Driving safety courses—also known as defensive driving or traffic school—are designed to improve a driver’s knowledge, awareness, and attitude toward driving a motor vehicle. Laws vary from state to state but in many states a driver who has been issued a traffic ticket or citation may have the ticket or citation dismissed upon successful completion of a driving safety course—whether online or in person.
In Alabama, driving safety courses, commonly referred to as defensive driving or traffic school, serve as educational tools to enhance a driver's skills and safety awareness. The state allows drivers who have received a traffic citation to potentially dismiss the ticket by successfully completing a state-approved driving safety course. However, eligibility for ticket dismissal may depend on the nature of the traffic violation, the driver's driving history, and the specific policies of the court handling the citation. Some courts in Alabama may require approval before a driver can enroll in a course for ticket dismissal purposes. Additionally, these courses can sometimes be used for a reduction in car insurance premiums, depending on the insurance provider's policies. It's important for drivers to check with the court and their insurance company to understand the specific requirements and benefits of taking a driving safety course in Alabama.