If you are charged with a traffic offense under the Subtitle C of the Texas Transportation Code, you may request permission to take a driving safety course. Request for a Safety Driving course must be made prior to initial hearing date and before taking a course.
At the time of the request, you must do the following:
- Present valid Texas Driver’s License (Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders are not eligible for Defensive Driving)
- Present proof of financial responsibility ( usually liability insurance)
- Plead guilty or nolo contendere
- Pay court costs and an administration fee
Prosecution Postponed
Prosecution of the traffic offense will be postponed for 90 days to allow you time to complete the course. You are required to attend a driving safety course that has been approved by the Texas Education Agency.
Prior to the end of the 90-day period, you must present to the court a copy of the Course Completion Certificate and a 3A copy of your driving record from the Department of Public Safety.
Eligible to Request
You are eligible to request this course if you:
- Have not taken a driving safety course within the 12 months preceding the date of the offense
- Are not currently taking the Driving Safety course for another traffic violation
- Have not committed the offense of speeding 25 mph over the speed limit
- Have not committed one of the following offenses
- Failure to Give Information at Accident Scene
- Leaving Scene of Accident
- Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police Officer
- Reckless Driving
- Passing a School Bus
- Moving violation committed in a construction zone with workers present