How to Dismiss a Texas Traffic Ticket

Receiving a traffic ticket in Texas can be a hassle, but it doesn't always have to mean paying fines or facing increased insurance premiums. With the right approach and knowledge of Texas traffic laws and procedures, you may be able to dismiss a ticket and reduce its impact.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to get a speeding ticket dismissed in Texas, saving you time, money and stress.

Steps to Dismissal

Follow these steps to ensure eligibility for dismissal:

Step 1: Check with the court in the county where you received the ticket to confirm that it is eligible for dismissal.

Step 2: Sign up for the online Texas Defensive Driving course. Make sure all information is accurate because we use it to process your completion certificate.

Step 3: Order your Texas Type 3A Certified Driving Record. All Texas courts require your driving record in addition to a defensive driving course certificate of completion.

Step 4: Begin the Texas Defensive Driving course. You can take the course whenever it is convenient for you on any device with internet access. You do not need to take the course in one sitting — log in and out as much as you like. The course must be completed within 90 days of registration.

Step 5: Complete the course and receive your certificate of completion. We will process the certificate the same day you finish. Your certificate will be available to download seven days after defensive driving course completion. If you need it sooner, you can choose overnight delivery, second-day delivery or U.S. First-Class Mail.

Step 6: Bring your certificate and driving record to the county court. Remember to verify the specific procedure required by the court. This may involve contacting the court clerk or consulting their website for instructions.

Step 7: Check your record again about 30 days later to make sure the ticket has been dismissed. Congratulations on getting your ticket dismissed!

Avoiding License Suspension

To protect your record and avoid fines and suspensions, it's important to avoid violations and to dismiss speeding or traffic tickets whenever you're eligible.

Texas abolished its traffic point system in 2019. Previously, traffic violations added a designated number of points to your record, and accumulating too many points within a certain timeframe could lead to surcharges and a potential license suspension.

Since the point system was discontinued, Texas now bases license suspensions on the number of traffic offenses committed within specific periods. Instead of accruing points, drivers must be mindful of the frequency and severity of their traffic violations.

Here's how the current system works:

  • Number of offenses: Your driving privileges may be suspended if you accumulate multiple traffic offenses within a short period. Committing four moving violations within 12 months or seven within 24 months can lead to a license suspension. Serious offenses, such as driving while intoxicated (DWI) or reckless driving, may result in immediate suspension.
  • Types of violations: The types of violations you commit play a significant role in determining the likelihood of suspension. Major offenses like DWI, driving without insurance or fleeing from an accident carry harsher penalties and can result in longer suspension periods or even permanent revocation of driving privileges.
  • Monitoring your record: It's crucial to regularly check your driving record through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website. Staying informed about any violations or potential suspensions allows you to take proactive measures to address issues before they escalate.
  • Preventive measures: To avoid license suspension, consider taking defensive driving courses, adhering strictly to traffic laws and addressing any traffic tickets promptly. Completing a defensive driving course can sometimes help dismiss a ticket, depending on the offense and your eligibility.

By staying aware of the number and severity of your traffic violations, you can take the necessary steps to maintain your driving privileges and avoid the repercussions of license suspension.

Consulting with Legal Council

If you're uncertain about the best course of action for your situation, seeking guidance from a traffic ticket attorney can be beneficial. These legal professionals specialize in Texas traffic laws and traffic court procedures. They can offer support tailored to your circumstances.

Consulting with a traffic ticket lawyer can help you gain clarity about your situation. A lawyer can review the details of your traffic violation, assess the strength of your case and advise you on the best course of action. Whether you need to challenge a speeding ticket in court, explore alternative options for dismissal or negotiate with the prosecutor, a skilled attorney can provide valuable guidance.

Traffic ticket attorneys can also advocate for you throughout the legal process, representing your interests and ensuring that your rights are protected. They can navigate complex legal procedures on your behalf, handle communication with the court and prosecuting attorneys and present your case in court if necessary.

Ready to Dismiss Your Traffic Ticket?

Don't wait any longer. Trust SafeMotorist to help you dismiss your ticket and get back on the road with peace of mind. Your journey to a clean driving record starts now!