Good Driving Record Dismissal Policy

Rhode Island has a law called the “Good Driver’s Statute (GDS). In order to qualify for the GDS, you must possess an active/valid license for the last (3) three years. Your record must be clear of any moving violations within the last (3) three years. If you have not had an active driver’s license for 3 years, but your record is clear of traffic violations, the Judge, at her/his discretion, may allow you to perform community service in exchange for a dismissal. Federal law prohibits dismissal under the “Good Driver’s Statute” (GDS) for those with a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Likewise, you cannot use the “Good Driver’s Statute (GDS) if the traffic ticket was issued in connection with an automobile accident.

Motorists who qualify for and wish to utilize their good driving record under the Good Driving Record Dismissal Statute (RIGL 31-41.1-7), may do so by signing and mailing the required form to the Clerk along with the State Mandated Court Costs of $60.  Mailed payments must be in the form of check or money order to:

Central Falls Municipal Court
Attn: Clerk
160 Illinois Street
Central Falls, RI 02863

If you are not eligible for the Good Driving Record Dismissal, but wish to pay your fines, you may also mail in your payment (via check or money order) with the citation information to the address listed above.  Be advised that if you choose to pay your fine and do not qualify for a Good Driving Record Dismissal, you will be foregoing your right to a trial and a guilty plea will be entered on your behalf.  If you wish to plead Not Guilty, then you must appear on the Court date previously assigned. Please note that all citations originally scheduled for March 24, 2020 will now be heard on June 16, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. and all matters originally scheduled for April 7, 2020 will be heard on June 30, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.  All Court sessions will take place at the Central Falls City Hall, 580 Broad Street, Central Falls, RI 02863.  You must follow all mandated protocols including wearing a mask and maintaining social distance.  If you do not feel well and are showing any symptoms, please contact the clerk at 401-616-2557 to reschedule your court date.

If you are unsure whether you qualify for a dismissal under the Good Driving Statute, kindly contact our clerk, Nathalie Benway, at 401-616-2557 or NBenway@cfpd.centralfallsri.gov and she will assist you.  Please note that there is a dropbox located in the lobby of the Central Falls Police Department in the event that you prefer to drop off your payment (in the form of check or money order) with the enclosed form at any time.

Please include your summons number on all check and money order payments to ensure that your payment is properly credited.  You may contact the clerk to confirm same.