers’ privacy rights.

The Addition of Safety Corridors

The final week of 2016 and the beginning of 2017 brought about the designation of specific state highways as Safety Corridors. Expect law enforcement surveillance of wayward vehicles to be expanded in these areas. The purpose of designated specific highways as Safety Corridors is to decrease the number of vehicular accidents and consequently, the number of fatalities in areas that have egregiously high rates of incidents. These new Safety Corridors will be designated with signs so drivers can react in the appropriate manner. It is advisable to reduce the rate of speed, make use of signals and follow the letter of the law in these areas.

Traffic in the Context of Political Rallies

The state legislature determined that the penalty for preventing access to political events should be heightened from a class three misdemeanor all the way up to a class one misdemeanor. The aim of this law is to prevent vehicle operators from banding together to prevent freedom of expression. Anyone who attempts to hijack the right of way on Arizona roads or highways could face prosecution.

Step 1: Do not use a seatbelt.

Who needs them? They don’t save lives! If anything, they tether us to these death machines called vehicles!

Step 2: Use your cell phone while driving.

Life is too short to waste any valuable phone time while you are driving. Bonus points if you can take a call, listen to your music, text your boyfriend, and/or update your Facebook / Instagram / Snapchat all at one time. You are a multi-tasking aficionado!

Step 3: Do your makeup while driving.

Life is a runway, so we all need to make sure to look pretty all the time and some days you just don’t have time to get ready in the morning, before leaving the house. Go ahead and do your makeup in the car. This is what car mirrors were made for – looking at your beautiful face and doing makeup!

Step 4: Eat food while driving.

Doing just about anything while driving is pretty amazing because multi-tasking is awesome, but eating is the absolute best because food! Bonus points if you can hold your burger in one hand and an ice cream in the other hand and you can steer the steering wheel with your knees.

Step 5: Live the Fast & Furious life.

Life is too short to get anywhere slowly! There is a reason the Fast & Furious movies were so popular. Faster is always better! Going fast gets your heart beating faster and the adrenaline going. Who cares if you got a meaty speeding ticket that only traffic school will be able to dismiss! Now, you feel so alive! That’s what YOLO is all about! Bonus points if every time somebody pulls up next to you at a red light, you propose a race down the street. A little friendly competition never hurt anybody.

Step 6: Drive the normal speed limit or faster during inclement weather.

There may be water on the road, due to heavy rain, but that doesn’t mean that you should drive slower or have to spend more of your very valuable time getting to the places that you need to go. Nobody has time to slow down. Who cares if you start to hydroplane and lose control of your vehicle! That’s all a part of living life on the edge!

Step 7: Flip off and bad mouth all the bad drivers.

Did somebody cut you off or pull in front of you and drive extreeeeemely slow? Of course, the logical thing to do is stare them down to make sure they know that you have an issue with them, blow your horn at them for about a minute or two non-stop to make sure that they are aware that they did something wrong, flip them off, and say every single curse word that you have in your repertoire. Bonus points, if you get them to pull over and proceed to get into a fist fight with them. Nothing like road rage to wake you up in the morning!

Step 8: Always tailgate the person in front of you.

There’s no such thing as being too close to the vehicle in front of you. Who cares that they might slam on their breaks at any point, causing you to rear end them.

Step 9: Never use your turn signal.

Change lanes as much as your little heart desires and never use your signal ever. Why warn other drivers about where you plan on maneuvering your giant squishable metal machine? You got to keep the rest of the drivers on their toes! Bonus points if you never look in your blind spot before changing lanes. That way other drivers can dodge you, too!

Step 10: Drive during the night time without your headlights on.

Two words: Ninja mode!

Afternote: Please be a good driver and DO NOT do anything on this list.

Anticipate Road Happenings

Look far ahead from time to time when you are behind the wheel. You might notice a traffic slowdown, an accident or obstacles ahead. Spotting these hazards ahead of time will help you adjust your driving in the appropriate manner. The truth is that the vast majority of accidents are preventable. The key is to heighten your situational awareness and plan ahead by keeping your eyes roaming the road as much as possible.

