Many states offer a way to reduce or dismiss a traffic ticket without going to trial. These programs go by different names — deferral, diversion, traffic school, defensive driving, court supervision — but they share a similar idea: meet certain conditions, and the ticket may be kept off your record.
This page explains what is available in each state, including how often you can use it, what it costs, and how to apply.
Who this is for
Anyone who received a traffic ticket and wants to know if a deferral-type program is available.
Pro tip
Because you can only use most deferral programs once every few years, a smart strategy is to contest the ticket first and save your deferral as a backup. That way, if fighting the ticket does not work out, you still have the deferral option available. If you use the deferral now, you will not have it next time.
Alabama
Program: Defensive driving course (ticket dismissal)
Alabama does not have a formal deferral program, but you may be able to get your ticket dismissed by attending a defensive driving course. This does require approval from the judge, and approval is neither automatic nor guaranteed.
- How often: Once every 12 months.
- Cost: Courses cost under $50 (online or in-person). Court fees may add $200+.
- Probation: None, but you must pass a test at the end of the course.
- How to apply: Show up on your court date and request approval. In some counties, you need to contact the DA’s office beforehand.
Alaska
Program: None
Alaska does not offer a deferral, diversion, or traffic school dismissal program. Your only options are to pay the fine (plead guilty) or fight the ticket in court.
With no deferral to fall back on, contesting the ticket is usually your best move to keep it off your record. Start your case with Off The Record to get an instant quote and have a local attorney fight the ticket for you.
Arizona
Program: Defensive driving school (ticket dismissal)
Arizona makes it easy to get a ticket dismissed with a short 4-hour course. If you complete the course at least 7 days before your court date, you do not even need to appear in court. All you need is your completion certificate from the course, and you are all set.
Arkansas
Program: Defensive driving course (case-by-case)
Arkansas does not have a formal deferral program, but you can request to take a defensive driving course. Permission is granted on a case-by-case basis, and qualifications vary by county. Some judges may look at your driving history and require a longer clean period before approving.
- How often: No state standard. As a general rule, you should be eligible if you have not taken a course in the past 3 years.
- Cost: Courses cost under $50.
- Probation: No default probation, but the judge may add one. Most often, you just need to provide proof that you completed the course.
- How to apply: Show up on your court date and request approval. If approved, you will be assigned a deadline and any additional requirements. Even if a full dismissal is not granted, you can take an insurance reduction course at any time to help reduce your insurance impact.
California
Program: Traffic school (point masking) + deferred entry of judgment
California offers two paths. For most tickets, traffic school keeps the point off your public record. If your violation is a misdemeanor and you no longer qualify for traffic school, you may still be able to keep the ticket off your record through a deferred entry of judgment.
- How often: Traffic school once every 18 months. Deferred entry of judgment once every 5 years.
- Cost: Online traffic school costs under $40, plus an application fee. In-person classes cost more. Deferred entry fees vary.
- Probation: None for traffic school. Deferred entry of judgment includes a probation period.
- How to apply: If your ticket qualifies for traffic school, you will receive a courtesy notice in the mail with instructions. Pay the administrative fee, then pick a state-approved course and complete it by the deadline.
Colorado
Program: Deferred sentencing
Colorado offers deferred sentencing for traffic violations. It may also be possible to get a dismissal by taking a defensive driving course.
- How often: Every 3 years, if you have no more than 2 current violations on your record.
- Cost: Deferral fee ranges from $20 (clean record) to $50+ (recent violation), plus court fees. Fees vary by location.
- Probation: Usually 1 year (max 2 years). Drivers under 21 must also take a defensive driving course.
- How to apply: Show up on your court date and request approval.
Connecticut
Program: None (rare exceptions)
Connecticut does not have a deferral program or a state law allowing ticket dismissal through a driving course. There have been a few cases where a judge made an exception, but it is not standard.
With no reliable program to fall back on, contesting the ticket is usually your best move to keep it off your record. Start your case with Off The Record to get an instant quote and have a local attorney fight the ticket for you.
Delaware
Program: Defensive driving for insurance only — ticket stays on record
Delaware does not offer any deferral or dismissal programs. You can still take a defensive driving course to reduce your car insurance rates.
