How to Dismiss Your Speeding Ticket In Texas
Drivers have a large responsibility when it comes to keeping our roadways safe. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 60 percent of drivers consider other drivers a major personal threat to their families and themselves. This statistic doesn't just involve intoxicated drivers, but also includes drivers who are issued speeding tickets in Texas.
Next to driving distracted, speeding is the second leading cause of accidents in the nation. Additionally, speeding tickets are one of the most common types of tickets that are written in Texas and many other states across the nation. If you have received a speeding ticket in Texas, a Houston traffic ticket, or any other traffic citation in the state of Texas, you may be eligible to complete a defensive driving course to dismiss your violation. If you choose not to dismiss your traffic citation, your driving record could suffer!
The Texas Point System
Many people choose not to dismiss their speeding ticket in Texas or other Texas traffic citation, but doing so can severely hurt your driving record. Regardless of whether you received a Houston traffic ticket or a ticket in a different location in Texas, repeat violations can damage your driving record and lead to a license suspension.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), your license may be suspended when you are convicted of:
- Four or more moving traffic violations in a 12-month period
- Seven or more moving traffic violations in a 24-month period
The best way to avoid having to pay these fines and to keep your driving record point-free is to take defensive driving to dismiss your speeding ticket in Texas or other traffic citation.
Taking Defensive Driving to Dismiss Your Traffic Citation
Once you have received your moving traffic violation, make sure with the court listed on your ticket that you are eligible to take a driver safety program. You can take a course online, in a classroom, or purchase a video. (For more information on defensive driving eligibility, Click Here) Once your eligibility has been confirmed, you must elect to take a driver safety course through the court. Notifying the court of your intention to take a defensive driving program will guarantee that your court will accept your certification following your completion of the defensive driving program. Once this information has been confirmed, you will be able to participate in a defensive driving course.
When you elect to take defensive driving through the courts, you are allotted 90 days to turn in your completion certificate. After you turn your certificate into the court, you will be able to prevent negative points from reaching your driving record. This will also keep your insurance provider from knowing that you received a citation, keeping your insurance rates low. When you receive your certificate, you can submit a copy to the court and a copy to your insurance provider. If you have not taken a driver safety class within the pass three (3) years for an insurance reduction, you may be able to receive a discount. (Click Here to learn more about receiving a discount on your auto insurance.)