Does traffic school dismiss a ticket? In Texas, the short answer is: yes—when you qualify and complete it correctly. Traffic school (also called defensive driving) is one of the most common and effective ways to get an eligible traffic ticket dismissed.
How Traffic School Dismisses a Ticket in Texas
Traffic school does not automatically dismiss a ticket the moment you enroll. Instead, dismissal happens after:
- You request permission from the court
- The court approves defensive driving
- You complete an approved course by the deadline
- You submit proof of completion and required documents
Once all requirements are met, the court dismisses the citation.
Who Is Eligible for Traffic School Ticket Dismissal?
Eligibility depends on Texas law and your driving history. Generally, you may qualify if:
- Your ticket is for a minor moving violation
- You were not speeding excessively
- You have not taken traffic school for dismissal recently
- You hold a valid Texas driver’s license
Eligibility rules are explained in detail in our guide on Texas ticket dismissal requirements.
What Types of Tickets Can Be Dismissed With Traffic School?
Traffic school is most commonly used for speeding tickets and other moving violations. Examples include:
- Speeding
- Failure to obey traffic signs
- Unsafe lane changes
- Minor moving violations
If you’re unsure how speeding is classified, see whether a speeding ticket is a moving violation.
Does Traffic School Remove the Ticket From Your Record?
Yes. When traffic school leads to dismissal, the ticket does not result in a conviction on your driving record.
This distinction matters because convictions can impact insurance rates and employment driving checks. We explain this further in whether dismissed tickets stay on record.
What Happens If You Just Pay the Ticket Instead?
Paying a ticket is the same as pleading guilty. This results in:
- A conviction on your driving record
- Possible insurance increases
- Points or surcharge consequences
Understanding the long-term cost difference matters. See how much traffic tickets cost in Texas to compare outcomes.
Is Traffic School the Same as Deferred Disposition?
No. Traffic school and deferred disposition are different dismissal methods.
- Traffic school requires course completion
- Deferred disposition requires probation-style compliance
Both can result in dismissal, but eligibility and requirements differ. Learn more about dismissal paths in getting a ticket dismissed without going to court.
Does Traffic School Affect Background Checks?
No. When traffic school leads to dismissal, the ticket does not appear as a conviction on background checks.
For a deeper breakdown, see whether a dismissed ticket shows up on a background check.
Choosing the Right Traffic School Course
Not all courses are accepted by Texas courts. You must complete a state-approved course for dismissal eligibility.
We’ve compiled a breakdown of approved options in the best Texas traffic ticket dismissal courses.
Key Takeaway
Traffic school does dismiss tickets in Texas—but only when you qualify, receive court approval, and complete all requirements on time.
If you’re deciding how to handle a citation, reviewing our Traffic Ticket Dismissal FAQs or reaching out via the contact page can help you avoid costly mistakes.