A defensive driving course may lower your insurance rates, but it does not dismiss the ticket or keep the conviction off your record. Contesting the ticket is the only way to do that. Start your case with Off The Record to get an instant quote and have a local attorney fight the ticket for you.
Florida
Program: Deferral (withhold of adjudication)
Florida has a deferral program for traffic tickets. There is no way to get your ticket fully dismissed through traffic school alone, so a deferral is the only way to plead guilty and still keep the ticket off your public record. You are usually required to take a driving course in addition to completing a probation period.
- How often: Once every 12 months, up to 5 times total in your lifetime.
- Cost: Fee varies by county. Driving course is an additional cost on top of the deferral fee.
- Probation: Usually 12 months, but varies by county and judge.
- How to apply: It varies by county. Some courts require you to appear on your court date. Others accept a plea form by mail, so you may be able to avoid going to court altogether. If you are considering a deferral, contact the court beforehand and ask about their process.
Georgia
Program: Defensive driving course (rare, case-by-case)
Georgia treats speeding tickets as misdemeanors, so dismissals through traffic school are very rare and granted case-by-case. While it is possible for a judge to dismiss your ticket if you go to traffic school, it is very unlikely.
- How often: Once every 5 years for a point reduction. Full dismissals are uncommon.
- Cost: In-person driver improvement courses cost $95. Most Georgia courts do not accept online courses for point reductions or dismissals. Online courses are generally under $50 but check with your court first.
- Probation: None. You provide a certificate of completion after finishing the course.
- How to apply: Contact the court before your court date to check if you might be eligible. See the Georgia DDS defensive driving program FAQ.
Hawaii
Program: Defensive driving course (ticket dismissal)
Hawaii does not use a point system, but you may still want a dismissal to avoid fines or license suspension (5 moving violations in 5 years triggers suspension).
- How often: No set frequency. You cannot apply if you have 5+ moving violations in the past 5 years.
- Cost: Online courses cost under $50.
- Probation: None.
- How to apply: Submit a written statement before your court date or request a dismissal in court.
Idaho
Program: Defensive driving course (ticket dismissal or point reduction)
Idaho allows ticket dismissal through a driving course, especially for a first traffic infraction. It can be difficult to get a full dismissal, but if your request is not approved you can still take a course to remove up to 3 points from your driving record.
- How often: Once every 3 years.
- Cost: Most state-approved courses are online and cost under $50, with some under $20. A few in-person options are also available.
- Probation: None. You provide a certificate of completion after finishing the course.
- How to apply: If you do not have a court date scheduled, respond to your citation within 10 days to schedule one. Otherwise, show up on your court date and request a dismissal.
Illinois
Program: Court supervision
Illinois offers court supervision, which works like a deferral. You are very likely to be approved, especially for a first or second ticket. Unlike many states that waive the fine with a deferral, Illinois does not — you usually pay the full fine and court costs.
- How often: Cannot apply if you have received 2 supervisions in the past 12 months. Realistically, you are unlikely to be approved if you received any traffic citations in the past 12 months.
- Cost: Full fine and court costs. Driving course is an additional cost if required.
- Probation: 120 days (one of the shortest in the country).
- How to apply: Show up on your court date and request court supervision. Some counties also have a driver safety school application you can fill out beforehand to avoid going to court. If you go that route, you pay the fine and court fees when you submit the application.
Indiana
Program: Deferral program
Indiana has a deferral program for moving violations. First-time offenders are almost guaranteed approval.
- How often: Technically every 12 months, but after the first deferral it is case-by-case. Some counties cap at 2 total.
- Cost: Deferral fee is $120–$200 (replaces the fine, but not court fees). Tickets 25+ mph over usually require a driving course.
- Probation: Usually 6 months (up to 1 year).
- How to apply: Show up on your court date, or fill out an application ahead of time.
Iowa
Program: Deferred judgment (extremely limited)
Iowa has a deferred judgment program, but it is extremely difficult to get approved for a speeding ticket. Traffic violations are misdemeanors in Iowa, so they are taken more seriously. The deferred judgment program exists but is usually not used to defer speeding violations. It is highly unlikely you will be granted a deferral or a full dismissal.
