DSC and Deferred Disposition for Young Drivers

2013 Traffic Safety Conference The leading cause of death for teens is motor vehicle crashes  Reasons why?  ______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________ 

 Types of driver licenses:  

a. Learner license ‐ must have a licensed adult 21+ yoa in the front seat when driving  

b. Minor restricted driver license (a/k/a hardship license)  

c. Provisional license – for drivers under age 18  

d. Driver license – free of the restrictions on young drivers  Driving is a privilege, not a right  Requirements to obtain a driver license: 

 a. Tied to education 

 b. Driver education training 

Magic age = ____________  

Alternative Sentencing Options for Young Drivers  Driving Safety Course (Article 45.0511, Code of Criminal Procedure)  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (a‐1), this article applies only to an alleged offense that: 

(1)  is within the jurisdiction of a justice court or a municipal court; (2)  involves the operation of a motor vehicle; and (3)  is defined by: 

(A)  Section 472.022, Transportation Code; (B)  Subtitle C, Title 7, Transportation Code; or (C)  Section 729.001(a)(3), Transportation Code. 

 (a‐1)  If the defendant is younger than 25 years of age, this article applies to any alleged offense that: 

(1)  is within the jurisdiction of a justice court or a municipal court; (2)  involves the operation of a motor vehicle; and (3)  is classified as a moving violation. 

 (b)  The judge shall require the defendant to successfully complete a driving safety course approved by the Texas Education Agency or a course under the motorcycle operator training and safety program approved by the designated state agency under Chapter 662, Transportation Code, if: 

 (1)  the defendant elects driving safety course or motorcycle operator training course dismissal under this article;  (2)  the defendant: 

(A)  has not completed an approved driving safety course or motorcycle operator training course, as appropriate, within the 12 months preceding the date of the offense;  or (B)  does not have a valid Texas driver's license or permit, is a member, or the spouse or dependent child of a member, of the United States military forces serving on active duty, and has not completed a driving safety course or motorcycle operator training course, as appropriate, in another state within the 12 months preceding the date of the offense; 

 (3)  the defendant enters a plea under Article 45.021 in person or in writing of no contest or guilty on or before the answer date on the notice to appear and: 

(A)  presents in person or by counsel to the court a request to take a course;  or (B)  sends to the court by certified mail, return receipt requested, postmarked on or before the answer date on the notice to appear, a written request to take a course; 

 (4)  the defendant: 

(A)  has a valid Texas driver's license or permit; or (B)  is a member, or the spouse or dependent child of a member, of the United States military forces serving on active duty; 

(5)  the defendant is charged with an offense to which this article applies, other than speeding at a speed of: 

(A)  95 miles per hour or more; or (B)  25 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit;  and 

 (6)  the defendant provides evidence of financial responsibility as required by Chapter 601, Transportation Code. 

 (c)  The court shall enter judgment on the defendant's plea of no contest or guilty at the time the plea is made, defer imposition of the judgment, and allow the defendant 90 days to successfully complete the approved driving safety course or motorcycle operator training course and present to the court: 

(1)  a uniform certificate of completion of the driving safety course or a verification of completion of the motorcycle operator training course; (2)  unless the judge proceeds under Subsection (c‐1), the defendant's driving record as maintained by the Department of Public Safety, if any, 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; (3)  an affidavit stating that the defendant was not taking a driving safety course or motorcycle operator training course, as applicable, under this article on the date the request to take the course was made and had not completed such a course that is not shown on the defendant's driving record within the 12 months preceding the date of the offense; and (4)  if the defendant does not have a valid Texas driver's license or permit and is a member, or the spouse or dependent child of a member, of the United States military forces serving on active duty, an affidavit stating that the defendant was not taking a driving safety course or motorcycle operator training course, as appropriate, in another state on the date the request to take the course was made and had not completed such a course within the 12 months preceding the date of the offense. 

 (c‐1)  In this subsection, "state electronic Internet portal" has the meaning assigned by Section 2054.003, Government Code.  As an alternative to receiving the defendant's driving record under Subsection (c)(2), the judge, at the time the defendant requests a driving safety course or motorcycle operator training course dismissal under this article, may require the defendant to pay a fee in an amount equal to the sum of the amount of the fee established by Section 521.048, Transportation Code, and the state electronic Internet portal fee and, using the state electronic Internet portal, may request the Texas Department of Public Safety to provide the judge with a copy of the defendant's driving record that shows the information described by Section 521.047(b), Transportation Code.  As soon as practicable and using the state electronic Internet portal, the Texas Department of Public Safety shall provide the judge with the requested copy of the defendant's driving record.  The fee authorized by this subsection is in addition to any other fee required under this article.  If the copy of the defendant's driving record provided to the judge under this subsection shows that the defendant has not completed an approved driving safety course or motorcycle operator training course, as appropriate, within the 12 months preceding the date of the offense, the judge shall allow the defendant to complete the appropriate course as provided by this article.  The custodian of a municipal or county treasury who receives fees collected under this subsection shall keep a record of the fees and, without deduction or proration, forward the fees to the comptroller, with and in the manner required for other fees and costs received in connection with criminal cases.  The comptroller shall credit fees received under this subsection to the Texas Department of Public Safety. 

