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Defensive driving for a Houston Municipal Courts ticket

Houston has two paths, called mandatory and discretionary. Which one you get depends on your ticket and on when you ask.

See the courseOfficial court page
When to ask

On or before your arraignment court date. Citations usually appear in the court system within 10 business days.

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

Who the court says can ask

  • You need a valid Texas driver license and current insurance that lists you
  • Not for commercial driver license holders
  • Not if you took a court-ordered course within one year of this citation
  • Not for 95 mph or more, or 25 mph or more over the limit
  • Not for passing a school bus, leaving the scene, or a construction zone with workers present

Steps for this court

01
Apply

Send the signed DSC application with a copy of your license (front) and insurance by mail or email, or ask in court.

02
Pay the fee

Mandatory: $144.00, or $169.00 in a school zone. Discretionary: $184.00, or $209.00 in a school zone.

03
Wait for approval by mail

You then have 90 days to finish the course and turn in your documents.

04
Send the proof

Mandatory: the signed Court Copy of the certificate, a certified Type 3A driving record and a notarized affidavit. Documents go in person or by mail, not email.

Court contact

  • Mail: City of Houston Municipal Courts, P.O. Box 4996, Houston, TX 77210-4996
  • Email for requests: mcd@houstontx.gov
  • Herbert W. Gee Municipal Courthouse: 1400 Lubbock Street, Houston, TX 77002
  • Help line: 713.837.0311

Source: City of Houston Municipal Courts Department, checked November 10, 2026. Courts change fees and rules, so confirm with the court before you act.

Questions about Houston Municipal Courts

What is discretionary DSC?

It applies when you missed the arraignment date for the mandatory request, or took a course within a year of the citation. It costs more and the judge decides.

Can I email my certificate?

No. Houston accepts the completion documents in person or by mail.

How long do I have?

90 days from the court's approval notice.

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.