- How often: Only 2 deferrals per lifetime. You cannot apply for your second if you are still on probation from your first.
- Cost: Varies by county.
- Probation: Up to 1 year.
- How to apply: Show up on your court date and request. If you cannot fight the ticket and cannot get a deferral, you can still take a driver improvement course to get your points reduced.
Kansas
Program: Traffic diversion
Kansas commonly grants traffic diversions. You usually need to apply shortly after getting your ticket so you can get approval before your court date. Although diversions may be easily granted, they are not cheap.
- How often: Every 6 months in most counties (12 months in some). There does not seem to be a set limit on total diversions, but approval becomes less likely after the first couple.
- Cost: Application fee of $10–$50, plus a deferral fee of $100–$150.
- Probation: Usually 6 months (up to 1 year).
- How to apply: Fill out the traffic diversion application for your county and submit it to the court. Some counties allow online paperwork. If you submit early, you may get approval before your court date. However, unless the diversion agreement is actually signed before your court date, you are still required to appear.
Kentucky
Program: CATS program (County Attorney Traffic Safety)
Kentucky has the CATS program, where you complete a short 1-hour traffic safety course online to get your ticket dismissed. Each county runs its own version of the program.
- How often: Once every 12 months if eligible. You are unlikely to be approved if you did not receive an eligibility notice.
- Cost: About $175 (may vary slightly by county).
- Probation: None.
- How to apply: You should receive a notice from the court letting you know if you are eligible. Once you get your notice, enroll at the CATS website.
Louisiana
Program: Dismissal (first offense) + deferral (subsequent)
Louisiana offers a full dismissal for a first ticket if you complete a driving course. For later tickets, a deferral is available.
- How often: Full dismissal for first offense. Deferral every 5 years if no moving violations in the past 3 years.
- Cost: Online courses cost $20–$40. In-person classes cost $50–$70.
- Probation: None for first dismissal. 6 months for subsequent deferrals (plus required course).
- How to apply: Submit a request in person or mail a written request before your court date.
Maine
Program: Driving Dynamics removes 3 points (conviction remains)
Maine does not have a deferral or dismissal program. You can take the Maine Driving Dynamics course (5 hours, $40) to remove up to 3 points from your license and potentially reduce your insurance costs.
The Maine Driving Dynamics course can shave 3 points off your license, but the conviction itself stays on your record. To keep the ticket off your record entirely, you'll need to contest it. Start your case with Off The Record to get an instant quote and have a local attorney fight the ticket for you.
Maryland
Program: Probation before judgment (PBJ)
Maryland offers PBJ, which is more commonly used for serious offenses but can apply to speeding tickets. A driving course dismissal may also be possible for first offenses, at the judge's discretion.
- How often: Technically first-time only, but judges may grant it more than once for minor tickets.
- Cost: Varies by county. May require a driving course (under $50 online).
- Probation: Usually 6–12 months (max 3 years).
- How to apply: Show up on your court date and request a PBJ.
Massachusetts
Program: None
Massachusetts does not allow deferrals or dismissals for non-criminal traffic violations. Your options are to pay within 20 days or file for a civil hearing ($25 fee).
A civil hearing is your one shot at avoiding a conviction in Massachusetts, and the outcome can ride on how well you present your case. Going in with a local attorney gives you a real edge. Start your case with Off The Record to get an instant quote and have someone fight the hearing for you.
Michigan
Program: Basic Driver’s Improvement Course (BDIC) — one-time lifetime
Michigan offers a one-time chance to get a ticket dismissed through the BDIC. It does not have to be your first ticket — just your first time using the course. So if you have gotten a ticket before and did not take the course, it is still an option.
- How often: Once per lifetime.
- Cost: State-approved traffic schools can charge up to $100 for the course. You still pay the fine and court fees.
- Probation: None. The Michigan Department of State is automatically notified when you complete the course.
- How to apply: Wait until you receive a court notice saying you are eligible. If you do not receive one but think you qualify, call the court to check. Then view the list of state-approved course providers and enroll.
