Driving Safety Course

Under the laws of the State of Texas, you may be able to request that one traffic violation charge be dismissed upon satisfactory completion of a driving safety course. You must first obtain permission from the Court PRIOR to taking a driving safety course.
 

Driving Safety Course Process

  • You must make your request and payment within twenty (20) calendar days from the date your citation was issued or by your appearance date in person, by mail, or online (see forms tab).
     
  • You must enter a plea of Guilty or No Contest and complete a Driver Safety Course Application
     
  • You must have a valid Texas Drivers License.
     
  • You must have proof of financial responsibility (insurance showing you as a listed driver).
     
  • You cannot have taken a driving safety course for ticket dismissal within the past twelve (12) months prior to the date of your citation. You are required to sign a legal affidavit stating you are in compliance with this condition.
     
  • You must immediately pay $144.00 ($169.00 for school zone offenses), which includes state court costs and administrative fees. This amount is subject to change according to State law.
     
  • You must submit proof of completing a Texas-approved driving safety course within 90 days from the date of payment.
     
  • You must obtain and submit to the court a certified copy of your driving record.
     
  • You must sign an affidavit stating you are in compliance with all eligibility requirements for DSC as set forth in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Sec.45.051 (c)(3).
     
  • You must return all required documentation to the Court within 90 days from the date of payment. See below for required documentation.
     

Eligibility Guidelines

You are not eligible to request a Driving Safety Course if:

  •  You have been charged with speeding 25mph or more over the posted speed limit or traveling at a rate of speed greater than 95 mph.
     
  • You are charged with violating any of the following sections of the Transportation Code (TRC) of the State of Texas:
    • TRC Sec. 472.022 – Construction or maintenance work zone when worker are present
    • TRC Sec. 545.066 – Passing a school bus
    • TRC Sec. 545.401 – Reckless driving
    • TRC Sec. 545.421 – Fleeing or attempting to elude Police Officers
    • TRC Sec. 550.022 – Accident involving damage to a vehicle
    • TRC Sec. 550.023 – Duty to give information and render aid
    • TRC Sec. 522.003 – Serious traffic violations
    • You hold a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) or held one at the time you were cited for the offense.
       

Required Documentation

  1. An original certificate of completion from a Texas-approved driving safety course is required within 90 days.

    Approved Courses Website: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/driver/safety/providers/search/
     

  2. A certified copy (Record 3A) of your driving record from the Texas Department of Public Safety in Austin is required within 90 days.

    Available Online: https://txapps.texas.gov/tolapp/txldrcdr/TXDPSLicenseeManager
     

Driving Safety Course

The driving safety course must be approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) or the Department of Licensing and Regulation. A list of approved courses is available online here. Court personnel cannot recommend a driving safety course for you.
 

Failure to Comply

  • If you fail to comply with the conditions and/or requirements, you will have to appear at a Show Cause Hearing before a Municipal Court Judge to explain why you have failed to comply.
     
  • If you do not appear for the Show Cause Hearing, a Capias Pro Fine Warrant may be issued for your arrest, and a conviction of the offense charged will be on your record, plus additional fees may be accessed.
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