Driving 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 on offenses involving the operation of a motor vehicle. However, the completion of a driving safety course is not allowed for defendants who hold a commercial vehicle driver’s license.

Defendants issued a citation while operating a motorcycle qualify for deferred disposition if they successfully complete a motorcycle operator training course. Also, defendants issued a citation for failing to wear a seat belt or for a passenger or child not in a safety seat/seat belt can also complete a seat belt safety course to have a citation omitted from their driving record.

To Be Eligible

To be eligible to take a driving safety course for ticket dismissal, you must:

• Make your request on or before the appearance date on your citation in person or in writing by certified mail. You are required to complete and submit a Request to Take Driver Safety Course form before your request will be considered
• Enter a plea of No Contest or Guilty
• Have a valid Texas Driver’s license or permit
• Have proof of financial responsibility (insurance)
• Not have taken a driving safety course for ticket dismissal within the past 12 months prior to the date of your citation. You will be required to sign a legal affidavit stating you are in compliance with this condition
• Pay $144 ($169 for school zone offenses) which includes state court costs and administrative fees.  This amount is subject to change according to state law. Whatever amount is in effect at the time will apply.

When You Are Not Eligible

You are not eligible to take a driving safety course for ticket dismissal if:

• You hold a commercial driver’s license.
• You were charged with speeding 25 miles or more over the speed limit.
• You were charged with violating one of the following sections of the Transportation Code (TRC) of the State of Texas:
  • TRC Section 472.022 - Construction or maintenance work zone when workers are present
  • TRC Section 545.066 - Passing a school bus
  • TRC Section 545.401 - Reckless driving
  • TRC Section 545.421 - Fleeing or attempting to elude police officers
  • TRC Section 550.022 - Accident involving damage to a vehicle
  • TRC Section 550.023 - Duty to give information and render aid
  • TRC Section 522.003 - Serious traffic violations

Requesting a Driving Safety Course

• You may request a driver’s safety course online.
• You may request a driver’s safety course at the Mansfield Municipal Court.
• To request a driver’s safety course by mail, complete and follow the instructions on the Sworn Request for Driver Safety Course (PDF)
• All requests must be made in person, online, or postmarked timely on or before your first court appearance date, which is 10 business days from the issuance of the citation

After Obtaining Approval & Paying Fees

Once you have obtained approval from the court and paid your fees, you must:

• Take a state-approved driving safety course and return all documentation listed below within 90 days.
• Obtain a certified copy of your driving record online from the Texas Department of Public Safety in Austin.
• Submit both of the following to the court by your 90-day deadline:
  • A certificate of completion from a state-approved driving safety course
  • A certified copy of your driving record from the Texas Department of Public Safety

No extensions will be given.

Where You Can Take a Driving Safety Course

The driving safety course must be approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations              (TDLR). Court personnel cannot recommend a driving safety school. You can find more information about Driving Safety Courses through TDLR’s Website.