Minnesota
Program: Continuance for dismissal
Minnesota does not dismiss tickets outright, but you can request a continuance for dismissal, which works like a deferral. You do not plead guilty.
- How often: No set frequency — case-by-case based on driving history.
- Cost: You still pay the fine or a comparable fee.
- Probation: Usually 6–12 months.
- How to apply: Show up on your court date and request. Note: Under the Dimler amendment, some minor speeding tickets in 55/60 mph zones may not go on your record at all, making a deferral unnecessary.
Mississippi
Program: Defensive driving course (ticket dismissal)
You are almost guaranteed a dismissal for your first ticket if you take a state-approved course. You might be able to get future dismissals too, depending on the judge.
- How often: Every 3 years, although you are less likely to get a dismissal after your first ticket.
- Cost: State-approved courses cost $50. There is also a $10 fee on top of the original court fee. You may be able to take a cheaper course online, but check with the court first to make sure it meets the requirements.
- Probation: None. You provide a certificate of completion after finishing the course.
- How to apply: Ask for a dismissal on your court date, then enroll in a course after getting approval. See a list of upcoming driving classes.
Missouri
Program: Suspended imposition of sentence (SIS)
Missouri offers SIS, which is typically used for more serious offenses but can apply to speeding tickets.
- How often: Typically first-time, but you can apply every 3 years.
- Cost: No speeding fine, but you pay court fees. Deferral fees vary by county.
- Probation: Up to 2 years (usually shorter for speeding).
- How to apply: Show up on your court date and request.
Montana
Program: Deferred imposition of sentence
Montana allows deferred sentencing for traffic tickets. Points are not removed until after the probation period is complete.
- How often: Typically first-time, but minor tickets may qualify more than once if you have no current violations.
- Cost: You still pay the fine or a comparable fee. Sometimes the deferral costs more than the ticket.
- Probation: Usually 6–12 months (max 2 years).
- How to apply: Provide a written request on your court date. Some counties allow you to submit a request before your court date.
Nebraska
Program: STOP program (Safety Training Option Program)
Nebraska offers the STOP program specifically for minor traffic violations, which includes most speeding tickets. There is also a separate STAR program for more serious violations.
- How often: Every 3 years (no current violations on your license).
- Cost: About $100 (varies slightly by county).
- Probation: None.
- How to apply: Check your eligibility online at Safe Nebraska and register for a STOP class within 10 days of receiving your ticket.
Nevada
Program: Point reduction course (conviction remains)
Nevada does not offer a dismissal or deferral program. You can take traffic school up to once a year to reduce points, but the ticket stays on your record. See the list of state-approved traffic schools.
Point reduction helps, but the ticket and the conviction still stay on your record. Fighting the ticket is the only way to keep your record clean. Start your case with Off The Record to get an instant quote and have a local attorney fight the ticket for you.
New Hampshire
Program: Point reduction course (conviction remains)
New Hampshire does not offer a dismissal or deferral program. You can take a driver improvement course to reduce up to 3 points, but the ticket stays on your record.
A driver improvement course can reduce up to 3 points, but the ticket stays on your record and your insurance can still go up. The only way to keep the conviction off your record is to contest the ticket. Start your case with Off The Record to get an instant quote and have a local attorney fight the ticket for you.
New Jersey
Program: Point reduction course (conviction remains)
It is extremely rare for a judge to dismiss a ticket for attending traffic school in New Jersey. You can take a state-approved driving course once every 5 years to reduce 2 points, but the ticket stays on your record.
Since dismissals through traffic school are extremely rare in New Jersey, contesting the ticket is realistically your best chance to keep it off your record. Start your case with Off The Record to get an instant quote and have a local attorney fight the ticket for you.
New Mexico
Program: Driver safety course (ticket dismissal, case-by-case)
New Mexico may dismiss a ticket if you complete a driver safety course, but approval depends on the judge.
- How often: No set frequency. New Mexico only keeps points on your record for 12 months, so you are likely eligible if you have no current points.
- Cost: Online courses cost under $40.
- Probation: No default, but the judge may add one.
- How to apply: Show up on your court date and request approval.
New York
Program: Traffic diversion program (upstate counties only)
Most upstate New York counties offer a traffic diversion program. Not available in New York City.
