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 Rhode Island, drivers may have the option to enroll in a driving safety course, commonly referred to as defensive driving or traffic school, to improve their driving skills and knowledge. While the state laws can vary, Rhode Island allows individuals who have received a traffic ticket to potentially have their citation dismissed or penalties reduced upon successful completion of a state-approved driving safety course. This option is typically at the discretion of the court and may depend on the driver's traffic violation history and the specific circumstances of the offense. It's important for drivers to check with the court handling their traffic ticket to understand if they are eligible for this option and what specific courses are approved by the state. Additionally, some drivers may voluntarily take these courses to receive a discount on their auto insurance premiums, as many insurance companies offer incentives for completing defensive driving courses.