Program Overview

The Traffic Safety Program (TSP) allows qualified defendants to participate in an online course that provides helpful driving tips on a variety of topics related to the safe operation of a motor vehicle.  Upon successfully completing the course, the defendant’s citation will be dismissed, therefore avoiding a conviction and points from being added to their driving record.  The course consists of several modules that takes approximately two hours to complete.  The program is flexible and can be either completed all in one sitting or can be paused between modules and resumed at a later time; either way the defendant has 45 days to successfully complete the program.

The qualifying criteria for participating in the Traffic Safety Program are:

  • The defendant must have a pending 2-point minor-misdemeanor traffic citation with only one offense listed and no accompanying criminal charges.  Reckless Operation will only be accepted if they are approved by a Judge, Magistrate or Prosecutor and may incur a higher TSP fee to participate in the program. (Speeding violations of 30+ MPH over the speed limit are 4 point violations and are therefore not eligible.)
  • The traffic infraction does not involve an accident or property damage.
  • The defendant has not participated in the TSP within the last 36 months; whether it was through the Findlay Municipal Court or any other jurisdiction that offers the program.
  • The defendant must have a valid driver’s license at the time of entering the program.
  • The defendant must pay all non-refundable fees in full and submit all required documents prior to participating in the program.
  • The defendant does not have a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

The Steps of the Traffic Safety Program

  • On or before the court date on the citation, the defendant must do the following:
    • Review and submit a signed copy of the conditional Guilty plea referral form to the Findlay Municipal Court.
    • Provide current proof of insurance (unless the citation indicates it was shown to the officer).
    • Pay a TSP fee to the Findlay Municipal Court.  (The fee must be paid in full at time of filing.)
      • The fee for a 1st offense Minor-Misdemeanor citation is $170.00*. 
      • The fee for a 1st offense for a Misdemeanor of the 4th degree Speeding offense is $220.00*.
      • The fee for a 1st offense for Approaching a Public Safety Vehicle is $220.00*.
      • The fee for a 2nd offense Minor-Misdemeanor is $220.00. 
      • *Contact Court for Construction Zone amount.
      • The filing fee may be higher for Reckless Operation violations if they are approved by a Judge, Magistrate or Prosecutor to participate in the program.
      • Late fees may be assessed if TSP Referral is received after initial court date.
  • The Court will review the defendant's application and notify them by telephone and/or email as to whether or not they have been approved for the TSP.  If the defendant qualifies for the program, the Court will accept the defendant’s guilty plea but will stay sentencing to allow the defendant time to complete the program. 
  • The defendant can then register for the Traffic Safety Program at SafeDriverOnline.com.  Registration costs $24.95 and is paid directly to the Traffic Safety Program.
  • The defendant must successfully complete the online course within 45 days of registering.
  • The TSP will monitor the defendants progress through the program and notify the court when the defendant successfully completes the program or has exhausted their time to complete it, whichever comes first.
  • If the defendant has successfully completed the program the Court will dismiss the citation.  If the defendant has failed to complete the program then the Court will render a guilty sentence and a record of the conviction will be sent to the BMV where points will be assessed.

WARNING: NO EXTENSIONS WILL BE GRANTED AND NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN FOR FAILED TSP CLASSES.  THE COURTS TSP FEE AND THE $24.95 REGISTRATION FEE ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.  FAILURE TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE COURSE WITHIN 45 DAYS WILL RESULT IN A CONVICTION OF THE CITED OFFENSE.  A RECORD OF THE CONVICTION WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE OHIO BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES, WHERE POINTS WILL BE ADDED TO THE DEFENDANT’S DRIVING RECORD.

How to Apply for the Traffic Safety Program

If you have any questions about eligibility you should contact the Court prior to proceeding with the application process.

1) Pay the Court's Traffic Safety Program Fee.  (The filing fee must be paid in full at time of filing.)

PAY ONLINE (Be sure to click the checkbox indicating your participation)

or

MAIL PAYMENT - Make your check/money order payable to Findlay Municipal Court.  Mail your check/money order along with paperwork from step #2.  See instructions below for mailing address.

2) Print the Guilty Plea Referral Form. 
Complete the form, sign it and submit it to the Court.

 

IF MAILING THE GUILTY PLEA REFERRAL FORM:

  1. If your citation was marked that Financial Responsibility Proof was NOT shown you will also need to provide a copy of current proof of insurance.
  2. Optional: If you would like a receipt, please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope.
  3. Mail documents to: Findlay Municipal Court, P.O. Box 826, Findlay, OH 45839.

IF SUBMITTING THE GUILTY PLEA FORM ELECTRONICALLY:

  1. If your citation was marked that Financial Responsibility Proof was NOT shown you will also need to provide a copy of current proof of insurance.
  2. Send paperwork using one of the following:
    FAX: 419-424-7803
    EMAIL: TSPcourt@findlayohio.gov