- How often: Every 18 months (36 months if your license was previously suspended).
- Cost: Application fee is usually about $200, plus the cost of a defensive driving course. Some counties offer community service as an alternative to the fee.
- Probation: None.
- How to apply: Fill out the diversion application for your county and mail it with a copy of your citation.
Separately, the PIRP (Point and Insurance Reduction Program) can reduce up to 4 points and earn a 10% insurance discount for 3 years, but it does not remove the violation from your record.
North Carolina
Program: Prayer for judgment continued (PJC)
North Carolina has a unique option called a PJC. You plead guilty, but the final judgment is never entered — so there is no conviction, even though the ticket appears on your DMV record.
- How often: Once every 3 years per insurance policy (not per person). Up to 2 PJCs in a 5-year period.
- Cost: No extra fees beyond court costs.
- Probation: No default (judge may add one up to 12 months).
- How to apply: Show up on your court date and request a PJC.
North Dakota
Program: Point reduction course (conviction remains)
North Dakota does not offer a dismissal or deferral program, however, you can take a defensive driving course to avoid up to 5 points going on your driving record.
Taking the defensive driving course can save you points, but the conviction itself still stays on your record. To keep the ticket off your record entirely, you'll need to contest it. Start your case with Off The Record to get an instant quote and have a local attorney fight the ticket for you.
Ohio
Program: Traffic safety program (TSP)
Ohio offers a TSP in many counties. Eligibility varies widely by location.
- How often: Varies — some counties are first-time only, others allow every few years.
- Cost: Application fee of $120–$200+ (first-time is cheaper), plus a course under $30 online.
- Probation: None.
- How to apply: Fill out your county's TSP application or request in court.
Oklahoma
Program: Deferred sentencing
Oklahoma offers deferred sentencing for traffic tickets. Note that Oklahoma only adds points for speeding 10+ mph over the limit, so a deferral may not be necessary for minor tickets.
- How often: Available if you have no traffic violations in the past 3 years.
- Cost: $100+ plus court costs.
- Probation: Usually 6 months.
- How to apply: Request in court, or fill out an eligibility form online in some areas.
Oregon
Program: Traffic diversion (varies by county)
Some Oregon counties offer traffic diversion, but not all. Rules, costs, and eligibility vary widely by county.
- How often: Ranges from every 3 years to every 10 years depending on county. Some are first-time only.
- Cost: Minimum fine plus course enrollment, plus an application fee (usually under $100).
- Probation: Most counties require none; a few include 3–12 months.
- How to apply: Plead guilty and fill out the diversion agreement for your county. Oregon uses a suspension system instead of points.
Pennsylvania
Program: Point reduction course (conviction remains)
Pennsylvania does not have a formal traffic ticket dismissal program. However, judges have discretion to defer some misdemeanor charges, so it is not impossible to get a deferral if you request one.
Separately, you can take a defensive driving course to remove up to 2 points from your record, but the conviction itself stays on your record
A defensive driving course can remove 2 points, and a judge may grant a deferral on rare occasions, but neither is a reliable way to keep the ticket off your record. Contesting the ticket is your best shot. Start your case with Off The Record to get an instant quote and have a local attorney fight the ticket for you.
Rhode Island
Program: Good Driver Statute (no course required)
Rhode Island has a unique Good Driver Statute. If you were not speeding more than 14 mph over the limit and you have a clean record, you can get the ticket dismissed — no driving course needed.
- How often: Once every 3 years.
- Cost: $35 court fee + $25 dismissal fee = $60 total.
- Probation: None.
- How to apply: Apply on your court date.
South Carolina
Program: Traffic Education Program (TEP) — first offense only
South Carolina offers a TEP for first-time tickets. It includes a driving course and 4 hours of community service.
- How often: First-time tickets only.
- Cost: $140 application fee + $140 participation fee = $280 total.
- Probation: 6 months.
- How to apply: Ask to be referred during your court hearing, or call the court ahead of time to check eligibility.
South Dakota
Program: None
South Dakota does not offer a dismissal or deferral program.
