S.T.O.P. Class

 

The Safety Training Option Program is an 8-hour defensive driving class sponsored by the Dakota County Attorney's Office and Traffic Safety Plus.  The County Attorney has the right to refuse or accept any individual to take the S.T.O.P. class.

Benefits of taking S.T.O.P.:

  • No citation fine;
  • No court appearance;
  • No points on your license; and
  • Improve your driving skills.

YOU ARE ELIGIBLE to take S.T.O.P. if you have NOT participated in a S.T.O.P. program in the last 3 years AND your citation was for:

  • Speeding (not more than 19 MPH over the speed limit
  • Disregarding traffic signs and signals
  • Failure to yield the right-of-way
  • Wrong way, wrong side, or improper passing
  • Following too closely
  • Driving too fast for conditions
  • Improper turns, backing, or lane changes
  • Exhibition of acceleration
  • Negligent/Careless driving

YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE to take S.T.O.P.:

  • Parking citations
  • CDL Operator's License holder
  • Injury accidents
  • Major traffic citations (leaving the scene of an accident, driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, willful reckless driving, or reckless driving)
  • Citations for multiple violations, except for:
    • Proof of insurance not in vehicle
    • Valid driver's license not on person
    • Not wearing a seatbelt
    • Valid registration not in vehicle

HOW AND WHEN TO ENROLL:  total registration for the program MUST BE COMPLETED WITHIN SEVEN (7) DAYS (including having the completed paperwork** to Traffic Safety Plus) BEFORE YOUR COURT APPEARANCE DATE on the bottom of your citation or you will be ineligible to take the class and you will need to appear in court on your court date.

 **Paperwork to send (needs to be in Traffic Safety Plus's Office within 7 days before your court date):

  1. Registration fee
  2. A copy of your driver's license
  3. Your Social Security Number
  4. Your daytime phone number

Registration fee:  $115.00 (plus court costs).  You may pay by check, money order, or credit card.  The registration fee must be prepaid and is nonrefundable.  You may register online at Traffic Safety Plus or by phone at (402) 466-0033.  Traffic Safety Plus office hours are Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (except holidays).  You must complete the class within 30 days after receiving your citation.  Charges will be filed in court pending completion of the class and dismissed upon satisfactory proof of completion.