Liberty Lake Police Partner with the Sheriff’s Office for Traffic School

Starting July 1, 2012, citizens who have been issued traffic infractions by the Liberty Lake Police Department will have the option of attending traffic school. The Liberty Lake City Council and the Spokane County Board of County Commissioners passed an interlocal agreement which enables most drivers issued traffic infract...ions by the Liberty Lake Police Department to choose an educational class instead of paying a fine or going to court. Upon successful completion of the 6 hour class, the traffic infraction will be dismissed and will not appear on the attendee’s driving record.

The Collision Avoidance, Reduction and Education School (C.A.R.E.S) is a completely voluntary program and drivers continue to have the options of admitting fault and paying the fine, contesting the infraction by pleading not guilty, or mitigating the infraction by pleading guilty with an explanation.

Drivers who are eligible must apply for the class in person at the Spokane County District Court window located inside the Public Safety Building, downtown or the Spokane County District Court window located inside the Spokane Valley Police Precinct. This program is funded by the $124 class fee which is paid at the time of application. Certain violations, multiple violations and driver’s license status may disqualify some applicants. The class is instructed by Spokane County Sheriff’s deputies and class participation and discussion is highly encouraged. Eligible drivers may only attend this program once every 18 months.

Started by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, the C.A.R.E.S. program has received praise from the citizens who have attended. The first class was held in March of 2008 with the goal of reducing traffic collisions and increasing public safety by offering driving tips and traffic law updates and clarification. The City of Spokane Valley joined the program in January of this year.