Got a Houston traffic ticket?
Here are your options.
Most traffic tickets in Houston can be dismissed without paying the fine. Pick the option that fits your situation below.
Step 1 — Choose your path
Driver Safety Course
Take a 6-hour online or in-person driving course. Starts at $144. Good if you want the fastest, lowest-cost route.
Deferred Disposition
The court puts your case on hold. Stay out of trouble for a set period — ticket dismissed. Starts at $243.90.
Choose this if you...
- Want the lowest cost option
- Are comfortable taking a 6-hour course
- Want to keep the option off your record cleanly
- Have a valid Texas license (not CDL)
Choose this if you...
- Missed your first court date for DSC
- Already took DSC in the past 12 months
- Don't want to take a course
- Are willing to pay a higher fee upfront
Driver Safety Course — Am I eligible?
If none of the above apply, you are likely eligible. Continue below.
DSC Court Fees
Submit your request before your court date and pay the lower fee. You have 90 days after approval to complete the course and submit everything.
| Violation type | Court fee |
|---|---|
| Moving violation | $144.00 |
| School zone moving violation | $169.00 |
When you finish the course, you must submit: Certificate of Completion + Certified Type 3A Driving Record + Notarized DSC Affidavit.
Because you missed your first court date (or took DSC within the past year), the fee is higher. The process is otherwise the same — and it is simpler because you only need to submit your Certificate of Completion at the end. No affidavit, no driving record required.
| Violation type | Court fee |
|---|---|
| Moving violation | $184.00 |
| School zone moving violation | $209.00 |
When you finish the course, you only need to submit: Certificate of Completion. That's it.
How to complete DSC — step by step
Do not take the course before the court approves you. If you take it first, the judge may reject your certificate and you will have wasted your money.
Download the DSC Application form, complete it, and submit with your Driver's License, proof of insurance, and the court fee. You can apply by mail, email, or in person.
The court will mail you a letter confirming approval and your 90-day deadline. Do not take the course until this arrives.
Online or in person — your choice. All courses cost at least $25 by law. You have 90 days from your approval date.
Do not email your certificate. See required documents below based on your situation.
Forms and documents to download
Download from Houston Courts
Download from Houston Courts
Order online at texas.gov Mail-in order form (PDF)
Provided by your course provider
Where to submit your request and documents
City of Houston Municipal Courts
P.O. Box 4996
Houston, TX 77210-4996
mcd@houstontx.gov
Do not email your certificate
6 court locations across Houston. Clerk can notarize your affidavit for $10.
Questions? Call the Houston Court Help Line: 713.837.0311
What is Deferred Disposition?
You plead guilty or no contest. The court does not find you guilty yet — it puts your case on hold. You pay a bond and follow the court's conditions. If you stay out of trouble for the required period, your case is dismissed and the bond money is applied to a fee. If you get another ticket or violate the conditions, the conviction goes on your record.
If you choose Deferred Disposition and you are under 25 years old, the judge is required by law to also make you complete a Driver Safety Course as one of your conditions. You effectively end up doing both.
Am I eligible?
Most people are eligible to request by mail or email. However, the following situations require you to appear in person — the court will not accept a mail or email request:
How much does it cost?
| Violation type | Total cost (fee + bond) |
|---|---|
| Standard non-accident traffic case | $243.90 |
| Speeding 14 mph or less over limit | $258.90 |
| Speeding 15–25 mph over limit | $288.90 |
| School zone case | $283.90 |
| Accident case | $308.90 |
How to apply — step by step
You must submit your request on or before your first court date to avoid a Failure to Appear warrant.
Fill it out completely and sign it. Do not leave any fields blank.
You will need your completed application, a copy of your Texas Driver's License (front side only, valid at time of application), and a copy of your auto insurance (valid at time of application, showing you as insured).
By mail, email, or in person. Payment accepted by check, cashier's check, money order (payable to City of Houston Municipal Courts), or credit card. Credit card payments are taken by phone.
Forms to download
Download from Houston Courts
Your own document — no download needed
Your own document — no download needed
Where to submit
City of Houston Municipal Courts
P.O. Box 4996
Houston, TX 77210-4996
mcd@houstontx.gov
Credit card payment taken by phone
Appear before the Annex Judge with your documents and payment. Court locations
Call 713.247.5479 to request Deferred Disposition by phone. Credit card payments are also taken by phone.
You will be required to appear at a Show Cause Hearing approximately 30 days after your due date. A letter will be sent to your address on file. Call 713.837.0311 for hearing information.
Questions? Call: 713.837.0311 or 713.247.5479
Compare all 133 TDLR-approved providers by price, format, and language — free, no signup.
This page is an independent summary created by TX Course Guide for informational purposes only. TX Course Guide is not affiliated with the City of Houston, Houston Municipal Courts, or the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). All information is sourced directly from official City of Houston Municipal Courts pages and reflects content as of March 2026. Rules, fees, and procedures may change — always verify current requirements with the court before taking action. This is not legal advice. If you have questions specific to your case, contact the court directly or consult a licensed attorney.