Traffic Ticket Dismissal (STOP/STAR)
Received a traffic ticket in Nebraska or western Iowa? Depending on your violation and the court that issued your citation, completing a STOP or STAR Traffic Ticket Dismissal Course may allow you to avoid fines, keep points off your driving record, and prevent the citation from being reported to your insurance company.
Course Details:
Cost
Pricing is based on training hours and county where ticket was received
Duration
STOP - 4 hours; STAR - 8 hours
Locations Offered
Omaha, Lincoln, Online
Received a traffic ticket in Nebraska or western Iowa? You may be able to have your ticket dismissed by completing a National Safety Council – Nebraska Chapter (NSCN) defensive driving course.
Benefits of Completing a Traffic Ticket Dismissal Course
If you’re eligible, completing a STOP or STAR course may help you:
- Avoid going to court
- Keep points off your driver’s license
- Avoid paying fines and court costs
- Reduce the chance of higher insurance premiums
- Improve your defensive driving skills and become a safer driver
Research shows that defensive driving training helps reduce risky driving behaviors. In fact, 94% of participants who completed an NSCN traffic ticket dismissal course reported becoming safer drivers afterward.
STOP is a four-hour defensive driving course for eligible minor traffic violations. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may choose an in-person, live Zoom, or online class. Most participants finish the online course in 4–6 hours.
Our online registration system automatically determines which course you qualify for after you enter your ticket information.
STAR is an eight-hour defensive driving course for eligible major traffic violations and is offered in person or through live Zoom.
Our online registration system automatically determines which course you qualify for after you enter your ticket information.
Am I Eligible?
Eligibility depends on:
- The county or jurisdiction where you received your ticket
- The violation listed on your citation
- When you last completed a traffic ticket dismissal course
Some drivers aren’t eligible under Nebraska law, including commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders and drivers involved in certain crashes resulting in personal injury. Eligible violations are determined by county attorneys, city prosecutors, and state law.
STOP Eligible Counties and Jurisdictions
Nebraska
- Clay
- Colfax
- Douglas
- Franklin
- Gage
- Hamilton
- Jefferson
- Kearney
- City of Madison
- Morrill
- Nance
- City of Norfolk
- Nuckolls
- Platte
- Saunders
- City of Tilden
- Washington
- Wheeler
Iowa (Court Order Required)
- Fremont County
- Mills County
- Pottawattamie County
- Council Bluffs Police Department
STOP Eligible Counties and Jurisdictions
Nebraska
- Clay
- Colfax
- Douglas
- Franklin
- Gage
- Hamilton
- Jefferson
- Kearney
- City of Madison
- Morrill
- Nance
- City of Norfolk
- Nuckolls
- Platte
- Saunders
- City of Tilden
- Washington
- Wheeler
Iowa (Court Order Required)
- Fremont County
- Mills County
- Pottawattamie County
- Council Bluffs Police Department
STAR Eligible Counties and Jurisdictions
Nebraska
- Douglas
- Washington
Iowa (Court Order Required)
- Fremont County
- Mills County
- Pottawattamie County
- Council Bluffs Police Department
Traffic Ticket Dismissal FAQs
Why should I take a traffic ticket dismissal course?
Completing an eligible STOP or STAR course can help you dismiss your traffic citation without paying fines, going to court, or receiving points on your driver’s license. It may also help prevent your citation from affecting your auto insurance rates while giving you practical defensive driving skills to help avoid future violations.
Insurance premiums often increase after moving violations. Studies show even relatively minor citations can result in higher insurance costs, making ticket dismissal a valuable option for eligible drivers.
Why should I take a traffic ticket dismissal course?
Completing an eligible STOP or STAR course can help you dismiss your traffic citation without paying fines, going to court, or receiving points on your driver’s license. It may also help prevent your citation from affecting your auto insurance rates while giving you practical defensive driving skills to help avoid future violations.
