Traffic Safety Programs

Through our traffic safety and vehicle compliance programs, we strive to provide education‑focused, accessible alternatives for resolving minor traffic violations. Each traffic safety program includes its own eligibility requirements and completion steps to ensure the right resources are provided to the right participants. By empowering drivers with knowledge and opportunities for corrective action, the Bend Municipal Court works to create a safer community for all.

This course is meant to help drivers understand how dangerous it is to use a phone or other device while driving. It teaches safe driving habits, so drivers are less likely to repeat the violation.

Important to know:

Taking the Distracted Driving Avoidance Course does not dismiss the violation. A conviction will still appear on your driving record with the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles.

Eligibility

You may qualify if:

• This is your first offense for driving while using a mobile electronic device (ORS 811.507).
• You enter a No Contest plea.
• A court clerk or judge reviews your case and confirms you are eligible to take the course.

Enrollment Process

If you think you qualify:

• Contact the Bend Municipal Court on or before your court date to enter a No Contest plea.
• Once accepted, you must complete an online Distracted Driving Avoidance Course through one of the Oregon Department of Transportation’s approved providers within 120 days of being allowed to join the program.

Successful Completion

To finish the program and have your fine waived, you must:

• Complete the approved course.
• Submit a copy of your course certificate to the court.

The Fix‑It Program allows some drivers to fix or repair certain problems with their vehicle or documents. If the issue is corrected and you provide proof, the court may dismiss the violation after you pay a small administrative fee.

Important to know:

Only certain violations qualify, and the correction must meet the court’s rules under the Fix‑It Program in the General Order 101 Violations Bureau.

Eligibility

You may qualify if:

• You have a violation listed in the court’s Fix‑It Program and have not received a dismissal for the same violation in the last two years (General Order 101, Exhibit B).
• You can show proof of correction or repair.
• You pay the required administrative fee:
  • $65 for most eligible violations.
  • $15 if your citation is for Parking in a Disabled Zone and you had a valid ADA placard at the time of the citation but did not display it.

If you are unsure whether you qualify, contact a court clerk.

Enrollment Process

If you believe you qualify:

• Fix or correct the issue listed on your citation.
• Gather proof showing the problem has been corrected (for example: repair receipt, updated documents, or a photo, depending on the violation).
• Contact the Bend Municipal Court to confirm your violation is eligible and to submit your proof.
• If the issue is not corrected by your court date, you may ask for a hearing continuance.

Successful Completion

To complete the Fix‑It Program:

• Correct the violation.
• Provide the court with acceptable proof of correction.
• Pay the required administrative fee.

Once these steps are finished, the eligible violation may be dismissed.

Bend Municipal Court offers Traffic Safety Programs to help drivers learn safer habits, reduce crashes, and prevent serious or fatal accidents. If you complete an approved program and meet all requirements, your violation may be dismissed.

To be considered for any program, you must appear in person or in writing before the date on your summons and tell the court that you want to participate. Court Clerks may approve some requests, but others must be reviewed by a Judge. Not all citations qualify.

Available Programs

1. Adult Driver Program – for drivers 18 years and older.
2. Young Driver Program – for drivers 17 years and younger.
   • This program requires you to write a five‑paragraph essay. Your Notice of Hearing and Order to Appear explains the required topics. The essay must be turned in on or before your hearing date.

All Traffic Safety Programs require authorization from a Judge or Court Clerk before you begin.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, all of the following must be true:

1. You must enter a No Contest plea to the violation.
2. You did not have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) at the time of the violation, even if you were driving a personal vehicle.
3. You have no driving or traffic‑related convictions in the past two years.
4. You have not participated in any traffic school or driving diversion program in the past two years.

Cases Requiring Judge Review

A Judge must decide your eligibility if:

1. The incident involved alcohol or a controlled substance.
2. The violation is a Class A violation under Oregon law.
3. The citation is for a cell phone violation, which is not eligible for these programs.

Program Requirements

If you are accepted into a Traffic Safety Program, you must:

1. Pay the fine or complete a Payment Plan Agreement within 90 days of being authorized.
2. Pay for and attend a Traffic Safety School from the court’s approved provider list:
   • Trama Nurses Talk Tough
     Only Approved Course Online Provider
     www.legacyhealth.org/tntt
     For questions call 503-413-4960 #1
   • U-Turn 180
     Only approved class – “High-Risk Driver Course”
     www.uturn180.com
     For questions call 877-399-8876
     (Spanish option available)
   • NTSI
     Only approved classes – “Traffic Safety Course (Level-1)” OR “Traffic Safety Course (Level-2)”
     www.ntsi.com/oregon
     For questions call 866-346-3283
     (Spanish option available)
   • AARP Smart Driver
     Only approved class – “Traffic Level 1″
     In Person Provider
     Call 503-676-3653 for available class dates and registration
     Only approved for drivers 50 years of age or older
3. Return a Certificate of Completion to the court within 90 days.
4. Complete any additional requirements listed in your judgment or authorization form.

If you complete all required steps, the violation may be dismissed and will not appear on your driving record.

Please note: You cannot participate in more than one Traffic Safety Program for multiple violations, unless a Judge specifically authorizes it.