Online tool: traffic violator school.

Existing law requires the Judicial Council to develop an online tool for adjudicating infraction violations, including ability-to-pay determinations, to implement the tool on a phased schedule, and to make this tool available statewide on or before June 30, 2024. Existing law permits a court to allow defendants to agree to forfeit bail, plead guilty or nolo contendere, request an ability-to-pay determination, or otherwise adjudicate matters through the use of technology, for all infraction violations for which an in-person appearance is not required. Existing law provides for the licensing and administration by the Department of Motor Vehicles of traffic violator schools, operators, and instructors. Existing law allows the court, after a deposit of the specified fee or bail, a plea of guilty or no contest, or a conviction, to order or permit a person who holds specified driver's licenses to attend a traffic violator school for a traffic offense. This bill would prohibit a defendant's request for an ability-to-pay determination through the online tool from impacting their eligibility to attend traffic violator school.