Insurance premiums often increase after moving violations. Studies show even relatively minor citations can result in higher insurance costs, making ticket dismissal a valuable option for eligible drivers.
When do I need to register?
You must register within 12 calendar days of receiving a Douglas County citation to avoid a late fee. All participants must complete their course at least 7 calendar days before their court date.
Does the county where I received my ticket matter?
Yes. Eligibility depends on both the county where you received your ticket and the violation listed on your citation. Our online registration system will determine whether you qualify for the STOP or STAR program after you enter your ticket information. See above for a list of eligible jurisdictions.
What violations qualify?
Eligibility is determined by Nebraska law, county attorneys, and city prosecutors. You will be asked to enter your ticket information during the registration process and class eligibility will be determined at that time.
Common Eligible Violations for STOP:
- Speeding 1-19 mph
- Speeding 1-10 mph – school/construction zon
- Speed too fast for conditions
- Driving around a barricade
- Interrupting a funeral
- Driving on a sidewalk
- Driving left of center
- Driving without headlights
- Failure to dim lights
- Failure to signal
- Failure to yield (private road or driveway)
- Fixed object collision
- Following too closely
- Illegal u-turn
- Improper backing
- Improper stopping
- Obedience to traffic control device
- Wrong way/One way
Common Eligible Violations for STAR:
- Speeding 11-25 mph – school/construction zone
- Speeding 20-35 mph
- Careless driving
- Driving over fire hose
- Failure to yield to emergency vehicle
- Impeding traffic
- Railroad crossing violation
- Negligent driving
- Sound (noise) violations
- Tinted windows
- Passing stopped school bus
Can I take a traffic ticket dismissal course more than once?
Yes, but waiting periods apply.
- STOP (minor violations): once every 3 years in Nebraska
- STAR (major violations): once every 5 years in Nebraska
- Iowa participants: once every 1 year
Can I take a traffic ticket dismissal course more than once?
Yes, but waiting periods apply.
- STOP (minor violations): once every 3 years in Nebraska
- STAR (major violations): once every 5 years in Nebraska
- Iowa participants: once every 1 year
Who isn't eligible?
You aren’t eligible if you:
- Hold a Commercial Driver License (CDL)
- Received a citation involving a crash where the officer marked the Personal Injury (PI) box
- Don’t meet your jurisdiction’s eligibility requirements
- The county in which you received your ticket in doesn’t qualify for STOP/STAR programs. See above for a list of eligible jurisdictions.
What do I need to register?
Please have:
- Your driver’s license or permit
- Your traffic ticket
- A valid credit card
Our registration system will determine your eligibility and recommend the correct course for you.
What happens after I complete the course?
Once you successfully complete your class, you’ll receive a completion certificate. We’ll notify the appropriate court, and if you’ve met all eligibility requirements, your citation will be dismissed.
Online STOP/STAR FAQs
How long does the online STOP course take?
The online STOP course is designed as a four-hour defensive driving course. Most participants complete it in 4 to 6 hours, depending on their pace.
How long does the online STOP course take?
The online STOP course is designed as a four-hour defensive driving course. Most participants complete it in 4 to 6 hours, depending on their pace.
What if I have technical issues?
If you’re experiencing problems accessing the course, try clearing your browser cache or switching to another supported browser. If you still need assistance, contact us during business hours at 402-898-7361 or email ticketdismissal@safenebraska.org.
Please allow up to 12 business hours for response. To view our business hours, visit the Contact Us page.
Can I take the course on my phone or tablet?
Yes. The course works on most smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers with a reliable internet connection. For the best experience, use Wi-Fi, avoid closing your browser while the course is running, and disable notifications that could interrupt your session.
Can I take the course on my phone or tablet?
Yes. The course works on most smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers with a reliable internet connection. For the best experience, use Wi-Fi, avoid closing your browser while the course is running, and disable notifications that could interrupt your session.
Can I get another copy of my completion certificate?
Yes. If you need a replacement certificate, contact our office. A replacement fee may apply.