Texas ticket dismissal with defensive driving

Last updated November 10, 2026

In Texas, many traffic tickets can be dismissed if you ask the court in time and then finish an approved driving safety course. The court decides, not the course provider.

The short version

• Ask the court on or before the appearance date on your citation. After that date you lose the right to require the course.
• Plead guilty or no contest and pay the court's costs.
• Wait for the court's permission before you take a course.
• Finish the course and send your proof, usually within 90 days.

Who can ask

• You hold a valid Texas driver license or permit, or you are active-duty military, or a spouse or dependent child of someone who is
• You have proof of liability insurance
• You have not completed a driving safety course to dismiss a ticket in the 12 months before this offense
• You do not hold a commercial driver license

Tickets that do not qualify

• Speeding 25 mph or more over the limit, or 95 mph or more
• Passing a school bus
• Leaving the scene of an accident or failing to give information
• An offense in a construction or maintenance work zone with workers present

What the court usually wants back

• The court copy of your certificate of completion, signed
• Your Texas driving record, Type 3A, from the Department of Public Safety
• A sworn statement that you have not taken another course in the last 12 months

These points come from Article 45.0511 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure as explained by Texas courts. A judge can also allow a course in some cases outside these rules. Fees and forms differ by court.

Find your court

See the court guides for Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth and the county Justice Courts, each with the official source linked.