City of Houston Municipal Courts Department - Requesting Driver Safety Course (DSC)

Municipal Courts Department

Requesting Driver Safety Course (DSC) ... or ...
Motorcycle Operator Training Course (MOTC)

The Code of Criminal Procedure, Art 45A.354 states -- 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.

There are two types of DSC, mandatory and discretionary, which are explained in greater detail below. Normally, citations are entered into our system within 10 business days; however, you may contact the Houston Help Line at 713.837.0311 to verify that your citation(s) is available. Please read below to ensure you are eligible to request DSC. You may apply for DSC/MOTC on or before your scheduled court date and time at any Court location or by mail.

You must request DSC or MOTC on or before your arraignment setting or you will lose the right to elect it at a later time. It is too late to elect DSC.MOTC at trial. Please allow 10 days from the date the ticket was issued to make your request.

DSC Eligibility:

Mandatory DSC Request by Mail or Email:
If the above ineligible criteria does not pertain to you; you can apply for DSC/MOTC via mail or email:

Mandatory DSC/MOTC Application Requirements:
**Must be submitted on or before your arraignment court date to avoid a Failure to Appear Warrant

Completed and signed DSC/MOTC application (download .pdf form)
Copy of your Texas Driver’s License [valid at time of application, front-side only]

Commercial Driver License holders not eligible

*** Military Exemption: Active Military Personnel [Military Identification and Orders]
includes spouses & dependents

Copy of Auto Insurance [valid at time of application and list you as insured]
DSC Court Cost/Fee

Moving Violation: $144.00
School Zone Moving Violation: $169.00
Check, Cashier Check, Money Order [Payable to: City of Houston Municipal Courts] or Credit Card*.

Discretionary DSC Request by Mail or Email:
You can apply for Discretionary DSC, if you failed to request Mandatory DSC/MOTC on or before your arraignment court date, or if you have taken a Mandatory DSC/MOTC course within the year from the date of the citation.

Discretionary DSC Application Requirements:
**Must be submitted on or before your arraignment court date to avoid a Failure to Appear Warrant

Completed and signed DSC/MOTC application (download .pdf form)

Copy of your Texas Driver’s License [valid at time of application, front-side only]

Commercial Driver License holders not eligible

Copy of Auto Insurance [valid at time of application and list you as insured]
DSC Court Cost/Fee

Moving Violation: $184.00
School Zone Moving Violation: $209.00
Check, Cashier Check, Money Order [Payable to: City of Houston Municipal Courts], or Credit Card*.

* Citations are usually entered into our Case Management System within 10 business days of issuance; contact the City of Houston Help Line at 713.837.0311 to verify that your citation is available.

Mail:

Email:

City of Houston Municipal Courts
P.O. Box 4996
Houston, Texas 77210-4996

mcd@houstontx.gov

*credit card payment will be obtained via phone

Request in person:

If you have read all of the above information and meet the eligibility criteria please follow the instructions below to apply for the DSC/MOTC in person:

Items to bring to Court for a DSC/MOTC request:

Photocopy of your current auto liability policy
Your valid Texas Drivers License
DSC Fee indicated above

Appear in person with the above items at any of our six Court locations:

All Municipal Courts Locations and Hours of Operations

How do I know I have been approved to take DSC/MOTC?

The Court will notify you by mail and will outline the requirements/deadlines listed below. You will have ninety (90) days to complete the DSC/MOTC and submit the required documents by mail or in person:

How do I obtain the DSC/MOTC forms?

The eligibility and requirement instructions along with an Application and Request form are listed below and can be downloaded in .pdf format.

Remember, the DSC/MOTC course you elect to take must be approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Application for DSC/MOTC
DSC Affidavit
Order Driving Record
- Online. You may request and purchase your Driver Record information online at www.texas.gov and print the certified version immediately. You must request the “Type 3A” record to present to the court.
- Mail. You may request your Driver Record by mail using the Driving Record Order Form. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

What do I need to submit back to the Court?

You will need to submit proof, either IN PERSON or BY MAIL, that you have complied with all of the requirements and met the deadline as outlined in the Court’s instructions. DSC Completion documents may NOT be emailed. The items you must remit to the Court are as follows:

Items to remit for Mandatory DSC/MOTC:

Certificate of Completion (you MUST submit the “signed 'Court Copy' ”)
Certified copy of your driving record
A signed and notarized DSC Affidavit (Note: If you deliver your documents in person, the clerk will certify the Affidavit for a fee of $10.00).

Items to remit for Discretionary DSC/MOTC:

Certificate of Completion (you MUST submit the “signed 'Court Copy' ”)

If you fail to comply with any of the above-stated requirements, you will have a conviction on your driving record and you will be required to pay the fine amount. Failure to pay this fine amount will result in a warrant of arrest being issued.

What if documents are not turned in timely?

Defendants will be required to appear at a Show Cause Hearing approximately 30 days after the due date. A letter will be sent to the address on file or the defendant may dial 713.837.0311 for hearing information.