Nebraska Traffic STOP Class Eligibility: How to Dismiss a Moving Violation and Avoid Points
Completing the Nebraska Safety Training Option Program (STOP) class will completely dismiss your speeding ticket, meaning zero points on your license and no insurance hikes. However, if you pay your ticket fine first, you automatically disqualify yourself from taking the class.
Getting pulled over and handed a moving violation is a quick way to ruin your day. Between the cost of the ticket and the potential spike in your car insurance rates, a single mistake can be expensive. Fortunately, Nebraska offers a lifeline for drivers: the Safety Training Option Program, commonly known as the STOP class. Taking this defensive driving course allows you to keep your driving record perfectly clean. But the rules for eligibility are incredibly strict. Finding an attorney in our directory can help you negotiate entry into the program if your ticket falls outside standard parameters.
What is the Nebraska STOP Class?
The STOP class is a 4-hour driver improvement course authorized under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-3606. It is designed to educate drivers on traffic safety rather than simply punishing them. Once you successfully complete the course, the local county prosecutor will dismiss your traffic citation entirely. Because the citation is dismissed, no conviction is entered on your record, no points are assessed by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, Lincoln, and your insurance company will never even know you were pulled over.
Why Paying Your Ticket First Disqualifies You
The most common and devastating mistake drivers make is paying their ticket online or by mail right after getting it, thinking they can sign up for the class later. Under Nebraska law, paying the fine is the legal equivalent of pleading guilty. Once a guilty plea is entered and processed by the court, the case is closed. You cannot "undo" the payment to take the class. To remain eligible, you must follow the instructions on your citation or contact the court to register for the STOP class before your scheduled court date.
STOP Class Eligibility Rules
Not everyone gets the privilege of taking the STOP class. The program is generally reserved for minor traffic infractions, such as speeding, failing to stop at a stop sign, or improper lane changes. If you were cited for reckless driving, driving under the influence (DUI), or if you hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), you are strictly prohibited from taking the class to dismiss your ticket.
The 3-Year Rule for Previous Completions
The state does not let you use the STOP class as a free pass to speed every month. In almost every Nebraska county, you are only allowed to complete the STOP program once every three (3) years for ticket dismissal. If you took the class two years ago in Omaha and just got a new ticket in Grand Island, you are ineligible. The county prosecutor's office will check the statewide database before approving your application. If you apply and are rejected due to this rule, your registration fee is often non-refundable.
Are Out-of-State Drivers Eligible?
Yes. If you live in another state but received a ticket while driving through Nebraska (such as on Interstate 80), you can still take advantage of the STOP program. Many approved providers offer the 4-hour course entirely online, allowing you to complete it from your home computer. You will need to select the specific Nebraska county where you received the ticket (for example, the Lancaster County Court, Lincoln) when registering, so the certificate is sent to the correct prosecutor.
Timelines and How to Enroll
You do not have unlimited time to decide. You must typically enroll in the STOP program and pay the class fee at least 7 to 14 days before your mandatory court date listed on the bottom of your citation. You will need your citation number, driver's license, and payment. Drivers typically complete the registration online through approved providers such as the Nebraska Safety Council or the National Safety Council - Nebraska. Once enrolled, the court is notified, and your court date is usually extended by 30 to 60 days to give you time to actually complete the online or in-person course.
Costs of the Class vs. Ticket
Taking the STOP class is not free, but it is almost always cheaper than the long-term cost of a ticket when you factor in insurance premium hikes.
| Expense | Standard Speeding Ticket (11-15 mph over) | STOP Class Option |
|---|---|---|
| Base Fine / Class Fee | $125 Fine | $90 - $115 Class Registration Fee |
| Mandatory Court Costs | $50 | Waived (No court costs for class) |
| Insurance Rate Increase | Increases for 3 years (avg. $300-$600 total) | $0 (Ticket is dismissed) |
| Total Estimated Cost | $475 to $775+ | $90 - $115 total |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if I fail the STOP class test?
Most online STOP classes allow you to retake the final exam multiple times until you pass. If you fail to complete the course before your deadline, the court will reinstate your original ticket, and you will be required to pay the fine and court costs.
Can I take the class if I was going 25 mph over the speed limit?
Usually, no. Most county prosecutors in Nebraska restrict the STOP class to drivers who were speeding 20 mph or less over the posted limit. For extreme speeds, you must either pay the fine or hire an attorney to negotiate.
Do I have to notify the court after I finish the online class?
In most cases, the approved STOP class provider will automatically send your certificate of completion directly to the county court. However, you should always keep a copy for your records and call the clerk a week later to verify they received it.
If I hire a lawyer, can they get me into the STOP class?
If you were initially denied due to speed or other factors, an attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to amend your charge or grant a special exception, allowing you to take the class and protect your record.
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