With no deferral available, contesting the ticket is your best chance to keep it off your record. Start your case with Off The Record to get an instant quote and have a local attorney fight the ticket for you.
Tennessee
Program: Driver Improvement Program (DIP)
Tennessee may dismiss a ticket if you qualify for the DIP. Even if a full dismissal is not approved, you can take a defensive driving course to get the points removed after your conviction.
- How often: Once every 5 years (more frequently in some counties, so it depends on where you received your ticket).
- Cost: Courses cost $25–$60, depending on the provider and whether the court requires a 4-hour or 8-hour course. You still pay court costs and may have to pay the fine.
- Probation: None.
- How to apply: Request a dismissal on your court date, or call the court clerk beforehand to enroll in a driver safety course. Learn more about Tennessee's Driver Improvement Program.
Texas
Program: Driving safety course (dismissal) + deferred disposition
Texas offers two paths. A driving safety course can dismiss the ticket outright. Deferred disposition is available even if you have already used a course dismissal in the past year.
- How often: Driving safety course once every 12 months. Deferred disposition is available separately.
- Cost: Online course costs about $25, plus court fees. Deferred disposition fees vary by county.
- Probation: None for a course dismissal. Deferred disposition includes 2–6 months of probation.
- How to apply: Show up on your court date, or some counties accept an application beforehand.
Utah
Program: Deferral (dismissed after probation)
Utah allows ticket deferral. If you complete the probation period without a new violation, the ticket is dismissed. You are not required to take a defensive driving course unless you were speeding more than 20 mph over the limit.
Vermont
Program: None
Vermont does not offer any deferral type programs for traffic infractions.
With no deferral to fall back on, contesting the ticket is usually your best move to keep it off your record. Start your case with Off The Record to get an instant quote and have a local attorney fight the ticket for you.
Virginia
Program: Point offset only (conviction remains)
Virginia does not have a diversion program to dismiss tickets. However, you can take a state-approved driver improvement course to earn 5 safe driving points that offset demerits. No court approval is needed — you can enroll anytime after paying your ticket. See instructions for registering for a Virginia driver improvement course.
Safe driving points help offset demerits, but the conviction itself stays on your record. Fighting the ticket first is the only way to keep it off your record entirely. Start your case with Off The Record to get an instant quote and have a local attorney fight the ticket for you.
Washington
Program: Deferral program
Washington offers a deferral where the court holds the ticket for up to 1 year. If you stay ticket-free, the infraction is dismissed.
- How often: Once every 7 years.
- Cost: Nonrefundable fee of $150.
- Probation: Up to 12 months. Traffic school may also be required.
- How to apply: Submit the deferral application for your county online, or request on your court date.
West Virginia
Program: Court discretion only, as a last resort
West Virginia does not have a formal deferral or dismissal program. However, the court has discretion to defer most misdemeanors, so you can request a deferral during your court hearing as a last resort.
A judge can grant a deferral at their discretion, but it's not something you can count on. Contesting the ticket in court is your most reliable path to keeping it off your record — and having a local attorney makes the request for deferral much more credible if it comes to that. Start your case with Off The Record to get an instant quote and have a local attorney fight the ticket for you.
Wisconsin
Program: Point reduction only
Wisconsin does not fully dismiss tickets through traffic school. You can take a course to reduce points, but the ticket stays on your record. Make sure the online course you choose qualifies for point reduction before you enroll. Search for in-person traffic school locations in Wisconsin.
Since traffic school does nothing to remove the conviction from your record, you will need to fight the ticket in court if you want to keep it off your driving record. The natural next step is having a local attorney handle it. Start your case with Off The Record to get an instant quote.
Wyoming
Program: Defensive driving course (varies by county)
Some Wyoming counties offer ticket dismissal through traffic school, but not all. Wyoming does not use a point system, so a dismissal removes the conviction from your record.
- How often: Varies by county.
- Cost: Online courses cost $30–$50.
- Probation: None.
- How to apply: Request a dismissal in court or enroll after receiving a court notice.
No matter your state, OTR can help
Even if your state offers a deferral or traffic school program, remember: you can only use it so often. The smarter move is to fight the ticket first with Off The Record, and save your deferral for a ticket that truly cannot be beaten.
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