(d) Notwithstanding Subsections (b)(2) and (3), before the final disposition of the case, the court may grant a request to take a driving safety course or a motorcycle operator training course under this article.  (e) A request to take a driving safety course or motorcycle operator training course made at or before the time and at the place at which a defendant is required to appear in court is an appearance in compliance with the defendant's promise to appear.  (f) In addition to court costs and fees authorized or imposed by a law of this state and applicable to the offense, the court may: 

(1) require a defendant requesting a course under Subsection (b) to pay an administrative fee set by the court to cover the cost of administering this article at an amount of not more than $10;  or (2) require a defendant requesting a course under Subsection (d) to pay a fee set by the court at an amount not to exceed the maximum amount of the fine for the offense committed by the defendant. 

 (g) A defendant who requests but does not take a course is not entitled to a refund of the fee.  (h) Fees collected by a municipal court shall be deposited in the municipal treasury.  Fees collected by another court shall be deposited in the county treasury of the county in which the court is located.  (i) If a defendant requesting a course under this article fails to comply with Subsection (c), the court shall: 

(1) notify the defendant in writing, mailed to the address on file with the court or appearing on the notice to appear, of that failure;  and (2) require the defendant to appear at the time and place stated in the notice to show cause why the evidence was not timely submitted to the court. 

 (j) If the defendant fails to appear at the time and place stated in the notice under Subsection (i), or appears at the time and place stated in the notice but does not show good cause for the defendant's failure to comply with Subsection (c), the court shall enter an adjudication of guilt and impose sentence.  (k) On a defendant's showing of good cause for failure to furnish evidence to the court, the court may allow an extension of time during which the defendant may present: 

(1) a uniform certificate of course completion as evidence that the defendant successfully completed the driving safety course;  or (2) a verification of course completion as evidence that the defendant successfully completed the motorcycle operator training course. 

 (l) When a defendant complies with Subsection (c), the court shall: 

(1) remove the judgment and dismiss the charge; (2) report the fact that the defendant successfully completed a driving safety course or a motorcycle operator training course and the date of completion to the Texas Department of Public Safety for inclusion in the person's driving record;  and (3) state in that report whether the course was taken under this article to provide information necessary to determine eligibility to take a subsequent course under Subsection (b). 

 

(m) The court may dismiss only one charge for each completion of a course.  (n) A charge that is dismissed under this article may not be part of a person's driving record or used for any purpose.  (o) An insurer delivering or issuing for delivery a motor vehicle insurance policy in this state may not cancel or increase the premium charged an insured under the policy because the insured completed a driving safety course or a motorcycle operator training course, or had a charge dismissed under this article.  (p) The court shall advise a defendant charged with a misdemeanor under Section 472.022, Transportation Code, Subtitle C, Title 7, Transportation Code, or Section 729.001(a)(3), Transportation Code, committed while operating a motor vehicle of the defendant's right under this article to successfully complete a driving safety course or, if the offense was committed while operating a motorcycle, a motorcycle operator training course.  The right to complete a course does not apply to a defendant charged with: 

(1) a violation of Section 545.066, 550.022, or 550.023, Transportation Code; (2) a serious traffic violation;  or (3) an offense to which Section 542.404 or 729.004(b), Transportation Code, applies. 

 (q) A notice to appear issued for an offense to which this article applies must inform a defendant charged with an offense under Section 472.022, Transportation Code, an offense under Subtitle C, Title 7, Transportation Code, or an offense under Section 729.001(a)(3), Transportation Code, committed while operating a motor vehicle of the defendant's right to complete a driving safety course or, if the offense was committed while operating a motorcycle, of the defendant's right to complete a motorcycle operator training course.  The notice required by this subsection must read substantially as follows: "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, on or before your appearance date, you do not provide the court with notice of your request to take the course."  (r) If the notice required by Subsection (q) is not provided to the defendant charged with the offense, the defendant may continue to exercise the defendant's right to take a driving safety course or a motorcycle operator training course until the notice required by Subsection (q) is provided to the defendant or there is a final disposition of the case.  (s)  This article does not apply to an offense committed by a person who: 

(1)  holds a commercial driver's license; or (2)  held a commercial driver's license when the offense was committed. 

