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 Connecticut, driving safety courses, often referred to as defensive driving or traffic school, are available to drivers as a means to improve their driving skills and safety awareness. While the state does not have a law that universally allows for the dismissal of traffic tickets upon completion of such courses, the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does recognize the benefits of these courses and may recommend them in certain situations. For example, drivers who have committed minor traffic violations may be eligible to have their cases dismissed by a state prosecutor if they agree to complete a driving safety course. Additionally, completing a driving safety course may result in a reduction of insurance premiums for some drivers, as many insurance companies offer discounts for this proactive step. However, the specifics can vary based on individual circumstances, the nature of the traffic violation, and the policies of the court and insurance companies involved. It is advisable for drivers to consult with an attorney or contact the Connecticut DMV for guidance on how a driving safety course might impact their particular situation.