How To Dismiss A Ticket In Texas

Getting pulled over in Texas is never fun. Whether it is a rolling stop sign in your neighborhood or accidentally letting your speedometer creep up on the freeway, that little slip can turn into a big headache fast. A traffic ticket does not just cost you the fine. It can also add points to your driving record, raise your insurance premiums, and generally ruin your day.

Luckily, you have a few options in Texas. In many cases, you can dismiss a traffic ticket. All you need to do is take a defensive driving course. That wipes the ticket off your record and gets you a discount on your car insurance. It is basically a win-win if you play your cards right. Let’s dig deeper so that you get an idea of how that works.

Step 1: Check If You Are Eligible for Dismissal

Not every ticket in Texas can be dismissed. So, the first thing you need to do is figure out if you qualify. Generally, you are eligible if:

• Your violation was a minor moving violation.
• You have a valid, non-commercial Texas driver’s license.
• You were not driving a commercial vehicle.
• You have current car insurance.
• You have not taken a defensive driving course in the past 12 months to dismiss another ticket.

If all of that checks out, you are in luck. You can likely request to take a TDLR approved driving safety course, pay a court fee, and have the ticket dismissed.

Step 2: Contact the Court Before the Deadline

Texas traffic tickets come with a deadline to respond. It is usually about 20 days from when you got the ticket. Do not ignore it! If you do not handle the ticket on time, you could end up with extra fines, a warrant, or a suspended license.

When you contact the court, let them know you want to take a defensive driving course to dismiss your violation. They will typically require you to:

1. Plead “no contest” or “guilty.”
2. Pay an administrative fee.
3. Provide proof of insurance and a valid driver’s license.

Once that is done, the court will give you a deadline to complete your defensive driving course and turn in your certificate of completion.

Step 3: Choose a State-Approved Defensive Driving Course

Far from all driving courses are created equal. In Texas, you have to take a state-approved course if you want your ticket dismissed. Luckily, there are tons of options:

• Online courses – super convenient, self-paced, and usually cheaper.
• In-person classes – good if you prefer structure or want to knock it out in one go.

Most online courses cost around $25–$40. It is the state minimum for approved providers. They take about 6 hours to complete. However, you can break it into chunks if it is online. Double-check that the provider is approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. If it is not on the list, the court will not accept your certificate.

Step 4: Complete the Course and Submit Your Certificate

Once you finish the course, you will take a final quiz. If you pass, the course provider will either:

• Send your completion certificate directly to you. So, you can turn it into a court.
• Send it straight to the court.

Either way, make sure you keep a copy for yourself just in case something gets lost. Then, turn everything in before your deadline. When the court receives your paperwork, it will officially dismiss the ticket. That means no points on your record and no insurance hike from that violation.

Step 5: Ask About an Insurance Discount

In Texas, many insurance companies offer discounts if you voluntarily take a defensive driving course. Even if you had to take it for ticket dismissal, it still counts! All you need to do is:

1. Call your insurance provider.
2. Ask if they offer a defensive driving discount.
3. Send them a copy of your completion certificate.

If they accept it, you could save a nice chunk of money on your premium for the next 2–3 years. Considering the course only costs about $25, it basically pays for itself after one billing cycle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Before you rush off to sign up, here are a few mistakes people make with this process. Keep them in mind to avoid similar situations in the future:

• Missing the deadline — If you do not ask for defensive driving before your ticket due date, you might lose the option altogether.
• Taking the wrong course — If it is not state-approved, the court will not accept it.
• Forgetting to turn in your certificate — Completing the course is only half the battle. You have to send proof to the court.
• Assuming all tickets qualify — Major violations or accidents with serious injuries do not qualify.

Getting a ticket in Texas is stressful. However, it does not have to wreck your driving record or your bank account. Take a defensive driving course and turn in your paperwork on time to wipe that ticket clean. And while you are at it, you might as well send that completion certificate to your insurance company and score a discount.

So the next time those red and blue lights flash in your rearview mirror, do not panic. Remember that you have a plan. Handle the ticket, sign up for defensive driving, and turn a hassle into an opportunity to save money.