 (t) An order of deferral under Subsection (c) terminates any liability under a bail bond or appearance bond given for the charge.  (u)  The requirement of Subsection (b)(2) does not apply to a defendant charged with an offense under Section 545.412, Transportation Code, if the judge requires the defendant to attend and present proof that the defendant has successfully completed a specialized driving safety course that includes four hours of instruction that encourages the use of child passenger safety seat systems, and any driving safety course taken by the defendant under this section within the 12 months preceding the date of the offense did not include that training.  The person's driving record under Subsection (c)(2) and the 

affidavit of the defendant under Subsection (c)(3) is required to include only previous or concurrent courses that included that training. 

 What is covered in a driving safety course?  

Approved by the Texas Education Agency, in Chapter 1001, Education Code  DSC Recap:  For a young driver (under the age of 25), to be eligible to take a driving safety course, the offense must be classified as a ____________________________, and may not be one of the ineligible offenses.  The person must have a valid Texas driver’s license or _____________, or be active duty military (or spouse/dependent).  The person must show proof of financial responsibility as required by Chapter ______ of the Transportation Code.  The person must timely request the DSC (but the court must also advise the person of their right to request one) and have not taken one for ticket dismissal in the past 12 months. If either of these are not met, the person may still be allowed to take a DSC based on the _______________________ of the judge.  Notes:  ______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________ 

Deferred Disposition (Article 45.051, Code of Criminal Procedure)  (a)  On a plea of guilty or nolo contendere by a defendant or on a finding of guilt in a misdemeanor case punishable by fine only and payment of all court costs, the judge may defer further proceedings without entering an adjudication of guilt and place the defendant on probation for a period not to exceed 180 days.  In issuing the order of deferral, the judge may impose a special expense fee on the defendant in an amount not to exceed the amount of the fine that could be imposed on the defendant as punishment for the offense.  The special expense fee may be collected at any time before the date on which the period of probation ends.  The judge may elect not to impose the special expense fee for good cause shown by the defendant.  If the judge orders the collection of a special expense fee, the judge shall require that the amount of the special expense fee be credited toward the payment of the amount of the fine imposed by the judge.  An order of deferral under this subsection terminates any liability under a bail bond or an appearance bond given for the charge.  (a‐1)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, as an alternative to requiring a defendant charged with one or more offenses to make payment of all court costs as required by Subsection (a), the judge may: 

(1)  allow the defendant to enter into an agreement for payment of those costs in installments during the defendant's period of probation; (2)  require an eligible defendant to discharge all or part of those costs by performing community service under Article 45.049 or 45.0492; or (3)  take any combination of actions authorized by Subdivision (1) or (2). 

 (b)  During the deferral period, the judge may require the defendant to: 

(1)  post a bond in the amount of the fine assessed to secure payment of the fine; (2)  pay restitution to the victim of the offense in an amount not to exceed the fine assessed; (3)  submit to professional counseling; (4)  submit to diagnostic testing for alcohol or a controlled substance or drug; (5)  submit to a psychosocial assessment; (6)  participate in an alcohol or drug abuse treatment or education program; (7)  pay the costs of any diagnostic testing, psychosocial assessment, or participation in a treatment or education program either directly or through the court as court costs; (8)  complete a driving safety course approved under Chapter 1001, Education Code, or another course as directed by the judge; (9)  present to the court satisfactory evidence that the defendant has complied with each requirement imposed by the judge under this article; and (10)  comply with any other reasonable condition. 

 (b‐1)  If the defendant is younger than 25 years of age and the offense committed by the defendant is a traffic offense classified as a moving violation: 

(1)  Subsection (b)(8) does not apply; (2)  during the deferral period, the judge: 

(A)  shall require the defendant to complete a driving safety course approved under Chapter 1001, Education Code; and (B)  may require the defendant to complete an additional driving safety course designed for drivers younger than 25 years of age and approved under Section 1001.111, Education Code; and 

(3)  if the defendant holds a provisional license, during the deferral period the judge shall require that the defendant be examined by the Department of Public Safety as required by Section 521.161(b)(2), Transportation Code; a defendant is not exempt from the examination regardless of whether the defendant was examined previously. 

