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DRIVING
SAFETY COURSE
DO
NOT TAKE A DRIVER SAFETY COURSE WITHOUT FIRST OBTAINING PERMISSION
FROM THE COURT.
What
is a Driver Safety Course?
A Driver Safety Course is six (6) hours in length and taught
by a provider that has received approval from the Texas Education
Agency (TEA) to offer instruction intended to improve a driver's
knowledge, perception, and attitude about driving. If the
Defendant successfully completes the course within a ninety
(90) day period and provides the Court will all specified
items, the case will be dismissed.
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What
are the advantages of a Driver Safety Course?
Upon successful completion, the ticket will be dismissed,
and a conviction will not be reported to the State.
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Can
a Driver Safety Course be taken for any violation?
No. The Driver Safety Course only applies to moving traffic
violations as follows:
- Obeying Warning Signs, Section 472.022 TC
- Rules of the Road, Subtitle C, Title 7, Sections 541-600,
TC
- Operation of Motor Vehicle By Minors, Section 729.001(a)(3),
TC
Non-moving
traffic violations or non-traffic violations (i.e., alcohol,
tobacco, criminal mischief, etc), do not apply. Should clarification
be needed, please contact the Court.
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What
is required to apply for a Driver Safety Course?
- The Defendant must appear in PERSON or BY MAIL and submit
a Driving Safety
Course (DSC) Application & Affidavit Form*.
This must be completed BEFORE or ON the appearance date.
- Enter a plea of Guilty or No Contest.
- Provide proof of a valid Texas Driver's License or permit
with application (out-of-state military license acceptable
with signed DSC affidavit).
- Proof of liability insurance card or other evidence of
financial responsibility on yourself not vehicle with application.
- Pay the Driver Safety Course Fee. The full amount must
accompany the application.
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How
much will a Driver Safety Course cost?
In most cases, the Driver Safety Course Fee due to the Court
is $107.00. However, if the violation was issued in a school
zone, the fee is $132.00. If the violation occurred prior
to 12/01/05 or is in warrant status, a different amount may
apply. Please contact the Court.
The
Defendant is also responsible for paying an additional fee
directly to the provider for enrolling in the actual course
once the Court has approved the Defendant to sign-up. The
provider's fee ranges between $25 and $40, with $25 being
the least that can be charged by law.
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Who
is NOT eligible to take a Driver Safety Course?
- Defendant that has completed a Driver safety Course within
the last twelve (12) months preceding the date of the offense.
- Defendant that held a commercial driver's license (CDL)
at the time of the offense, regardless of whether the vehicle
was a commercial or private vehicle.
- Defendant that was cited for one of the following:
- Speeding in excess of 25 miles per hour or more over
the speed limit.
- Issued in a construction zone with workers present.
- Passing a school bus loading or unloading children.
- Leaving the scene of an accident.
- Accident involving damage to vehicle.
- Duty to give information and render aid.
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Where
can a Driving Safety Course be taken?
While the Court cannot recommend a specific provider or location,
it can direct Defendants to a complete list provided by the
Texas
Education Agency (TEA), which governs all providers. Driving
Safety courses are available in the classroom, but video or
online. See the Driver
Safety Course Locations*
form for more information.
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Where
can a Specialized Driving Safety Seat Belt Course be taken?
Specialized Driving Safety Seat Belt Courses may also be located
using the Texas
Education Agency (TEA) website.
They are only available in the classroom or online. Video
is not available.
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What
must be done once a Driver Safety Course is completed?
Once completed, the Defendant must return both the certificate
of completion (signed) and a certified copy of a driving record
from the Texas Department of Public Safety to the Court within
the time set forth. The driving record will provide proof
to the Court that a Driver Safety Course has not been completed
within the last twelve (12) months from date of offense. See
the Driver
Record Request (Mail)* or
Driver
Record Request (Online) form for more information. All
paperwork should be mailed certified with return receipt.
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What
happens if the Driver Safety Course is not completed or all
specified items are not submitted as ordered?
If all paperwork is not received in the Court by the due date,
the violation will be reported to the State as a conviction
on the Defendant's record, and the balance of the fine (original
amount due - fee paid) will be due. Should arrangements not
be made to pay the balance of the fine, a capias pro fine
warrant will be issued for the Defendant's arrest.
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Nothing
contained herein is intended to be nor should be construed
as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such.
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