Driving Distractions are Your Worst Enemy

We are all tempted to change the radio station, talk on the phone, text and load up a music playlist while driving. However, these distractions can prove deadly. Do not lose sight of the fact that the main purpose of driving is to get from point A to point B. Sure, it is nice to listen to music and play around with the vehicle’s infotainment center but over-focusing on these auto amenities will only sabotage your ability to drive safely. Spend a few car rides listening to the hum of the engine and paying attention to the sounds of the road. You just might notice that turning off the distractions makes you a much better driver.

Keep Your Distance

Plenty of drivers are tempted to follow the vehicle in front of them fairly closely. There is a concern that someone else will slide on in and make traffic that much more stressful. Don’t worry about someone merging in front of you. You are only putting your vehicle at risk by tailgating the vehicle ahead. Leave at least two car lengths between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This way, you will be able to stop without slamming into the back of another vehicle.

Never Assume Drivers Will act a Certain Way

It is a grave mistake to expect another driver to drive in a certain manner. You really have no idea about other drivers’ intentions. Anticipating that they will go in a certain direction, remain parked, yield at intersections or stay in their lane is only setting you up for an accident. It is impossible to predict the behaviors of others. Plenty of drivers willingly break the rules of the road. Or, maybe something odd will happen like a coffee spill, a violent sneeze or even a leg cramp. The bottom line is that attempting to anticipate the behavior of fellow drivers will only set you up to be caught off guard.

Avoid the Temptation to Change Lanes

The best drivers minimize their lane changes. The odds of a vehicle being rear ended when staying in a lane and adhering to the speed limit are quite low. Alternatively, a vehicle that is constantly moving in and out of lanes is at a heightened risk for an accident. Pick a lane, stick with it for most your ride and you will greatly reduce the risk of driving. Also, take note of those who do not follow this advice. If you spot someone changing lanes at a high frequency or fast rate of speed, make a mental note of them. Keep your distance from such unsafe drivers. If one of these dangerous drivers creeps up on your tail or ventures anywhere near your vehicle, do not hesitate to pull over to the side of the road.

Develop an Escape Plan

The safest drivers plan for the worst. Scan the road ahead and around you while driving. Think about what you would do if an accident occurs in front of you. Maybe a child or dog runs out in front of traffic a few hundred feet ahead. Though you can’t predict how other drivers will react, you should formulate an escape plan. Think about what you would do, which direction you would steer and so on.

To put it bluntly, traffic tickets are hell. You wind up paying exorbitant fines because some municipalities are increasing the amounts to raise revenue. Moreover, the police are more vigilant than ever about catching motorists in the wrong. If all of this is not bad enough, never forget about the cameras that photograph your car speeding and send the pictures to you in the mail, along with a large bill.

So what can the average driver, such as yourself, do to survive in this age when “Big Brother” is watching their every move on the roads? Well, the answer is to enroll now for a defensive driving course. Not only will you receive pertinent information on how to remain safe behind the wheel but also a possible reduction of license points and having your ticket reduced or dismissed.

The Driving School of Today

You might at first be a bit wary of the advice to attend driving school. After all, you are probably a busy person. When do you have time to sit in a classroom?

Well, scheduling classes is no longer an issue. The driving school of today can take place either in a traditional brick and mortar building or online. You can have online class wherever and whenever convenient. In fact, many families and coworkers enroll in group classes to motivate each other to complete the courses.

Ticket Reduction

Most states allow those who completed a defensive driving course to have their traffic tickets dismissed.

The school should be recognized by the state. Moreover, the instructor must be certified by the authorities and the course most be for a certain number of hours. Check with your driving school to ascertain the specific requirements in your jurisdiction.

Upon completion of the course, motorists may receive ticket dismissal, license point reduction and automobile insurance discounts.

Defensive Driving vs. Traffic School

Be careful when enrolling. Some states define the two kinds of schools differently. In New York and Florida, you will be taking a defensive driving course to have your traffic ticket points reduced.

Arizona dismisses certain traffic violations after a motorist completes an approved defensive driving course. In contrast, traffic school is for serious violators ordered to take classes by the courts.
Meanwhile, California uses the two names interchangeably.

Going to Court

Americans have the right to defend themselves in a court of law. Some choose to do so when presented with a traffic ticket. They want to fight it out with the city to get the infraction removed from the record.