 (b‐2)  A person examined as required by Subsection (b‐1)(3) must pay a $10 examination fee.  (b‐3)  The fee collected under Subsection (b‐2) must be deposited to the credit of a special account in the general revenue fund and may be used only by the Department of Public Safety for the administration of Chapter 521, Transportation Code.  (c)  On determining that the defendant has complied with the requirements imposed by the judge under this article, the judge shall dismiss the complaint, and it shall be clearly noted in the docket that the complaint is dismissed and that there is not a final conviction.   (c‐1)  If the defendant fails to present within the deferral period satisfactory evidence of compliance with the requirements imposed by the judge under this article, the court shall: 

(1)  notify the defendant in writing, mailed to the address on file with the court or appearing on the notice to appear, of that failure; and (2)  require the defendant to appear at the time and place stated in the notice to show cause why the order of deferral should not be revoked. 

 (c‐2)  On the defendant's showing of good cause for failure to present satisfactory evidence of compliance with the requirements imposed by the judge under this article, the court may allow an additional period during which the defendant may present evidence of the defendant's compliance with the requirements.  (d)  If on the date of a show cause hearing under Subsection (c‐1) or, if applicable, by the conclusion of an additional period provided under Subsection (c‐2) the defendant does not present satisfactory evidence that the defendant complied with the requirements imposed, the judge may impose the fine assessed or impose a lesser fine.  The imposition of the fine or lesser fine constitutes a final conviction of the defendant.  This subsection does not apply to a defendant required under Subsection (b‐1) to complete a driving safety course approved under Chapter 1001, Education Code, or an examination under Section 521.161(b)(2), Transportation Code.  (d‐1)  If the defendant was required to complete a driving safety course or an examination under Subsection (b‐1) and on the date of a show cause hearing under Subsection (c‐1) or, if applicable, by the conclusion of an additional period provided under Subsection (c‐2) the defendant does not present satisfactory evidence that the defendant completed that course or examination, the judge shall impose the fine assessed.  The imposition of the fine constitutes a final conviction of the defendant.  (e) Records relating to a complaint dismissed as provided by this article may be expunged under Article 55.01. If a complaint is dismissed under this article, there is not a final conviction and the complaint may not be used against the person for any purpose.  (f)  This article does not apply to: 

(1)  an offense to which Section 542.404, Transportation Code, applies; or 

(2)  a violation of a state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle control, other than a parking violation, committed by a person who: 

(A)  holds a commercial driver's license; or (B)  held a commercial driver's license when the offense was committed. 

 Deferred Recap:  If a young driver is granted deferred and the person is charged with a ____________________, the judge must require the defendant to complete a driving safety course as a condition of deferred.  Additionally, If the defendant holds a provisional license, the judge must require the defendant to retest with DPS.  The judge ______ require the defendant to complete a special young driver education course (Alive @ 25), approved under Section 1001.111, Education Code.  Notes:  ______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________ 

 Why not a straight conviction?  

______________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________ 

Page 1 of 2 Funded by a grant from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Rev. 08/1

Effective 09/01/11

CCOOMMPPAARRIISSOONNSS OOFF DDEEFFEERRRREEDD OOPPTTIIOONNSS (Effective September 1, 2011)

Driving Safety Course (DSC) or Motorcycle Operator Course

(MOC) Dismissal Procedures, Article 45.0511, C.C.P.

Suspension of Sentence and Deferral of Final

Disposition, Article 45.051, C.C.P.

Application/Use

If defendant is at least 25 years of age, applies to the following traffic

offenses:

● Section 472.022, T.C.; (Obeying Warning Signs)

● Subtitle C, Title 7, T.C.; (Rules of the Road) ● Section 729.001(a)(3), T.C. (Operation of Motor Vehicle by Minor)

If defendant is under 25, applies to offenses classified as moving violations

Does not apply to:

● Offenses committed in a construction work maintenance zone when

workers are present, Sec. 542.404, T.C.; Art. 45.0511(p)(3), C.C.P.;

● Traffic offenses committed by a person with a commercial driver’s license, Art. 45.0511(s), C.C.P.;

● Passing a school bus, Sec. 545.066, T.C.;

● Leaving the scene of an accident, Sec. 550.022 or 550.023, T.C.; or ● Speeding 25 mph or more over the limit or in excess of 95 m.p.h.

Art. 45.0511(b)(5), C.C.P.

Court must advise person charged with offenses under Subtitle C, Rules of the Road, T.C., of right to take course.

Applies to all fine-only offenses except:

● Traffic offenses committed in a construction

work maintenance zone when workers present

(Sec. 542.404, T.C.; Art. 45.051(f)(1), C.C.P.); or

● A violation of a state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle control, other than a

parking violation, committed by a person who

holds a commercial driver’s license; or held a commercial driver’s license when offense

committed (Art. 45.051(f), C.C.P.).

How Often

Defendant may request if the defendant has not had a driving safety course within the 12 months preceding the date of the current offense.

