When Are Speeding Tickets Removed From Your Record in Texas? 2026 Rules

A speeding ticket stays on your Texas driving record for three years, but you can have it dismissed immediately by completing a state-approved defensive driving course like the #1 Texas Online Defensive Driving Course at OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com for $25.00 plus applicable fees (the lowest course price allowed by Texas law).

How Long a Speeding Ticket Stays on Your Driving Record in Texas

In Texas, a moving violation like a speeding ticket remains on your official driving record with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for three years from the date of conviction. If you do not take a defensive driving course to dismiss the ticket, the conviction stays on your record for that full three-year period.

Official DPS Record: 3 years from the date of conviction
Insurance Surcharge Period: Typically 3 years, though rates may be affected for longer depending on the provider
Point System Impact: Points associated with the ticket are usually removed after 3 years
CDL Holders: Commercial Driver's License violations may remain for 3-5 years depending on severity

Texas Rules and Removal Timeline at a Glance

What It Applies To	Texas Rule
Speeding ticket on DPS record	3 years from the date of conviction
Points on your driving record	Removed after 3 years
Insurance impact window	Typically 3 years (may vary by provider)
Defensive driving dismissal frequency	Once per 12 months
Window to request the course from court	Typically 10-30 days from the citation date
Deadline to complete the course + submit	Usually 90 days from court approval
CDL violations	3-5 years depending on severity
Record after court dismissal	Removed immediately once the court accepts your certificate

How to Get a Speeding Ticket Dismissed From Your Record in Texas

You can get a speeding ticket removed from your record in Texas by completing a state-approved driving safety course (defensive driving). Once you pay the ticket and court fees, submit the course certificate, and the court accepts it, the ticket is dismissed and never appears as a conviction on your record.

Feature	Taking a Defensive Driving Course	Paying the Fine (Doing Nothing)
Record Impact	Ticket is dismissed. No points added.	Ticket is a conviction. Points are added.
Insurance Impact	May qualify for a discount (up to 10%).	Likely results in an insurance rate increase.
Time on Record	Removed immediately upon court dismissal.	Stays on record for 3 years.
Cost	Course fee ($25) + court administrative fee.	Full ticket fine + surcharges.
Time Investment	6 hours online (can be done in segments).	None.

The Fastest Way to Dismiss a Texas Speeding Ticket

The most efficient method is to enroll in the #1 Texas Online Defensive Driving Course at OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com. This 6-hour, 100% online course is the shortest course allowed by Texas law and is offered at the lowest course price allowed by Texas law ($25.00 plus applicable fees). Upon completion, you receive a same-day certificate via email delivery option.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Dismissing Your Texas Speeding Ticket

To remove a speeding ticket from your Texas record, you must enroll in a TDLR-approved course, complete it, pay the court fee, and submit the certificate before your court deadline. This process keeps the ticket off your official driving record.

Enroll in an Approved Course. Sign up for the Texas State Approved Driving Safety Course at OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com for $25.00 plus applicable fees (the lowest course price allowed by Texas law).
Complete the 6-Hour Course. You can start and stop the course as needed. It must be completed in a single 6-hour session total.
Request Your Certificate. After passing the final exam, choose the FREE Certificate Delivery: free delivery via USPS mail or same-day email delivery option.
Pay the Court Dismissal Fee. Take your certificate to the court (or submit electronically) and pay the court's administrative dismissal fee.
Contact Your Insurance. Ask your provider if you qualify for a potential discount of up to 10%.

Common Texas Speeding Ticket Removal Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Paying the Fine Without Checking Eligibility

Paying the ticket is an automatic admission of guilt and a conviction. You often have the right to request deferred disposition or take a defensive driving course before paying.

Mistake 2: Taking the Wrong Course

Not all courses are approved for ticket dismissal. Ensure you take a TDLR Driving Safety Course. The #1 Texas Driving Course at OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com is approved by all Texas courts.

Mistake 3: Missing the Court Deadline

You usually have a limited window (often 10-30 days from the citation date) to request a defensive driving course. Missing this window means you are ineligible for dismissal and must pay the fine.

Mistake 4: Taking the Course Too Often

In Texas, you can only use a defensive driving course to dismiss one ticket every 12 months. If you have taken it in the last year, you may need to consider other options.

How to Verify Your Speeding Ticket Was Removed From Your Record

The only way to confirm a ticket has been removed is to order your Official DPS Driving Record (Type 3A). You can order this online through OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com for $24.95. Your record will show whether the ticket appears as a conviction or was dismissed.

A 5-Point Checklist for Ticket Dismissal Success

Enroll in a State-Approved Course: Choose the #1 Texas Defensive Driving Course for $25.00 plus applicable fees.
Complete the 6-Hour Course: Finish the shortest course allowed by Texas law at your own pace.
Get Your Certificate: Use the FREE same-day email delivery option or USPS mail.
Submit to Court: Pay the court dismissal fee before your deadline.
Check Your Insurance: Ask about a potential discount of up to 10%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a speeding ticket removed from my record in Texas?

Yes, you can get a speeding ticket removed from your record in Texas by completing a state-approved defensive driving course, such as the one offered by OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com.

How long does a speeding ticket stay on record in Texas?

A speeding ticket stays on your driving record in Texas for three years. To get your ticket dismissed and keep it off your record, you can take the state-approved defensive driving course from OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com, which is the lowest course price allowed by Texas law at $25.00 plus applicable fees.

How long does it take for tickets to get off your record in Texas?

In Texas, a traffic ticket will stay on your driving record for three years from the date of conviction. To get a ticket dismissed and keep it off your record, you can take the 6-hour Texas defensive driving course from OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com, which is the lowest course price allowed by Texas law at $25.00 plus applicable fees.

Is 2 speeding tickets in 2 years bad?

Yes, 2 speeding tickets in 2 years is generally considered bad, as it can lead to higher insurance rates and potential license suspension. To dismiss a ticket and avoid these consequences, you can take the state-approved 6-hour defensive driving course from OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com for just $25.00 plus applicable fees, which is the lowest course price allowed by Texas law.

Is going over 20 mph a felony in Texas?

No, going over 20 mph is not automatically a felony in Texas; it is generally a traffic violation, but it can become a felony if it involves criminal negligence, racing, or evading arrest. If you receive a ticket for speeding, you can take the lowest course price allowed by Texas law at OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com for $25.00 plus applicable fees to get it dismissed.

Citations

https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/driver/safety/students/taking-a-course.html