Got a traffic ticket in Dallas or Fort Worth? You have options beyond just paying it.
Option 1: Defensive driving dismissal (easiest)
- If you haven't used this in the past 12 months, you can request a defensive driving course dismissal
- File a request with the court within the timeframe on your ticket (usually 10-15 days)
- Complete a state-approved course (6 hours, $25-35 online)
- Submit completion certificate to the court
- Ticket dismissed, no points, no insurance increase
- Texas Transportation Code 45.0511
Option 2: Deferred adjudication
- Plead no contest and request deferred disposition
- The judge sets a probation period (90-180 days)
- No new violations during probation = case dismissed
- Good for people who've already used defensive driving in the past year
- Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 45.051
Option 3: Fight it in court
- Plead not guilty and request a trial
- Dallas County: Go to your assigned court (listed on the ticket)
- The officer must appear. If they don't, the case is often dismissed.
- Common defenses:
- Radar/lidar calibration records (request through discovery)
- Signage not meeting TxDOT standards
- Emergency or necessity
- Incorrect information on the citation
Option 4: Hire a traffic attorney
- DFW traffic attorneys charge $75-250 per ticket
- They handle everything. You often don't have to appear.
- They know the prosecutors and judges. Cases are frequently reduced or dismissed.
Never just pay the ticket. Paying = guilty plea = points on your record = insurance increase for 3 years.
Sources:
- Texas Transportation Code 45.0511 (defensive driving dismissal)
- Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 45.051 (deferred disposition)
- Dallas County Justice Courts
- Texas DPS — point system and surcharge info
The $25 defensive driving course saves you $500+ in insurance increases over 3 years.