Defensive Driving or Motorcycle Operator Course
Deferred Adjudication
You have the right to successfully complete a driving safety course
or a motorcycle operator training course if you were charged with:
failure to obey warning signs under Transportation Code § 472.022;
a misdemeanor traffic offense under Subtitle C, Title 7, Transportation
Code , or operation of a motor vehicle by a minor under Transporation
Code § 729.001 (a)(3). You may not take a course for insurance
violations, for parking violations, if you hold a commercial license
or if you have taken a course within 12 months of the date of this
citation. You may not take a course if you have been charged with:
a serious traffic violation, speeding 25 mph or more over the posted
speed limit, failure to remain at an accident scene, failure to
give information and render aid, offenses in a construction or maintenance
work zone when workers are present or passing a school bus loading
or unloading children.
To request a course:
- Please sign the citation, and make a plea of guilty or no contest.
- Mail by the answer date indicated on the front of the citation.
- If you choose the option of defensive driving or a motorcyle
operator course to have your citation dismissed, the only amount
due is $110.00, or if your violation is a school zone violation the amount will be $135.00.
It is not necessary to pay the entire fine.
Eligibility Requirements to take a Driving Safety Course or
Motorcycle Operator Course:
- You may take a course to satisfy only ONE charge.
- You must provide current proof of insurance in accordance with
Chapter 601, Texas Transportation Code.
- You must show proof that you possess a valid Texas Driver's
License or Permit on or before the answer date on the front of
the citation.
- On or before the 90th day after you requested to take a course,
you must provide a driving record from the
Texas Department of Public Safety, which is evidence that you
have not completed an approved driving safety course within 12
months from the preceding date of the offense. A form
is provided for your convenience. Complete the form and mail it
to the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Allow enough time -
receipt of your driving record can take up to 4 weeks. There is
a contact number at the top of the form, contact DPS to check
on status of request if it takes longer than 4 weeks.
- On or before the 90th day after you requested to take a course,
you must file an affidavit with the appropriate court stating
that you are not currently taking a course or have not taken,
within the 12 months preceding the offense, a course that is not
yet shown on your driving record from the Texas Department of
Public Safety. Sign and notarize the Request
for Driving Safety Course Affidavit, below.
- You must forward both the driving record and certificate of
completion to the J.P Central Collections Center on or before
the 90th day after you requested to take a course. There will
be no extensions.
- Find a certified Driving Safety Course to complete the course.
Go to your yellow pages and/or check the Texas Education Agency
website for a list of certified Driving Safety Courses. Your certificate
will be mailed directly to you from the school. This process can
take up to 3 weeks. Allow enough time to take the course and receive
your certificate by the due date.
- You will be assessed court costs in the amount of $110.00 for
taking a course, or if your violation is a school zone violation the amount will be $135.00.
The amount of the court costs is subject to change
in accordance with the legislature.
Immediate payment of court costs of $110.00 is due to the JP Collections
Center, or if your violation is a school zone violation the amount will be $135.00.
Methods of Payment: checks, credit card and money order.
Checks should be made payable to J.P. Central Collections. Send
the required documents to the JP Collections Center at the address
listed below.
Information on Deferred Adjudication
For eligibility requirements, please contact JP Central Collections
Center:
Dallas County
JP Collections Center
P.O. Box 540488
Dallas, TX 75354
214-904-3188
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