In certain cases, these challengers are successful. A California physicist was able to use scientific principles to win. He demonstrated that a police officer, situated at a certain angle, perceived his car to have run a stop sign when in fact it had stopped. In other instances, an alleged violator can win by default when the officer who presented the ticket does not show up in court.

Nevertheless, these victories are few and far between. Motorists usually wind up having to pay the fine and possibly some court costs.

Defensive driving school is the easier route without a doubt. Just enroll, finish the course and the violation disappears.

Enroll and Get on With Life

Everyone wants to save money. One way you can do so today is by enrolling in a state approved defensive driving school. You can have your ticket dismissed, removing the fine. Better yet, your driving record will be wiped clean, leading to a reduction in your insurance premium rate.

Perhaps best of all, you will learn some driving skills that can help you avoid getting tickets in the future.

Defensive Driving Course

A defensive driving course is meant for individuals that have received a ticket and would like it dismissed or to avoid the points accumulating on their driving record, received a court order to take a course, received a letter from the DMV requiring that they take a course, or have an insurance company that offers a discount on their premium for taking a course.

The course content, length, and time requirement vary from state to state, but each one is designed to teach students important rules of driving and laws of the road, directly from each state’s driver handbook, which are necessary to know to be a responsible and safe driver.

A student may take the defensive driving course in a classroom or they can take the course conveniently online from the comfort of their own home with online companies, such as Improv Traffic School. Typically, with classroom courses, they will spend a day in the classroom and do it all in one day. With online courses, they can log in and out as much as they would like, as long as they complete the course by the due date designated by the court/DMV/insurance company. Typically, this course is taken as a punishment for a moving violation and therefore can be anticipated as a negative experience.

For Example

The typical defensive driving course for Florida for minor moving violations is the Basic Driver Improvement course. It is a 4-hour course made up of several chapters, covering the content of the DMV driver handbook, and at the end of the course, the student must pass a final exam.

Once they complete the course, their completion is reported to the DMV and they must submit a copy of their certificate to the court. If a course is not taken, points may be applied to their driving record and if enough points add up, the individual may lose their license. It is beneficial for that person to take the course. For more severe infractions, there are also intermediate and aggressive driver improvement courses. Random Fact: an individual that is licensed in Florida can only take a defensive driving course to dismiss a ticket up to 5 times in their whole lifetime!

Driver’s Education Course

Driver’s Ed or Teen Drivers Education is designed for brand new teen drivers that have never been behind the wheel before and are starting the process of getting their license. Driver’s education is typically a requirement to earn a learner’s permit and driver’s license prior to turning 18 years old. The driver’s education course is designed specifically to prepare an individual to pass their permit test and eventually get their driver’s license.

Each state typically has a different requirement regarding how long the course must be (can range from 4 hours and all the way up to 30 hours) or when a teen can take the course. Like the defensive driving course, a driver’s education course covers all the important information from the DMV driver handbook, which is information that a new driver must know to operate a vehicle and drive safely. Typically, the course is taken in conjunction with a behind-the-wheel class. Since this course is a stepping-stone towards getting what they want (their license), it is seen in a much more positive light than a defensive driving course.

For Example

The teen driver course for Florida is called the Florida Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course, which is a 4-hour course and its focus is on driving responsibly and the many problems that can arise due to abusing drug and alcohol. Once the course is completed, the student’s completion is reported to the DMV and they are then eligible to take the permit test. Like the defensive driving course, the course and permit test can be done in person or online, for their convenience. Once the student obtains their permit, they can proceed with behind-the-wheel training and practice with a licensed driver over the age of 21 years old.

For any questions you may have regarding the differences of the courses, please feel free to call Improv Traffic at 1-800-660-8908 for extremely helpful answers!

• Explore our article on free driving lessons for low-income families in New York to discover available programs and opportunities for accessible driver education.

Arizona may not change its traffic laws with the same frequency as neighbor California. Nevertheless, in 2017, and beyond, motorists will notice a fair number of new AZ car laws.
Everyone needs to be cognizant of the regulations because in many cases the authorities are exercising zero tolerance for discrepancies.

Here are five of the newest changes to Arizona traffic laws. Some were adopted in 2015 or 2016 but will come into effect in 2017 or have a significant effect on the population this year onward.

City Speed Limits in Park Areas

Municipalities will have the power to either raise or lower the speed limit in areas next to public park facilities. They already hold this authority in school zones.