Under Subsection (u), defendants may take DSC for a violation of Child Passenger Safety Seat laws even if they have taken DSC in the last 12

months, as long as the judge requires the defendant to take a specialized DSC (including 4 hours of instruction on child passenger safety seat

systems) and any course the defendant has taken in the last 12 months

did not include such instruction.

If the defendant is a member, spouse, or dependent child of a member,

of the US military forces serving on active duty, the defendant cannot

have taken a DSC/MOC in another state within the 12 months preceding

the date of the current offense.

Under Subsection (d), the court has discretion to grant DSC/MOC even if one has been taken within the previous 12 month period, or if the request was not made timely.

Subject to judicial discretion.

Plea Required A plea of guilty or nolo contendere is required when the request is made. Request must be made on or before answer date on citation. Judge has

discretion to grant a late request under Subsection (d).

A plea of guilty or nolo contendere or a finding of

guilt required.

Proof of TX DL

or on Active

Military Duty

Defendant must have a Texas driver’s license or permit. If the defendant is on active military duty or is an active duty military spouse or

dependant child, the defendant does not have to have a Texas driver’s license or permit.

NO

Proof of Financial

Responsibility

Defendants are required to present proof of financial responsibility as

required by Chapter 601, Transportation Code.

NO

State Court

Cost Collected

YES Due when request made.

YES Judge may allow defendant to pay out during deferral

period by time payments, performing community

service, or both.

Time Limit

Court defers imposition of the judgment for 90 days. The defendant must take the course and present evidence of completion by the 90th day.

Defendant is also required to present to the court a certified copy of his

or her driving record as maintained by DPS and an affidavit stating that he or she was not taking DSC or MOC at the time of the request nor has

he or she taken a course that is not on his or her driving record. Under

Subsection (u), the defendant’s driving record and affidavit are required to show that defendant did not have specialized DSC in preceding 12

months.

Not to exceed 180 days.

(1 to 180 days)

Optional

Administrative or

Special Expense

Fee

If defendant makes request on or before answer date, the court may only

assess an administrative $10 non-refundable fee.

If the judge grants a course before the final disposition of the case under

Subsection (d), the court may assess a fee not to exceed the maximum possible penalty for the offense.

SPECIAL EXPENSE FEE (SEF), not to exceed

amount of fine that could be imposed at the time the court grants the deferral. Court may elect not to collect

for good cause shown. SEF may be collected at

anytime before the date the probation ends. In the event of default, the judge shall require that the

amount of the SEF be credited toward the amount of

the fine imposed by the judge.

Page 2 of 2 Funded by a grant from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Rev. 08/1

Effective 09/01/11

Driving Safety Course (DSC) or Motorcycle

Operator Course (MOC) Dismissal Procedures

Article 45.0511, C.C.P.

Suspension of Sentence and Deferral of Final

Disposition

Article 45.051, C.C.P.

Fee

for Driving Record

Rather than allowing the defendant to obtain his or her driving record and provide it to the court, the court may

obtain the certified driving record from DPS. A $10 fee plus

the $2 state electronic Internet portal fee may be imposed if the court chooses this option (Art. 45.0511 (c-1), C.C.P.).

Court is not required to order the defendant to obtain a driving record (it may, however, be mandated as a reasonable condition).

There is no authorization for the court to collect a fee for

obtaining the defendant’s driving record.

Other

Requirements

Request may be oral or in writing. If mailed, request must be sent certified mail. (Art. 45.0511(b)(3), C.C.P.)

When a defendant requests a course on or before the answer date on the citation, the defendant must present evidence of a valid Texas driver’s license or permit, or show that he or she

is on active military duty.

On or before the 90th day after the request the defendant must present:

1. Evidence of course completion;

2. A copy of his or her driving record as maintained by DPS,

if any; 3. If the defendant is on active military duty and does not

have a Texas driver’s license, the affidavit must state that the

defendant was not taking a DSC or MOC, as appropriate, in another state on the date of the request to take the course was

made and had not completed such a course within the 12

months preceding the date of the offense. 4. An affidavit stating that he or she was not taking a course

at the time of request for the current offense nor had he or she

taken a course that was not yet on his or her driving record within the 12 months preceding the date of the current

offense.

5. If the offense is charged under Section 545.412, T.C., (Child Passenger Safety Seat Systems), the defendant’s

driving record and affidavit are only required to show that

they have not taken the specialized DSC in the last 12 months.

The judge may also require an additional DSC for drivers

under age 25 per Sec. 1001.11, Education Code.

