Teen Archives - National Safety Council, Nebraska

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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

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.

Need Additional Help?

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Why Families Choose NSCN

Experienced instructors. Modern technology. Real-world driving experience.

For more than 35 years, the National Safety Council – Nebraska Chapter has helped Nebraska teens prepare for the responsibilities of driving.

Our DMV-approved program combines classroom education, structured instructional simulation using Virtual Driver Interactive (VDI) technology, and behind-the-wheel instruction with qualified driving instructors.

Students learn to recognize hazards, make safer driving decisions, and apply their knowledge in real-world driving situations.

Our instructional simulators allow students to practice challenging situations in a controlled environment, including:

Distracted and aggressive drivers
Hazard recognition
Emergency braking and evasive maneuvers
Adverse weather and low-visibility conditions
Safe driving decisions

Simulation complements real-world driving instruction, helping students build foundational skills before and during their behind-the-wheel experience.

Every enrollment includes:

20 hours of classroom instruction or 30-35 hours of an interactive online course
4 hours of instructional driving simulation using Virtual Driver Interactive (VDI) technology to practice foundational driving skills, hazard recognition, and decision-making.
4 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with qualified driving instructors to apply skills in real-world driving situations.
DMV-approved driving evaluation as part of the driver education program.Certificate of Completion for a Nebraska Provisional Operator’s Permit (POP)

Behind-the-wheel lessons include:

Residential streets
Downtown and city driving
Highways and interstate driving
Gravel roads
Intersections
Parallel, angle, and perpendicular parking

Students drive newer NSCN vehicles equipped with modern safety technology.

Additional driving instruction: When necessary, additional behind-the-wheel instruction may be provided at the discretion of the instructor based on individual student needs.

How to Get Started

Apply for your Learner’s Permit through the Nebraska DMV. Access DMV Practice Tests here.
Register for Teen Driver Education with NSCN (you will need your learner’s permit number and birth date to register).
Choose either in-person classroom or online instruction and select your preferred simulator and behind-the-wheel driving sessions. All students complete 20 hours of classroom or approved online coursework, four hours of instructional driving simulation, and four hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. Additional driving instruction may be provided when determined appropriate by the instructor.
Complete your coursework, simulator training, and behind-the-wheel training with a certified driver education instructor. Learning to drive is a team effort, and NSCN strongly encourages parents and guardians to practice driving with their teen as often as possible. Note: Closed-toe shoes are required. No flip-flops, sandals, or high heels are allowed during driving sessions
Once completed, NSCN will submit the teen’s completion information electronically to the DMV.
Apply for the Provisional Operator’s Permit at any of the DMV locations in your county of residence. You can also do this online and the DMV will send you the license in the mail. NSCN does not issue permits or licenses.
Make sure you understand what the Graduated Driver License Provisions are. Download and go over driving restrictions.

Parent Resources

Parents play an important role in helping teens become safe drivers. NSCN strongly encourages parents and guardians to practice driving with their teen and discuss safe driving habits with them as often as possible.

As an added bonus for our Teen Driver Education families, parents and guardians receive exclusive access to shortened simulator training videos their teens are using in class.

This allows parents to:

View and refresh key safety concepts anytime
Reinforce what their teens are learning
Better coach and support safe driving habits

This added access helps ensure learning doesn’t stop at the classroom or behind the wheel. Parents will receive the video link and password in their welcome registration email.

There are also free resources parents can access from the National Safety Council that parents can use to reinforce safe driving habits. We also encourage parents to download NSCN’s free guide to go through with their teen.

After Completing the Course

After successfully completing the classroom or online coursework, simulator training, behind-the-wheel instruction, and road test, we’ll submit the student’s completion information directly to the Nebraska DMV. Please allow 2-3 business days for the DMV to receive this information.

Students will receive a confirmation email with instructions for obtaining their Provisional Operator’s Permit (POP), along with a downloadable Certificate of Completion that may qualify them for auto insurance discounts. Duplicate Certificates of Completion are available for $25 each.

Important DMV Information

Students under 17½ should enroll in Teen Driver Education.
Teens who turn 18 before meeting DMV eligibility requirements may need to complete Adult Driver Education instead.
Students must first obtain a valid Nebraska Learner’s Permit (LPD).
Students who are 17 and haven’t held a learner’s permit for at least 180 days before turning 18 must complete their driving test at the DMV.

Online Course Information

Students must complete the online coursework within 30 days of registration or before their first scheduled driving lesson, whichever comes first. At least 6 hours of online instruction must be completed before the first behind-the-wheel session.

After registering, students will receive an email from AAA with their course login information. During registration, you’ll also choose your preferred behind-the-wheel driving times for added convenience.