TLDR Most Texas moving violations are eligible for dismissal with a TDLR-approved defensive driving course if you have a valid non-commercial Texas license, insurance, and have not used the course in the past 12 months. Ineligible violations include speeding 25+ mph over or at 95+ mph, passing a stopped school bus, reckless driving, hit-and-run, construction-zone violations with workers present, and any offense committed while holding a CDL.
Verified against Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 45A.352 and municipal court driver-safety course guidance, updated August 2026.
The Short Answer: What Can Be Dismissed
Texas allows a driver to dismiss one eligible moving violation every
12 months by completing a state-approved Driving Safety Course (defensive driving) and filing a certificate with the court. To qualify you must have court approval before taking the course, hold a valid
non-commercial Texas driver license, have had liability insurance at the time of the citation, and not have used the course for dismissal in the past 12 months. The table below shows which violations courts commonly accept and which are excluded.
| Violation | Eligible for Dismissal? | Notes |
|---|
| Speeding 1-24 mph over the limit | Eligible | Most courts accept minor speeding for a first-time dismissal |
| Running a red light or stop sign | Eligible | Acceptance varies by court; confirm before enrolling |
| Improper turn or lane change | Eligible | Minor moving violations generally qualify |
| Failure to yield | Eligible | Generally qualifies if no crash resulted |
| Speeding 25+ mph over or 95+ mph | Not eligible | Excluded by statute |
| Passing a stopped school bus | Not eligible | Excluded by statute |
| Reckless driving | Not eligible | Serious offense, excluded |
| Leaving the scene (hit-and-run) | Not eligible | Failing to stop and give information/render aid |
| Fleeing or eluding police | Not eligible | Excluded by statute |
| Construction-zone violation with workers present | Not eligible | Excluded by statute |
| Driving without insurance | Not eligible | You must have had insurance at the time of the citation |
| Any offense with a CDL | Not eligible | CDL holders cannot use the course for dismissal, even in a personal vehicle |
General Eligibility Requirements
Beyond the violation type, the court will check these conditions:
- Valid non-commercial Texas driver license (active military and their spouses may have exceptions)
- Proof of financial responsibility - liability insurance in effect at the time of the citation
- No defensive driving dismissal in the past 12 months counted from the offense date
- Court approval before taking the course - do not enroll before the court says yes
- Moving violation only - non-moving violations generally do not qualify
Step-by-Step: Get a Texas Ticket Dismissed
- Contact the court on your citation before your appearance date and request permission to take a defensive driving course. Get the approval in writing.
- Confirm your eligibility with the court, including your insurance status and that you have not used a course in the past 12 months.
- Complete a TDLR-approved 6-hour course from a provider such as onlinetxdefensivedrivingcourse.com.
- Order a certified Type 3A driving record from DPS if the court requires it to prove eligibility.
- Submit everything by the court deadline - usually about 90 days - including your certificate, the Type 3A record, and any court costs. Paying the fine is separate from the dismissal.
Extra Restrictions Some Courts Add
Some municipal courts add their own exclusions on top of state law. You may see
speeding in a school zone,
following too closely,
erratic or improper lane changes, and
violations that caused a crash or fatality listed as ineligible. Because every court makes the final call, confirm your specific citation with the court listed on the ticket before you pay for a course.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tickets can be dismissed with defensive driving in Texas?
Most minor moving violations such as speeding 1-24 mph over the limit, running a light or stop sign, improper turns, and failure to yield can be dismissed once every 12 months with a TDLR-approved course, if you have insurance and a valid non-commercial Texas license.
What tickets cannot be dismissed in Texas?
Speeding 25+ mph over or 95+ mph, passing a stopped school bus, reckless driving, hit-and-run, fleeing police, construction-zone violations with workers present, driving without insurance, and any offense committed with a CDL are not eligible.
Can a CDL holder dismiss a ticket with defensive driving in Texas?
No. CDL holders cannot use a defensive driving course for ticket dismissal in Texas, even if the offense happened in a personal vehicle.
How often can you use defensive driving to dismiss a ticket in Texas?
Once every 12 months. You cannot dismiss a second citation with a driving safety course if the first dismissal was within the past 12 months of the new offense date.
Do I need court approval before taking the course?
Yes. You must request permission from the court before your appearance date and receive approval before you complete the course. Taking the course first does not guarantee dismissal.
Check Your Eligibility and Start Your Course
If your ticket is on the eligible list and your court has approved you, do not wait for the deadline. Complete a TDLR-approved 6-hour course from
onlinetxdefensivedrivingcourse.com and get your certificate filed on time to keep points off your record.
Start your Texas ticket dismissal course now.
Citations
- https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.45A.htm
- https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/driver/safety/students/taking-a-course.htm
- https://ci.nederland.tx.us/departments/municipal_court/driver_safety_course.php
- https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/driver/safety/providers/search/
