Driving Safety Course (DSC)

The Code of Criminal Procedure, Art 45.051(q) states -- You may be able to require that this charge be dismissed by successfully completing a driving safety course or a motorcycle operator training course. You will lose that right if before your appearance date you do not provide the Court with notice of your request to take the course.

• If you are charged with a traffic offense, you may be eligible to request the Driving Safety Course option on or before your initial appearance date.  
• If you were operating a motorcycle and are approved to take a Driving Safety course, you will be required to take a Motorcycle Operator Training Course.
• If you were charged with Seat Belt Violation - No Child Safety Seat 8 years and younger and are approved to take a Driving Safety Course, you will be required to take a Specialized Driving Safety "Seat Belt" Course.

PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST REQUEST THE DRIVING SAFETY COURSE OPTION PRIOR TO TAKING THE COURSE.  

Eligibility:

• You must have and present a valid, non-commercial Texas driver's license or permit; or be a member, or the spouse or dependent child of a member, of the United States military forces serving on active duty.
• You must enter a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (no contest).
• You must have been charged with an eligible offense as defined by Texas Transportation Code 45.0511.
• You must not have completed a Driving Safety Course or Motorcycle Operator Training Course within the 12 months preceding the date of the offense.  
• You must provide evidence of financial responsibility (current vehicle liability insurance) at the time of the request.  
• You must pay the court costs and administrative fee of $144.00.

Requirements for Dismissal:

• You must submit a court copy of a Driving Safety Course completion certificate from a course provider certified by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.  The certificate must be signed, must have Wallis Municipal Court listed at the court, and must be submitted to the court on or before the 90th day indicated on your Driving Safety Course order.  
• You must submit a certified (Type 3A) copy of your driving record from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Your driving record must be submitted to the court on or before the 90th day indicated on your Driving Safety Course order.    

Ineligible offenses:

• Speeding 25 mph over the limit or more.
• Speeding 95 mph or more.
• Failure to Give Information at Accident Scene.
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident.
• Passing a School Bus Loading or Unloading.
• Any offense committed in a construction zone with workers present.
• A serious traffic violation, which applies to commercial motor vehicle operators.

Helpful Links:

Find a State Approved Driving Safety Course

Order Driving Record Online

NOTE: You do not have 90 days to take the course.  You must complete the course and submit all required documents on or before the 90th day. Failure to comply with the requirements of your Driving Safety Course order will result in a Show Cause hearing.  At the Show Cause hearing, the Judge may enter a final judgment and require that the fine and any additional costs required by law be paid in full.  If you choose to waive the Driving Safety Course option and Show Cause hearing, you may pay the remaining balance due on or before your 90th day; which will result in a conviction. 

Request by email:

If you have read all of the above information and meet the eligibility criteria please follow the instructions below to apply for the DSC via email:

Items to send to the Court for a DSC request:

• Photocopy of your current auto liability policy
• Photocopy of your valid Texas Drivers License

State that you are requesting to take defensive driving to resolve your citation. Your request will be processed and you will receive information on how to make your $144.00 payment.

EMAIL REQUESTS TO:

court@wallistexas.org 

Request by mail:

If you have read all of the above information and meet the eligibility criteria please follow the instructions below to apply for the DSC by mail:

Items to mail DSC request:

• Photocopy of your current auto liability policy
• Photocopy of your valid Texas Drivers License
• DSC Fee of $144.00

ALL MAIL SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO:
Wallis Municipal Court
P.O. Box 190
 Wallis, Texas 77485-0190

Request in person:

If you have read all of the above information and meet the eligibility criteria please follow the instructions below to apply for the DSC in person:

Items to bring to Court for a DSC request:

• Photocopy of your current auto liability policy
• Photocopy of your valid Texas Drivers License
• DSC Fee of $144.00

How do I know I have been approved to take DSC?

The Court will notify you by mail or email and will outline the requirements/deadlines listed below. You will have ninety (90) days to complete the DSC and submit the following by mail or in person: