Is Hazmat worth the trouble? In my opinion: NO.

Or if it's like that one on highway 85 in Arizona, that "bypass" around Phoenix. About 5 miles south of I-10, there's one there in the middle of a stretch of 65 mph highway. No traffic lights. Nothing but a warning about 1/8 of a mile before. I drove through that one once on purpose because I didn't want to possibly get rear ended by somebody 'daydreaming'.

 

Let me qualify what I posted. In Texas, it doesn't matter if you were driving a car or not, if you have a CDL and get a ticket, there's no way to qualify for a DD course to get it reduced or forgiven. Other states are different. If you have a CDL but you're NOT driving a commercial vehicle and get a ticket, you can take the DD course. Here's Washington's details:


Washington Defensive Driving Requirements
Here are a few common requirements for attending traffic school:

• You have a valid driver's license.
• You were not ticketed for more than a single violation.
• You have not taken a traffic school course previously (usually within a specific time period).
• You were not driving a commercial vehicle when cited.

 

There is no shoulder there.

 

Texas

Easy-to-Meet Requirements
Any Texas resident can complete our defensive driving course on their own time and at their own pace! And there’s not much to the defensive driving course Texas requirements. Just make sure that you:

• Possess a valid Texas drivers license or permit
• Admit guilt to a traffic violation and wish to use defensive driving as an alternative, OR meet your insurance company’s eligibility requirements for insurance reduction
• Have not taken a course to dismiss a traffic ticket within the past 12 months
• Do not have a violation in excess of 25 MPH or more over the speed limit
• Are not a commercial driver (CDLs are not eligible for Texas defensive driving courses)

​

 

Washington state allows you to do a DD course if you have a CDL but get a ticket in your car. Other states do as well.


Washington Defensive Driving Requirements
Here are a few common requirements for attending traffic school:

• You have a valid driver's license.
• You were not ticketed for more than a single violation.
• You have not taken a traffic school course previously (usually within a specific time period).
• You were not driving a commercial vehicle when cited.

 

As I said....some states allow you to take the course if you're a holder of a CDL and get the ticket in your car or other personal vehicle. Other states are more nazi about it. If you have a CDL and get a ticket on your lawnmower, too bad.