Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
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How to Dismiss Your Ticket in Texas

In Texas, dismissing a traffic ticket can help you avoid fines, points on your driving record, and increased insurance rates. Here are the primary methods to achieve dismissal.

Defensive Driving Course (Driving Safety Course)

This is the most common way to dismiss a minor traffic violation.

To qualify:

  • You must hold a valid non-commercial Texas driver’s license.
  • You haven’t completed a defensive driving course for a ticket dismissal in the past 12 months.
  • The violation wasn’t in a construction zone with workers present.
  • You weren’t speeding 25 mph or more over the limit.
  • You weren’t driving a commercial vehicle.

Steps:

  1. Request Permission: Contact the court before your scheduled appearance date to request permission to take a defensive driving course.
  2. Pay Fees: Pay any required court fees. Normally between $144 and $164.
  3. Complete the Course: Enroll in and complete a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)-approved defensive driving course.
  4. Submit Documentation: Provide the court with your Certificate of Completion and, if required, a certified copy of your driving record

Completing these steps can lead to the dismissal of your ticket and prevent points from being added to your driving record.

Deferred Disposition

Deferred disposition is a form of probation that may result in ticket dismissal if you meet certain conditions set by the court. This option is typically available for minor violations.

Steps:

  1. Request Deferred Disposition: Contact the court to request this option before your court date.
  2. Submit Proof: Provide the court with evidence of compliance, such as a Uniform Certificate of Course Completion for the defensive driving/driving safety course.
  3. Comply with Conditions: Fulfill all court-imposed conditions during the probation period, which may include:
  • Not receiving any additional traffic violations.
  • Completing a defensive driving course.
  • Paying associated fees.

Successful completion of the probation period and its conditions can lead to ticket dismissal.

Correcting Compliance Issues

For certain violations, such as:

  • No driver’s license.
  • No proof of insurance.
  • Expired driver’s license.
  • Expired vehicle inspection or registration.
  • Defective equipment.

You may have the ticket dismissed by:

  1. Correcting the Issue: Address the violation (e.g., renew your registration).
  2. Providing Proof: Submit evidence of correction to the court before your scheduled hearing.
  3. Paying Fees: Pay any applicable dismissal fees.

When Dismissal Isn’t Possible

Certain violations are ineligible for dismissal through defensive driving or deferred disposition, including:

  • Speeding 25 mph or more over the limit.
  • Passing a school bus.
  • Violations in construction zones with workers present.
  • Leaving the scene of an accident.
  • Fleeing from law enforcement.
  • Driving without insurance or a valid license.
  • Holding a commercial driver’s license.

In such cases, you may need to consider contesting the ticket in court or consulting with a traffic attorney.

⚠️ Important Tips

  • Act Promptly: You typically have 15 days from the date of the citation to take action.
  • Check Eligibility: Always confirm your eligibility for dismissal options with the court handling your ticket.
  • Maintain Records: Keep copies of all documents submitted to the court.