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Defensive driving for a Harris County Justice Courts ticket

Tickets from the Harris County Sheriff, constables and state troopers go to one of the Harris County Justice of the Peace courts, not to the City of Houston. The court is printed on your citation.

See the courseOfficial court page
When to ask

On or before the appearance date on your citation. After that date you lose the right to require the course.

The court decides. We are a course provider, not the court.

Who the court says can ask

  • You hold a valid Texas driver license or permit, or you are active-duty military, or the spouse or dependent child of someone who is
  • You have proof of liability insurance
  • You do not hold a commercial driver license, and did not hold one when the offense happened
  • You are not taking a course now and did not complete one in the 12 months before the offense
  • Not for passing a school bus, or failing to stop and give information after an accident
  • Not for an offense in a construction or maintenance work zone with workers present
  • Not for 95 mph or more, or 25 mph or more over the posted limit

Steps for this court

01
Apply, and do not pay the ticket

Use the Apply for Driver Safety Course service on the courts' website, or send the Driving Safety Course Request Form. You plead guilty or no contest and waive a jury trial. The courts say that if you plan to apply, do not pay the citation.

02
Pay the court costs

The courts' Uniform Traffic Notice lists court costs and fees of $144.00. You pay as part of the application.

03
Wait for the court's order

The courts say not to take the course until you receive an Order from the court allowing it.

04
Send the proof within 90 days

The certificate of completion, your Texas driving record (Type 3A) and the court's affidavit about earlier courses.

Court contact

  • Harris County has 16 Justice Courts. Use the court named on your citation.
  • Website with case search, online application and each court's address and phone: jp.hctx.net
  • Forms: Driving Safety Course Request Form and Driving Safety Course Affidavit, on the courts' forms page

Source: Harris County Justice of the Peace Courts, checked November 10, 2026. Courts change fees and rules, so confirm with the court before you act.

Questions about Harris County Justice Courts

Is this the same as Houston Municipal Courts?

No. A Houston Police ticket goes to the City of Houston Municipal Courts. Sheriff, constable and trooper tickets in Harris County usually go to a Justice Court. Check the court name on your citation.

Can I apply online?

Yes, for eligible offenses. The Justice Courts' website has an Apply for Driver Safety Course service where you also pay the court costs.

When can I start the course?

After the court sends its order. The courts say not to take the course before you receive approval.

How it works

Defensive driving in 3 simple steps

01Driving Safety
Step 1

Check before you pay

Three quick questions confirm this is the course your court or insurer wants.

02Unit 3 of 6Progress saved
Step 2

Watch or read

Every lesson comes as a captioned video and as text. Switch whenever you like.

03COURT / AGENCYCertificate ready
Step 3

Finish and deliver

Your time and place are saved on our side, so you can change devices. Pass the final exam, review your details, and get the certificate with delivery instructions.