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 Washington State, driving safety courses, often referred to as defensive driving or traffic school, serve as educational tools to enhance a driver's skills and knowledge on the road. While laws differ across states, in Washington, these courses can be particularly beneficial for drivers who have received a traffic ticket. Under certain conditions, completing a state-approved defensive driving course may allow for the dismissal of a traffic ticket or citation. However, eligibility for such benefits can depend on the nature of the violation, the driver's driving record, and the specific policies of the court handling the citation. It's important for drivers to check with the court to confirm if taking a driving safety course will lead to ticket dismissal. Additionally, some drivers may voluntarily take these courses to receive a discount on their auto insurance premiums, as many insurers offer incentives for completing defensive driving courses.