Requirements: Judge may require the defendant to do the following:

1. Post bond in the amount of the fine assessed to secure payment

of the fine; 2. Pay restitution to the victim of the offense in an amount not to

exceed the fine assessed;

3. Submit to professional counseling; 4. Submit to diagnostic testing for alcohol or controlled substance

or drug;

5. Submit to psychosocial assessment; 6. Participate in an alcohol or drug abuse treatment or education

program;

7. Pay the costs of any diagnostic testing, psychosocial assessment, or participation in a treatment or education program

either directly or through the court as court costs;

8. Complete DSC or other course as directed by the judge; 9. Present to the court satisfactory evidence of compliance with

the terms imposed by the judge; and

10. Comply with any other reasonable condition. ----------------------------

If defendant under age 25 is charged with a moving traffic

offense, Subsection (b)(8) does not apply. The judge shall require DSC. The judge may also require an additional DSC for drivers

under age 25 per Sec. 1001.111, Education Code. If the

defendant holds a provisional license, the judge shall require the defendant to be examined by DPS under Sec. 521.161(b)(2),

T.C., and pay DPS a $10 fee.

For Alcoholic Beverage Code Offenses and the offense of Public

Intoxication (Sec. 49.02(e), P.C., defendant under the age of 21), court must require an alcohol awareness course. Sec. 106.115(a),

A.B.C.

For Alcoholic Beverage Code offenses, except DUI, and the offense of Public Intoxication (Sec. 49.02(e), P.C., defendant

under the age of 21), court must require community service. Sec.

106.071(d), A.B.C. 1st offense: eight to 12 hours.

2nd offense: 20 to 40 hours.

Satisfactory

Completion

Judge shall remove the judgment and dismiss the case; the

dismissal must be noted in the docket. Court reports the

completion date of the course after the court dismisses the

case.

Judge shall dismiss and note in docket that complaint is

dismissed. (Only report to DPS the order of deferred for

Alcoholic Beverage Code offenses.)

Failure to

Complete

If defendant fails to furnish the evidence of course completion, a copy of his or her driving record as maintained

by DPS that shows that he or she had not taken DSC or MOC

within the 12 months preceding the date of offense, and the affidavit, the court shall set a show cause hearing and notify

the person by mail. At the hearing the judge may, on a

showing of good cause, allow the defendant time to present the uniform certificate of course completion. If the court

does not grant more time, the court shall enter a final

judgment ordering the defendant to pay the fine.

If a defendant fails to appear at the show cause hearing, the

court may, after signing a final judgment, issue a capias pro

fine.

If defendant fails to comply with terms of the deferral, the court shall set a show cause hearing and notify the person by mail at

the address on file. At the hearing the judge may, on a showing

of good cause, allow an additional period during which the defendant may present evidence of compliance with

requirements. If at the show cause hearing or by the conclusion

of the additional period the defendant does not present satisfactory evidence of compliance, the judge may enter

judgment and impose the fine. The judge may reduce fine

previously assessed if the defendant is at least 25 years of age or older and not charged with a traffic offense. If the offense is a

traffic offense, the court must report the traffic conviction to

DPS.

If a defendant fails to appear at the show cause hearing, the court

may, after signing a final judgment, issue a capias pro fine.

Appeal The entering of the final judgment triggers the requirements for making a timely appeal (Arts. 45.042-45.043, C.C.P.).

The entering of the final judgment triggers the requirements for making a timely appeal (Arts. 45.042-45.043, C.C.P.).

Texas Administrative Code

TITLE 37 PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

PART 1 TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

CHAPTER 15 DRIVER LICENSE RULES

SUBCHAPTER D DRIVER IMPROVEMENT

RULE §15.89 Moving Violations

(a) Moving violations are defined as an act committed in connection with the operation of a motor vehicle on a

public street or highway, which constitutes a hazard to traffic and is prohibited by state law or city ordinance.

(b) A list of traffic offenses that constitute a moving violation is available in Table 1.

Attached Graphic

(c) Table 1 also indicates the moving violations that will be assessed points under the Driver Responsibility

Program, Texas Transportation Code (TRC), Chapter 708, Subchapter B.

(1) Not all moving violations are assessed points under the Driver Responsibility Program, however, they may be

considered for Habitual Violator action under TRC, §521.292(a)(3).

(2) Moving violation convictions that are assessed specific surcharges pursuant to Texas Transportation Code,

§§708.102 (intoxicated driver offenses), 708.103 (driving while license invalid or without financial responsibility),

and 708.104 (driving without valid license including no commercial driver license, driving without the proper

commercial license endorsement and driving without the proper motorcycle endorsement), will not be assessed

points under the Driver Responsibility Program.

