Defensive driving can be a great way to dismiss a traffic ticket — but not every ticket qualifies. If you’re driving in Temple or Bell County, eligibility depends on the violation, your driving history, and court approval.
This guide explains which tickets are usually eligible for defensive driving in Texas, which ones are not, and how to avoid wasting time on a course the court won’t accept.
Quick Answer: Most Minor Moving Violations Are Eligible
In Texas, defensive driving is commonly approved for minor moving violations, especially first-time or infrequent offenses.
Final approval always comes from the court handling your ticket.
Common Tickets That Usually Qualify
- Speeding (under certain limits)
- Failure to stop at a stop sign
- Failure to yield
- Following too closely
- Unsafe lane change
These violations are often considered non-serious and eligible for dismissal through defensive driving if other requirements are met.
Tickets That Are Usually NOT Eligible
Some violations are generally excluded from defensive driving eligibility, including:
- Driving more than a certain speed over the limit
- School zone violations
- Construction zone violations
- Passing a stopped school bus
- Serious or repeat offenses
- Commercial (CDL) violations
Courts may deny defensive driving for these regardless of course completion.
Other Eligibility Requirements You Must Meet
- You haven’t used defensive driving for dismissal in the past 12 months
- You have a valid Texas driver’s license
- Your ticket is not for a serious offense
- You received court permission before enrolling
This is why understanding the rules before taking a course matters.
Temple & Bell County Court Considerations
Temple-area courts generally follow Texas guidelines, but eligibility can still vary. Always confirm acceptance with the court listed on your ticket.
Helpful reading: Temple TX Court Process After a Traffic Ticket
What Happens If You Take Defensive Driving When You’re Not Eligible?
Unfortunately, completing a course doesn’t guarantee dismissal. If the court denies eligibility, you may still have to:
- Pay the ticket
- Face a conviction on your record
- Deal with insurance consequences
That’s why confirming eligibility first saves time and money.
Related Defensive Driving Guides
Not sure if your ticket qualifies?
Before enrolling, make sure defensive driving is an option for your citation. When approved, it’s often the easiest way to protect your record.
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