DRIVING SAFETY COURSE (DSC) /DEFENSIVE DRIVING

Certain offenses and CDL (Commercial Driver's License) holders may not qualify for this option.

COURSES OFFERED

• Defensive Driving/Driving Safety Course
• Motorcycle Operator's Training Course
• Seatbelt Safety Course

Pursuant to Chapter 45 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, a defendant may complete a driving safety course in lieu of paying the fines and costs associated with an offense involving the operation of a motor vehicle. However, the completion of a driving safety course is not allowed for defendants cited while operating a commercial vehicle, as defined by Section 522.003 of the Texas Transportation Code.

Defendants issued citations while operating motorcycles qualify for deferred disposition if they successfully complete a motorcycle operator training course. Also, defendants issued a citation for failing to wear a seatbelt or have a passenger or child in a safety seat/seatbelt can also complete a seatbelt safety course to have a citation omitted from their driving record.

Requesting DSC

Any person under the age of 25 shall be required to complete a driver's safety course pursuant to Art. 45.051 (b -1) of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

The request to take a safety course must be made prior to the expiration of the 22 -day period allowed to appear on your citation. The request must be made in person or in writing. Click here for the request for driving safety course form. Payment of the State costs and administrative fees should be submitted with your request. Defendants issued citations for seatbelt violations or while operating a motorcycle must also complete the written request for a driving safety course and may use the web site form for these courses also.

Driving Safety Course Eligibility

To qualify you must meet the following terms:

1. You must have a valid Texas Driver License or if you are a member or spouse/dependant of a member of the United States Military forces serving on active duty,
2. You must have current proof of financial responsibility (insurance);
3. You must NOT have taken a safety course within past 12 months;
4. You cannot have taken a driving safety course or motorcycle operator training course for dismissal of another citation or be in the process of taking the course for another traffic violation and said course is not yet reflected on your driving record;
5. You cannot have a commercial driver's license or have been charged with an offense in a construction zone with workers present OR speeding 25 miles or more over the posted speed limit.

REQUIREMENTS IF DETERMINED ELIGIBLE

You may request this option, by mail or in person, before the Court within 22 calendar days from the date cited.

You must provide the following:

1. You must enter a plea of GUILTY or NOLO CONTENDERE/NO CONTEST;
2. You must pay the State costs and fees (call for amount due); fee is due at time of request;
3. You must file an affidavit with the Court stating you have met the above requirements;
4. You must obtain a copy of your driving record from the Department of Public Safety (DPS). An application to obtain your record will be provided to you by the Court clerks after your request for a safety course is granted. A $10.00 fee will be charged by DPS for the copy of your driving record. This fee should be paid directly to the DPS and must be mailed with your application to the DPS in Austin, Texas. Or you may order online through Department of Public Safety (DPS). [click here for list of State approved Safety Courses]

You must complete the following:

1. a Texas Education Agency approved safety course within 90 days of request;
October 6, 2008rm certificate of course completion of safety course;
2. copy of driving record as maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety

Compliance

After successful completion of the safety course, the Court will dismiss the case and report to the Texas Department of Public Safety for inclusion on your driving record.

Furthermore, if you fail to provide the Court with your certificate within that period, you will be summoned to Court to "show cause" as to why your certificate was not returned. If you do not appear for the hearing it may result in the issuance of an additional charges for Failure to Appear and warrants for your arrest.