Source Note: The provisions of this §15.89 adopted to be effective June 22, 2004, 29 TexReg 5945; amended to be

effective November 28, 2005, 30 TexReg 7889; amended to be effective June 8, 2006, 31 TexReg 4659; amended

to be effective July 11, 2010, 35 TexReg 5899

Figure: 37 TAC §15.89(b)

Arrest Title

Driver

Responsibility

Points

Aggravated assault with motor vehicle Yes

Allow passenger to stand/sit improperly on a school bus Yes

Bus driver failed to activate warning signal/equipment Yes

Bus failed to stop at RR crossing Yes

Bus shifting gears while crossing RR tracks Yes

Carry motorcycle passenger under 5; except in side car Yes

Changed lane when unsafe Yes

Child passenger safety seat offense Yes

Coasting Yes

Coasting (truck, truck tractor or bus, specify) with clutch

disengaged

Yes

Consume alcohol while driving Yes

Criminal negligent homicide with motor vehicle--1st or 2nd degree Yes

Crossed RR with heavy equipment without notice Yes

Crossed RR with heavy equipment without stop (or safety) Yes

Crossing fire hose without permission Yes

Crossing physical barrier Yes

Cut across driveway to make turn Yes

Cut corner left turn Yes

Cut in after passing Yes

Did not use designated lane or direction Yes

Disregard solid green turn signal arrow Yes

Disregard warning signs or barricades Yes

Disregarded flashing red signal (at stop sign, etc.) Yes

Disregarded flashing yellow signal Yes

Disregarded lane control signal Yes

Disregarded no lane change sign Yes

Disregarded no passing zone Yes

Disregarded police officer Yes

Disregarded RR crossing gate or flagman Yes

Disregarded signal at RR crossing Yes

Disregarded traffic control device Yes

Disregarded turn marks at intersection Yes

Disregarded warning sign at construction Yes

Drive into block where fire engine stopped Yes

Driving around barricades Yes

Driving under influence No

Driving under influence (DUI)--minor Yes

Driving under influence of drugs No

Driving while impaired No

Driving while intoxicated > 0.16 No

Driving while intoxicated with child younger than 15 yoa No

Driving while intoxicated--felony No

Driving while intoxicated--juvenile No

Driving while intoxicated--misdemeanor No

Driving while intoxicated--on beach No

Driving while intoxicated--probated No

Driving while intoxicated--under 21 No

Driving while license disqualified--CMV No

Driving while license suspended under provisions of DL laws No

Driving while license suspended--SR No

Drove center lane (not passing, not turning left) Yes

Drove on (or across) streetcar tracks where prohibited Yes

Drove on sidewalk Yes

Drove on wrong side--RR crossing Yes

Drove on wrong side of approaching bridge Yes

Drove on wrong side of divided highway Yes

Drove on wrong side of road Yes

Drove on wrong side road approaching intersection Yes

Drove on wrong side road approaching RR grade crossing Yes

Drove on wrong side road awaiting access to ferry Yes

Drove onto (or from) controlled access highway where prohibited Yes

Drove through safety zone Yes

Drove to left of rotary traffic island Yes

Drove without lights--when required Yes

Drove wrong way in designated lane Yes

Drove wrong way on one-way roadway Yes

Endorsement violation CDL No

Fail stop proper place-flash red signal Yes

Fail to control speed Yes

Fail to dim headlights--following Yes

Fail to dim headlights--meeting Yes

Fail to drive in single lane Yes

Fail to give hand signals when required Yes

Fail to give info/render aid No

Fail to give one-half of roadway Yes

Fail to keep to right on mountain road Yes

Fail to pass left safely Yes

Fail to pass met vehicle to right Yes

Fail to pass to right safely Yes

Fail to signal for stop Yes

Fail to signal required distance before turning Yes

Fail to signal turn Yes

Fail to signal with turn indicator Yes

Fail to sound horn--mountain road Yes

Fail to stop--designated point--at stop sign Yes

Fail to stop--designated point--at yield sign Yes

Fail to stop and render aid--felony No

Fail to stop and render aid--misdemeanor No

Fail to stop at marked RR crossing Yes

Fail to stop at proper place (at traffic light) Yes

Fail to stop at proper place (flashing red signal) Yes

Fail to stop at proper place (not at intersection) Yes

Fail to stop for approaching train Yes

Fail to stop for school bus (or remain stopped, specify) Yes

Fail to stop for streetcar--or stop at wrong location Yes

Fail to stop--emerging from alley, driveway or bldg. Yes

Fail to use due care for pedestrian Yes

Fail to use proper headlight beam Yes

Fail to yield at stop intersection Yes

