07

Mar

2013

Drivers' Safety Course

Under the laws of the State of Texas, you may request the dismissal of one (1) MOVING traffic violation every twelve (12) months by taking a State approved drivers' safety course.

You WILL NOT QUALIFY to make the request if your citation is for ANY of the following:

• Speeding 25 miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit
• Speeding in a school zone or work zone
• Certain traffic accident violations
• Passing a stopped school bus
• Or if you have a Commercial Drivers License

(If you are active military, you may be eligible to take a driving safety course if you have a valid driver's license from another state.  Contact the Court.)

If you do qualify, you may make your request for dismissal to the Court providing ALL of the following requirements are met:

• You submit your WRITTEN REQUEST to the Court, either in person or by certified mail, ON OR BEFORE the appearance date shown on your citation.  Requests over the phone will not be accepted.
• You have not used this option during the last 12 months
• You are not currently using this option for another citation
• You have a valid Texas Driver's License, and provide a copy to the Court
• You provide the Court with proof of financial responsibility that complies with state law, that was in effect at the time the citation was written.  (This is usually liability insurance)
• You provide the Court with a Type 3A Driving Record ordered from the Texas Department of Public Safety in Austin @ 512.424.2600, or for immediate download, at www.texasonline.com

If you meet all these requirements, you must:

• Complete the Request and Affidavit for Driving Safety Course and return it to the Court on or before your appearance date
• Submit $104.10* for Court costs in the form of a money order or cashier's check, no personal checks will be accepted and never, under any circumstances, send cash in the mail.  *This does not include the cost of the course or your state issued driving record.
• Provide the Court a copy of your driver's license, proof of insurance and Type 3A Driving Record
• You will have ninety (90) days from the date your signature is notarized to complete the course, and return the Certificate of Completion to the Court.  You must sign the Court Copy of your Certificate of Completion and send it to the Court by your due date.
  
  Courses are offered at a variety of locations, including the Internet and DVD.  ONLY State of Texas approved courses will be accepted by the Court.  To find a State approved course, you can go online to www.tea.state.tx.us/drive
  
  If you cannot verify that you qualify for the Driving Safety Course, you will be required to pay the fine and Court costs for the offense and your offense will be considered as a conviction on your driving record.