​Driving Safety Course (DSC)

Defendants charged with traffic offenses, with some exceptions, may request to take a driving safety course or motorcycle operator training course to have the charge dismissed. The driving safety course option is not available for all violations. After 21 days, the amount may be higher, or this option may no longer be available.​ Exceptions to the application of Article 45.0511, C.C.P., include the following. 

​ You Are NOT Eligible to Take a Driving Safety Course (DSC)​ for Citation Dismissal if:

  • ​You have completed an approved driving safety course or motorcycle operator course, as appropriate, within the 12 months preceding the date of the offense. You will be required to sign a legal affidavit stating you are in compliance with this condition.
  • Speeding 25 mph or more over the speed limit.
  • Driving 95 miles per hour or more.
  • An offense committed by a person who held a commercial driver’s license at the time of the offense or holds a CDL at the time of the request for DSC, including when the person is driving their own personal vehicle.
  • An offense committed in a construction or maintenance zone when workers are present.
  • Passing a school bus loading or unloading children.
  • Leaving the scene of a collision after causing damage to a vehicle that is driven or attended, and  
  • Serious traffic violations.

​What You Need to Request the Driving Safety Course (DSC) Option:

  • You must have a valid Texas driver's license or permit, proof of active military duty status, or be the spouse or dependent child of someone on active military duty. Driver's licenses from other states are not allowed. 
  • Show proof of financial responsibility (car insurance). Your name must be listed as a driver on the policy, and the policy must be valid at the time of the request. No commercial policies are allowed (unless your name is listed as a driver on the policy).
  • Pay the State and Administrative Fees at the time of the request. As of January 1st, 2020, fees are:
    • $144.00 for offenses NOT in a school zone (This amount is subject to change according to State law.)
    • $169.00 for offenses IN a school zone.​​ (This amount is subject to change according to State law.)​

To review Citation(s), Status, or Balances. Example: (C12345678​ Do not enter the dash). If the citation(s) are in Warrants, they will appear in red.​​​

Request Driving Safety Course (DSC) Online: Choose the DSC option from Explore Options.​

​ Click Here to Request Online

A convenience fee applies to each online transaction. This fee covers the cost the City of Dallas incurs to offer an online option for your convenience. To avoid this fee, you may handle your citation by mail or pay in person with cash or a check.​ 

*** When you request DSC online or by mail, please note this is a REQUEST ONLY. The Court will respond by mail within 5 to ​7 business days and will use the address listed on the Contact Verification Form. ***​

​​Request Driving Safety Course (DSC)​ by Mail or In Person at:

Address and a Map to the City of Dallas Municipal Court (2014 Main Street, Dallas, TX 7​5201​).

Click here for the Municipal Court's Operating and Walk-In Hours.​

Download the DSC Mail Application. (only needed if you are requesting by mail).

Do not send cash by mail. Send only a check, cashier's check, or money order made payable to the "City of Dallas" by mail. Print the citation number on the check or money order to ensure the correct citation is credited.​

The Court uses the postmark date on the letter (stamped by the postal service) as the received date. Certified mail is recommended but not required.​

The City of Dallas Municipal Court does not have free or dedicated parking for the public. Paid parking options include street metered parking, daily lots, and private garages.

​ If Approved, Where can I Take a Driving Safety Course (DSC)?

Court staff cannot recommend a specific driving safety course. There are courses available online and in person; however, not all are State-approved. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has an approved list of driving safety courses from which you can select. Courses offered by the National Safety Council and AARP are NOT approved courses.

​ Once Approved for the Driving Safety Course (DSC) Option:

The Court can revoke or deny the DSC option if you complete any of the items mentioned above before approval. Once you have received approval for DSC by the Court, you may:

  • Enroll and complete a State-approved driving safety course.
  • Purchase the 3A version of your driving record.
  • Take the affidavit to a Texas notary for notarization.
The website may still show a balance after the Court approves the DSC option. This is the difference between the original citation amount and the administrative fee. The remaining balance will be removed once the Court grants the DSC documents and dismisses the case.​ 
​

​Once the Driving Safety Course (DSC) is Completed:​ 

On or before the 90th day after the DSC was approved, you must present to the Court the following evidence:​

  • A certificate of completion of a driving safety course (DSC) or motorcycle operator training course (MOC). The applicant must sign the "Court Copy" certificate. If the certificate is not signed, you will receive a letter stating that you must appear in person at the Court to sign the paperwork.
  • The defendant’s driving record, as maintained by the Department of Public Safety showing that the defendant had not completed an approved driving safety course or motorcycle operator training course, as applicable, within the 12 months preceding the date of the offense. ​
  • An affidavit (notarized) stating that the defendant was not taking a driving safety course or motorcycle operator training course at the time of the request, nor ​has the defendant taken a course in the preceding 12 months from the date of the offense (members of active military duty must swear that they have not taken a course in another state in the preceding 12 months from the date of the offense) (You will receive this form in person or by mail depending on how you requested DSC with the Court).
No extension is allowed on the 90-day deadline.

Once you have completed and received all the required paperwork, you may either mail it or bring it to the Court. Fax, email, or live chat are NOT options. The Court uses the postmark date on the letter (stamped by the postal service) as the received date. Certified mail is recommended but not required. Be sure to print the citation number on the paperwork to make sure the correct citation is credited.​ 

​How do I Know the Court Received my Paperwork? 

  • ​Mail it certified.
  • Chat with a live clerk on live chat.​
  • Check online under Citation Search​. If the deferral due date has not passed, the case will still show as pending. Once the due date has passed, the paperwork will go before a Judge for revi​ew; this process can take 4-6 weeks. If it has been more than 4-6 weeks, contact the Court for additional information.​

​Defaulting on Driving Safety Course (DSC):​

If you fail to meet the requirements of DSC, the Court will set the citation(s) for a show cause hearing and will mail a hearing notice to the last known address on file. The show-cause hearing allows you to speak with a Judge about why you failed to meet the requirements of the DSC​​.

​If you fail to appear, fail to comply, or fail to give a satisfactory explanation at a hearing before the Judge, the Court will report a conviction to the Department of Public Safety as required by law. Depending on the citation status, the Court may issue a warrant.​