Both motorists and pedestrians near parks should be cautious because not everyone will be aware of the changes. Longtime residents of these neighborhoods may be used to the traditional speeds and either proceed more slowly or quickly than designated.

Working Car Lights Mandatory

Every light on a car must be working. Otherwise, an officer has a right to pull the driver over for a search. Some believe this power amounts to harassment. The state has decided that officers can use the stop as probable cause to conduct a search of the vehicle.

Misunderstanding the interpretation of the law will get many into trouble. It is easy to see how motorists would believe that such a search would be inadmissible. However, they must accept that the state seems to think that the right of officers to protect the public outweighs the privacy rights of drivers.

Safety Corridors

Beginning the last week of December 2016 and continuing in 2017, certain Arizona highways will be designated Safety Corridors. Law enforcement surveillance of motorists will be extra vigilant in these locations. Those breaking traffic laws will face increased odds of getting caught, as a result.

The goal of the Safety Corridors is to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities in places noted for high incidents. Fortunately, signs will designate the Safety Corridors so that motorists can react accordingly, reducing speed, using signals and generally doing whatever the law dictates.

Blocking Traffic at Political Rallies

In 2016, the legislature decided that enough was enough when it came to political protesters. Hoping to protect the freedom of expression, lawmakers increased the penalty for blocking access to political events from a class three to class one misdemeanor. Those charged will now face serious consequences.

The laws will remain on the books in 2017, despite the fact that the emotional 2016 election is now over. All of this means that those who try to take over Arizona highways and roads for political reason could face prosecution and a possible permanent record.

Marijuana DUIs

In November 2016, the state electorate rejected Proposition 205, which would have legalized recreational marijuana use.

Many mistakenly believe marijuana does not fall under the DUI regulations. They believed Proposition 205, if passed, would have brought marijuana under the DUI rubric. Yes, the wording of the proposed law did explicitly mention marijuana DUI stops. Yet, officers can already arrest those suspected of driving while influenced by the herb.

Motorists should realize that in 2017, they can actually face two charges if using marijuana while driving, both possession of an illegal substance and a DUI.

Be Careful in 2017 and Beyond

As seen here, a lot has changed in Arizona recently. Motorists hold the responsibility for knowing the current laws. Keep checking for more changes and be careful while on the roads.

During the pre-European era, Texas was mostly comprised of many different Native American tribes. In the 1500’s, Spanish explorers came to the area, but not many people settled there and it was not heavily populated, due to the “hostile natives”. After the Mexican War of Independence from Spain in 1821, Texas became part of Mexico. Mexico allowed immigrants from the United States and native Mexicans to populate the area, which eventually led to tension, battles, and Texas independence. Texas was later annexed into the United States in 1845 and borderlines were established after the Mexican-American War. As you can see, Texas has a very long and rich history.

Trails for Spanish Explorers

The history of the roads is just as rich. Many of the earliest roads in Texas were developed from early Native American trading trails and the trails of the Spanish explorers. They were developed out of necessity, in order for individuals to travel from Mexico to San Antonio and the various missions throughout the state. Throughout the long history of Texas, there have been many different means of travel. It wasn’t until just recently that Texas needed to invent traffic school to help dismiss TX traffic tickets.

Horseback

In early history, the most common and innate mode of transportation was walking by foot (of course!), but after that, the main means of travel was by horseback. Horses have been domesticated for centuries and are easily trainable, so they are naturally man’s second best friend. They are such strong and fast creatures, allowing them to gallop into the distance for hours. There is a reason we judge a car’s power by horsepower! In addition, they can carry a sizeable load and endure all sorts of terrain, making them perfect for cross-country travel and trading. They usually travelled along game trails and over time, these trails had to be widened to prevent traffic among the travelers, which was the basis for early highways. Horses are still often used today on farms and for horseback riding for fun.

Horse & Buggy

Horses also have a great capacity for towing, which led to the horse & buggy, horse-drawn carriage, or horse-drawn wagons. Originally, when carriages were developed, it took multiple horses to pull the carriage, as the wood alone could be very heavy. As lighter woods became more readily available to make the carriages, only one horse was required to pull the load. The horse-drawn carriage was a great advancement for society, as it allowed a whole family or small group to travel with only the use of one horse. Some carriages were very simple, while those individuals that were more well off had very fancy and ornate carriages, just as it is today with cars. During this time, the roads were mainly dirt roads or cobblestone.

