Traffic Safety Education Program (Traffic School)

The Traffic Safety Education Program is offered by the Springfield Municipal Court. This safety program is offered to qualified drivers for the purpose of educating drivers, promoting safe driving in our community, reducing the recidivism rate of offenders, reducing traffic collisions, and saving lives due to fatal traffic collisions.

Drivers may qualify for the Traffic Safety Education Program if:

  • They DO NOT possess a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

  • They have a valid driver’s license or can provide proof of a valid driver’s license by their court date.

  • They do not have any other violations pending or convictions in the 2 years prior to the incident date.

  • They have not participated in any other traffic education program in the 2 years prior to the incident date.

Drivers may NOT qualify for the Traffic Safety Education Program if: 

  • The incident involved an accident.

  • The incident involved alcohol and/or a controlled substance.

  • The incident occurred in a work zone, school zone, or safety corridor.

  • The offense is a class A violation, as specified in the Oregon Revised Statutes.

  • As of October 1, 2017 distracted driving and cell phone citations will NOT be eligible for this program. See the section below titled “Distracted Driving Avoidance Program”.

  • Defendant must waive the right to a speedy trial.

  • Defendant must plead NO CONTEST to the charges on the citation.

  • Defendant must complete and sign a Traffic Safety Education Deferred Prosecution Agreement. (Can be obtained by contacting court staff to request traffic school.)

  • Defendant must pay the court fee determined by the classification of the offense upon entry into the program.

  • Defendant must not have any new convictions within a six (6) month period.

  • Defendant must successfully complete the court approved education course within 30 days of entering the program.

  • Defendant must pay a program fee to the course provider to complete the course.

Successful completion of the Traffic Safety Education Program will result in dismissal of the charge(s).

Failure to comply with the program may result in a conviction on your driving record and additional fines/fees imposed.

Distracted Driving Avoidance Program (Cell Phone School)

The Distracted Driving Avoidance Program is offered by the Springfield Municipal Court pursuant to ORS 811.508. This safety program is offered to qualified drivers for the purpose of educating drivers, promoting safe driving in our community, reducing the recidivism rate of offenders, reducing traffic collisions, and saving lives due to fatal traffic collisions caused by distracted driving.

Drivers may qualify for the Distracted Driving Avoidance Program if:

  • They do not have any other Distracted Driving violations pending or convictions in the last 10 years.

Drivers may NOT qualify for the Distracted Driving Avoidance Program if:

  • The incident involved an accident.

  • The incident involved alcohol and/or a controlled substance.

  • Defendant must waive the right to a speedy trial.

  • Defendant must plead NO CONTEST to the charges on the citation.

  • Defendant must complete and sign a DISTRACTED DRIVING AVOIDANCE COURSE ATTENDANCE AGREEMENT. (Can be obtained by contacting court staff and requesting to enter the program.)

  • Defendant must successfully complete an ODOT approved class within 120 days of entering the program.

  • Defendant must pay a registration fee to complete the class.

Successful completion of the Distracted Driving Avoidance Program will result in suspension of the fine. A conviction will be recorded on the Oregon DMV driving record as required by Oregon law.

Failure to comply with the Distracted Driving Avoidance Program may result in additional fines/fees being imposed.

“Fix-It Tickets”

If you can show proof of registration renewal or purchase of tags prior to your court date then your citation may be dismissed. 

  • Driving Uninsured-ORS 806.010

  • Failure to Carry Proof of Insurance-ORS 806.012

    If you show proof of compliance with financial responsibility requirements at the time of the violation the citation may be dismissed. You must show: 1) the vehicle was insured under a motor vehicle liability insurance policy, or 2) the owner of the vehicle has provided the Department of Transportation with proof of compliance with the financial responsibility requirements of this state.    

If you show proof of repair of the alleged equipment violation prior to your court date the citation may be dismissed. Proof of repair includes any of the following: invoice, proof of payment, receipt, or photographic evidence. The proof of repair must clearly identify the vehicle listed on the citation and provide evidence that the equipment has been repaired. If the Violation Bureau has any question as to the documentation provided, the matter will be referred to a Judge for further determination.

The Violations Bureau may grant a continuance to a defendant to obtain documents and verification of repairs, renewals, or proof of insurance. The continuance shall not be greater than fourteen (14) days from the original date set for appearance. Any request for more time in addition to this will require judicial review.

Disclaimer:

The information on this webpage is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, there is no guarantee as to the accuracy. Please contact an attorney to obtain advice with respect to any specific legal matter.