Fail to yield at yield intersection Yes

Fail to yield for blind or incapacitated person Yes

Fail to yield right of way Yes

Fail to yield right of way from private road Yes

Fail to yield row at open intersection (specify type) Yes

Fail to yield row leaving (private drive, alley, building) Yes

Fail to yield row on green arrow signal Yes

Fail to yield row on green signal Yes

Fail to yield row on left at obstruction Yes

Fail to yield row to emergency vehicle Yes

Fail to yield row to pedestrian at signal intersection Yes

Fail to yield row to pedestrian in crosswalk Yes

Fail to yield row to pedestrian in crosswalk--no signal Yes

Fail to yield row to pedestrian on sidewalk Yes

Fail to yield row to pedestrian turning right or left at intersection Yes

Fail to yield row--changing lanes Yes

Fail to yield row--turning left (at intersection, alley, private road or

driveway)

Yes

Fail to yield row--turning right on red signal Yes

Fail to yield to vehicle in intersection Yes

Fail to yield to vehicle leaving highway Yes

Failed to give way when overtaken Yes

Failed to signal lane change Yes

Fleeing from police officer Yes

Following ambulance Yes

Following fire apparatus Yes

Following too closely Yes

Following too closely--caravan Yes

Following too closely--truck Yes

Head lamps glaring not adjusted Yes

Heavy equipment disregarded signal of train Yes

Illegal backing Yes

Illegal pass on right Yes

Illegally passed streetcar Yes

Impeding traffic Yes

Improper passing Yes

Improper turn Yes

Improper turn or stop hand signal Yes

Improper use of auxiliary driving lamps Yes

Improper use of auxiliary passing lamps Yes

Improper use of lighting--hwy. equip. Yes

Improper use of spot lamps Yes

Improper use of turn indicator Yes

Increased speed while being overtaken Yes

Interfere with streetcar Yes

Intoxication assault No

Intoxication assault motor vehicle No

Intoxication manslaughter No

Intoxication manslaughter motor vehicle No

Involuntary manslaughter with motor vehicle Yes

Lack of caution on green arrow signal Yes

Leaving scene of accident Yes

Made U-turn on curve or hill Yes

Negligent collision Yes

No commercial driver license (CDL) No

No double trailer endorsement (CDL) No

No driver license No

No hazmat endorsement (CDL) No

No motorcycle endorsement No

No passenger vehicle endorsement (CDL) No

No tank vehicle endorsement (CDL) No

No school bus endorsement (CDL) No

Obstructed view through windshield Yes

Obstructing traffic Yes

Open Container DRIVER Yes

Operate school bus over passenger design capacity Yes

Operate school bus with door open Yes

Operate vehicle more than one passenger-minor Yes

Operate vehicle where prohibited Yes

Operate vehicle with child in open bed Yes

Passed streetcar on left without reducing speed or without caution Yes

Passed vehicle stopped for pedestrian Yes

Passed--insufficient clearance Yes

Passengers/load obstruct driver's view or control Yes

Passing authorized emergency vehicle Yes

Permitted/operated unsafe vehicle Yes

Person(s) riding in trailer or semi-trailer Yes

Prohibited motor vehicle on controlled-access highway Yes

Racing--drag racing--acceleration contest, etc. Yes

Ran red light Yes

Ran stop sign Yes

Reckless driving Yes

Restriction violation--CDL Yes

Slower vehicle failed to keep to right Yes

Speed under minimum Yes

Speeding No

Speeding > 10% above posted speed limit Yes

Speeding--15 miles or over (CDL) Yes

Speeding--school zone Yes

Too many riders on motorcycle Yes

Turned across dividing section Yes

Turned left from wrong lane Yes

Turned right from wrong lane Yes

Turned right too wide Yes

Turned so as to impede or interfere with streetcar Yes

Turned when unsafe Yes

Unauthorized use of siren, bell or whistle Yes

Unsafe speed (too fast for conditions) Yes

Unsafe start Yes

Unsafe start from parked, stopped or standing position Yes

Use of school bus signal for wrong purpose Yes

Use wireless device while driving bus Yes

Use wireless device while driving--minor Yes

Use wireless device in school zone Yes

Veh. hauling explosives (or flammable materials) failed to stop at

RR crossing

Yes

Veh. hauling explosives failed to reduce speed at RR crossing Yes

Vehicle without required equipment or in unsafe condition Yes

Violate DL restriction Yes

Violate DL restriction on occupational license Yes

Violate operating hours-minor Yes

Violated out of service order Yes

Violated out-of-service order hazmat and/or passenger Yes

Wrong side road--not passing Yes

Wrong side, 4 or more lane, two-way roadway Yes