Bikes

The next advancement on the roads were bicycles. Bicycles were originally invented in the early 1800’s and they gave people a lightweight, relatively cheap, and efficient means to get around. For those that could not afford a horse or a horse-drawn carriage, a bicycle would be the best option for them. Anybody can learn to ride a bike, young or old, and they could get around town relatively quickly with just their own leg power. During the this period in history, dirt roads began to be replaced more and more by tar roads and pavement, making way for more modern roads.

Early Autos

Next up is the automobile. The first gasoline-powered combustion engine car was created in the late 1800’s for the transportation market, but at the time, it was only considered a toy for the rich. It was not yet attainable to the mass public until Henry Ford mass produced the Model T, which was meant to be an economical car for the average American. In its first year of business, they produced 1700 cars and by 1920, Ford had sold over 1 million cars. As all of us who have ever sat in traffic know, cars are everywhere and they are not going anywhere anytime soon.

Super Highway

Going back to Texas’ history, the oldest and most frequented road of the past was the Old San Antonio Road, which was previously one of the old Spanish missionary trails. It was frequented by horseback riders, carriages, and wagons. Today’s roads and highways are much busier and filled with cars and motorcycles, the busiest of which is the I-35 in Austin, Texas. On that stretch of highway, a typical 30-minute commute turns into 150 minutes during rush hour, so alternative routes are recommended or find a bicycle to get around!

If you are looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a BIG way, consider heading to one of these major celebrations. These are five cities that take the celebrating to new heights!

St. Patrick’s Day Eve in Boston

The parade begins at 1 p.m. and is about 2 ½ hours long. It is on Sunday, March 16th and you won’t be lonely. Attendance is somewhere between 600,000 and one million. The best place to see the parade is somewhere on Broadway. The parade begins at Broadway’s MBTA station and finishes at Andrews Square. Instead of driving, take the T’s Red Line and get off at Broadway or Andrews Stations. This is the biggest St. Patrick’s Day event in the Boston area every year.

Chicago St. Patrick’s Day

In Chicago, beginning at 10:45 a.m., you can witness the 45 lbs. of green vegetable dye being dropped into the river. This event has attracted thousands for many years. Around 400,000 people come dressed in their best green attire to watch. Make sure you attend at the beginning because the dye disappears after 5 hours. After the dyeing of the river, at noon, there is a parade that features everything Irish and goes on rain or shine.

St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah, Georgia

The festival has been compared to Mardi Gras and lasts for several days and ends with the parade. This event attracts 400,000 visitors and is the 2nd largest celebration in the US. It is also Savannah’s biggest yearly celebration. This year, the parade will be on Monday, March 17th, and they also have an annual “Greening of the Fountain” which is in Forsythe Park the Friday before St. Patrick’s Day. There are many other religious and cultural festivities.

St. Patrick’s Day in New Orleans

This has got to be one of the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. There are events planned for each day March 13th through March 23rd including six parades! When the largest of these take place, those in the derby hats not only throw beads they also throw ingredients so you can make your own Irish stew! Make sure you bring a heavy bag to carry cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions and more!

St. Patrick’s Day in New York City

New York City has been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a parade each year. They began this annual event in 1762 which makes it the oldest parade in the United States. It is the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the whole world! There are over 150,000 participants in the parade and the parade route is 1.5 miles long on Fifth Avenue, in Manhattan. It takes a whopping 5 hours for the entire procession to finish the route. The parade is on March 17th and begins at noon

Be sure to drive defensively if heading to one of this big celebrations and enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day safely!

IMPROV Traffic School and Defensive Driving

Beginning on Nov. 24 of last year, the Arizona Holiday DUI Task Force conducted more than 55,000 traffic stops in their search for drivers who had a few drinks before getting behind the wheel. As a result more than 3,200 drivers were found to be drunk behind the wheel and were arrested.

This is good news for Arizona defensive drivers who know better than to drink and drive, and bad news for the ones who don’t. In Arizona first time drunk drivers will pay hefty fines including the costs for installing and maintaining an interlock device on their automobile. The interlock device requires the driver to self-administer a breathalyzer test before the engine will start. The devices cost a couple hundred dollars and have a monthly maintenance fee of almost $100. First-time drunk drivers are required to use the devices for a minimum of six months.

