Defensive Driving Information

If you are charged with a traffic offense, you may be eligible to take a driving safety course (DSC) to dismiss the charge. Information regarding the driving safety course or motorcycle operator training course and a form to request the course may also be found on the back of your copy of the citation.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this option, you must meet the following conditions:

• Have a valid Texas Drivers License, or if part of an active military family with valid drivers license from another state
• Have not requested and or have taken a driving safety course or motorcycle operator course for a traffic offense within the last 12 months of the infraction date for any other court Driving Record Request Form
• Are not currently taking the course for another traffic violation, in any other court
• Are not a commercial drivers license (CDL) holder
• And, have not been issued a citation for one of the following charges:
  • Failure to Give Information at Accident Scene
  • Leaving Scene of Accident
  • Passing a School Bus
  • An offense in a construction maintenance zone when workers are present
  • Speeding 25 miles per hour or more over limit

Application Process

The request to apply for defensive driving may be made in person at the court window, or via email, mail, or fax. You may also request a driving safety course by submitting copies of your driver’s license, insurance, and a completed DSC Affidavit (PDF) to the City of San Marcos Municipal Court. At the time of the request, you must do the following:

In-Person Request:

1. Present a valid driver’s license (CDL holders are not eligible)
2. Present proof of financial responsibility (liability insurance). It must be either in your name or you must be listed as an authorized driver on the policy.
3. Pay the court cost portion of your violation:
   • $169 for school zone violations ($134 if the charge was filed prior to September 1st, 2019)
   • $144 for all other moving violations ($114 if the charge was filed prior to September 1st, 2019)

Email, Mail, or Fax Request: 

1. Request must include:
   • Name, Date of Birth, and Phone Number
   • A statement requesting DSC 
   • A plea of guilty or no contest
   • A valid driver’s license (CDL holders are not eligible)
   • Proof of financial responsibility (liability insurance). It must be either in your name, or you must be listed as an authorized driver on the policy.
   • A notarized DSC Affidavit (PDF)
2. If the request does not include all previously stated items, the DSC request will not be processed. 
   • A defendant may call to confirm the request was received. When the request is received, processing can take 3-5 business days.
3. When the request is processed, the defendant will be instructed to pay the court cost portion of your violation:
   • $169 for school zone violations ($134 if the charge was filed prior to September 1st, 2019)
   • $144 for all other moving violations ($114 if the charge was filed prior to September 1st, 2019)
   • This payment must be made over the phone or in person. Payments online will result in a conviction.
4. Once court costs are paid, the court will send two more documents that must be signed and returned within 48 hours. 

Course Requirements

• All driving safety courses must be Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) approved. Search for a licensed driving safety course at TDLR’s website.
• All motorcycle operator’s courses must be approved by the Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Failure to Complete

If you do not take the course in the time required and/or fail to present the court with a certificate of completion, the court will notify you to return to court and show cause as to why you failed to show proof of completion. If you have a good reason why you were unable to present your proof within the time required, the judge may, but is not required to, grant you an extension. Your failure to be present at that hearing will result in a warrant for your arrest being issued. An additional charge may also be filed.