On New Year’s Eve alone officers from 70 different departments around the state participated in a statewide crackdown on drunk drivers resulting in dozens of drunk driving arrests. The state also spent more than $1 million on six new DUI-processing vehicles for use out in the field. In the DUI-processing vehicles, drivers suspected of being under the influence can take a breathalyzer test, provide a blood sample or receive an examination from a DUI-expert. All of this extra effort is meant to show that Arizona definitely has a zero-tolerance plan for combating drunk driving.

In 2010 Arizona had 581 drunk-driving related accidents with 33 fatalities as a result. Their DUI enforcement procedures in that same year result in the arrest of more than 18,000 drivers who were under the influence of alcohol behind the wheel.

No doubt the officers who participated in the 2011 Arizona Holiday DUI Task Force were thinking about this number as they were on patrol, many hoping they could at least bring the number down by one for this year.

Results of the 2011 Arizona Holiday DUI Task Force will not be calculated for at least a few more weeks. No matter what they are defensive drivers can rest easy knowing every time they get behind they are fully in control of their faculties, as they should be.

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Now that the war in Iraq is at an end, thousands of soldiers will be coming to the spouses; boyfriends and girlfriends; families and life they left behind. With so many soldiers returning to the United States, you can expect that at least a few thousand of these soldiers will be coming home to California.

Given that they have been gone for awhile, in some cases years, now might be a good time to consider an online traffic school.

It is not easy getting accustomed to civilian life. Things are different in the military, especially when you have been serving your country over seas. Adjusting to life back in the states can be difficult. They have enough trouble finding civilian jobs, re-connecting with family and friends and sorting out their new living arrangements without worrying about traffic citations.

That’s where an online traffic school can help you. In California, like every state, you rack up points with every traffic citation you receive. If you only get one or two, that’s one thing, but in California four points in 12-months; six points in two years or eight points in three years are enough to earn you a suspended license.

Having a suspended license can make life back in the states a lot more difficult. No car makes finding a job, or keeping a job nearly impossible, especially in California where public transportation is not all that convenient.

An online traffic school can help you keep those points from adding up. It can also help you brush up on skills you might have lost or that have at least become rusty while you were defending the country.

It is no secret that a defensive driving course can help you be a safer driver. Depending on where you live it might also help keep your insurance rates low and help you keep points from adding up on your license. With all this in mind, if you’re just getting home from active duty and need an online traffic school, gives us a call or visit our web site.

You served for us, now let us serve for you.

Image: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

In keeping with its commitment of promoting driver safety and providing the state’s motorists with enhanced customer conveniences Arizona Supreme Court approved Improv Traffic School, an online humor-based defensive driving program, for Arizona drivers who are cited for moving violations.

Improv gained its fame in the driver training field in the early 80’s, when its founder Gary Alexander partnered with the famous Improv Comedy Club to create an interactive and fun traffic school and defensive driving program for Los Angeles motorists.

Based on a simple notion that when you enjoy the learning process you simply learn more, Alexander has grown Improv to one of the largest and most respected defensive driving schools in the country. Since then more than a million students have taken Improv’s classes in both classroom and online settings for ticket dismissal, insurance discounts and court ordered defensive driving. Improv’s teaching methodology has been backed by a number of studies showing that its edutainment curriculum is effective in reducing future crashes and moving violations.

I can’t guarantee none-stop laughs”, Gary Alexander admits, “I will shoot for less painful, simple and effective”.

Eligible Arizona Motorists who successfully complete Improv’s online defensive driving course are eligible to have their moving violations dismissed by issuing court.

The Improv’ s online traffic school course is available to Arizona motorists at www.myimprov.com

The online course consists of 10 simple modules featuring a combination of comedic, YouTube style video clips that are supported by easy to navigate text and graphics covering a variety of driving subjects ranging from basic traffic laws to more serious issues like DUI and seat belt use. The real beauty of this course is that it’s not only fun and effective; it can also be completed at your own pace in as little as 5-minute increments. Upon completion of all modules and passing of a simple quiz covering course material you get a certificate of completion that can be submitted to the court.