how come you cant take a defensive driving course for a speeding ticket if you have a cdl

by Holden Bernier 7 min read

The following is a list of situations and conditions that will disqualify you from taking defensive driving: If you are the holder of a CDL. If you received a speeding ticket written for 25 miles over the posted speed limit or in excess of 95 mph.

Full Answer

Can I take a defensive driving course to avoid a speeding ticket?

Yes! In fact, taking a defensive driving course is usually the best solution to a speeding ticket if you’re eligible. Upon completion of an approved defensive driving course you will receive two copies of your Certificate of Completion.

Can I take a defensive driving course with a CDL?

For most states the answer is no. There are some states that will allow you to take a defensive driving course if you hold a CDL but you were not operating a commercial motor vehicle at the time of your violation. It is best to check with your licensing agency or the agency in which you received a violation.

Can a defensive driving course be taken to dismiss a violation?

A Texas defensive driving course may NOT be taken to dismiss any of the following violations: Speeding at or more than 25 MPH over the posted speed limit. No car insurance. Leaving the scene of an accident (hit and run) Passing a school bus. Construction zone violations.

Does a defensive driving course go on your record?

Generally, the answer is no. A defensive driving course will TYPICALLY offset points from your public driving record, in the form of a reduction or a credit (again, this is highly state- and court-dependent), rather than remove the violation from your record completely. How many times can I take a defensive driving course?

How do I get a speeding ticket dismissed with a CDL in Texas?

Anyone with a CDL cannot have the ticket dismissed, even if they were driving a personal vehicle when cited. Even people without a CDL are not always granted ticket dismissal eligibility. In some cases, a defensive driving course does not automatically dismiss a ticket.

How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record in Texas CDL?

3 yearsEvery traffic violation has either 2 or 3 points associated with it. If you are convicted of a traffic violation, the points associated with that ticket will be added to your Texas driver record —and they'll remain there for 3 years from the date of your conviction.

Can you take defensive driving if you have a CDL in Texas?

Traffic ticket convictions must be reported to both your employer and Texas DPS within seven days of conviction. CDL holders are NOT eligible to take the driver safety course or defensive driving for dismissal of a ticket. That's why it's important to hire a CDL ticket lawyer that will help protect your livelihood.

When can you not take defensive driving Texas?

Violations Where You Can't Take Defensive Driving in Texas Passing a school bus or not stopping for one. Not having car insurance when you drive. Construction zone violations. Speeding that exceeds 25 mph above the limit.

How do you get a speeding ticket dismissed in Texas?

Here are five steps to dismissing your Texas traffic ticket:You must have a non-commercial driver's license.You must admit guilt or plead no contest (nolo contendere)The citation must be for driving within 25 miles per hour of the posted limit.Your citation does not involve an infraction in a construction zone.More items...•

How do you check if you are eligible for defensive driving Texas?

Texas Defensive DrivingPossess a valid Texas drivers license or permit.Admit guilt to a traffic violation and wish to use defensive driving as an alternative, OR meet your insurance company's eligibility requirements for insurance reduction.Have not taken a course to dismiss a traffic ticket within the past 12 months.More items...

Can I take defensive driving for a speeding ticket in Texas?

Most minor citations can be dismissed with a defensive driving course. A Texas defensive driving course may NOT be taken to dismiss any of the following violations: Speeding at or more than 25 MPH over the posted speed limit. No car insurance.

How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record?

three to five yearsHow long does a speeding ticket affect your driving record? A speeding ticket usually stays on your record for three to five years. Most states have a penalty system that assigns demerits to drivers for traffic violations. Every state differs in the amount of points assigned for each violation.

How many times can you take defensive driving in Texas?

How often can you take defensive driving in Texas? You can take a defensive driving course in Texas once every year for ticket dismissal. Insurance discounts for defensive driving courses expire every three years.

Does defensive driving remove ticket from record Texas?

Most minor traffic citations will be dismissed if you take defensive driving. However, more severe violations are not eligible for traffic ticket dismissal in this way.

What disqualifies you from getting a CDL in Texas?

Leaving the scene of an accident. Using a vehicle to commit a felony other than a felony involving manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing a controlled substance.

Can I just pay my ticket and not go to court Texas?

If you do not want to appear in court, you have the option of paying your fine by mail or by paying in person at the Justice Court as directed on your citation or summons.

How long is a defensive driving course?

You can generally expect to spend anywhere from 6-8 hours in your course, with some being shorter (3 or 4 hours) and some being much longer (10 or 12 hours).

Why do you need defensive driving?

In short, a defensive driving course refreshes your driving knowledge and teaches you to drive defensively, giving you a better foundation to make safe, quick decisions while behind the wheel.

How many sittings do you need to take court courses?

If you take it in person in a classroom-type setting, you may be required to complete the course in one sitting, depending on how long it runs. Online courses can typically be completed in installments at your own pace.

Can you offset points on your driving record?

It completely depends on your state and your court. Generally, the answer is no. A defensive driving course will TYPICALLY offset points from your public driving record, in the form of a reduction or a credit (again, this is highly state- and court-dependent), rather than remove the violation from your record completely.

Can you take defensive driving if you have a CDL?

For most states the answer is no. There are some states that will allow you to take a defensive driving course if you hold a CDL but you were not operating a commercial motor vehicle at the time of your violation. It is best to check with your licensing agency or the agency in which you received a violation.

Dismissing a Ticket with Texas Defensive Driving

When you receive a ticket it will come with a “date to appear.” Depending on the municipality, this date can be from 7-21 days from the date of the citation. During this time, determine whether you are eligible to take defensive driving before contacting the court for permission.

How Often Can I Dismiss a Ticket with Defensive Driving?

In Texas, defensive driving can be used for ticket dismissal once every twelve months. This means that if it’s been less than a year since you’ve taken defensive driving, you might want to consider skipping that trip to the coffee shop if you’re already pushing it to get to work. Otherwise, you might find yourself drinking a REALLY expensive latte!

How Does Paying for Defensive Driving Compare to Just Paying the Ticket?

On average, paying for a defensive driving course and the associated court costs represents about a 45% savings over the face value of a moving violation. If you’re a numbers guy you can check out this post to see the math.

What to do if you get ticketed over 25 mph?

If you received a ticket while going over 25 MPH or more over the speed limit or hold a CDL license, you should definitely consider a traffic attorney. Although it will be more expensive than other options, if you’re going more than 25 MPH over the limit you face much more severe charges.

What to do if you get pulled over for a traffic ticket?

Being pulled over is a normal part of driving, and it comes with options about how to handle the citation. When you receive a traffic ticket there’s 4 remedies that most people consider, some much better than others. Fight the ticket with a traffic ticket lawyer. Deferred Disposition/Deferred Adjudication.

What is a deferred ticket?

Deferring the ticket is a simple but expensive way to get out of your ticket if you’re a 1st-time offender. Deferring the ticket essentially allows you to buy your way out of the ticket. If money is no object it’s certainly a top consideration. Your eligibility will vary by the court you’re assigned to.

Is defensive driving the best option?

The reality is that defensive driving is normally the best option if you qualify. Not all tickets are eligible and there’s definitely situations that warrant other solutions, but if you’re given the option you should strongly consider defensive driving as your solution for ticket dismissal.

Can you take defensive driving if you have a CDL?

If you were cited for 25 MPH or less over the speed limit, haven’t taken another defensive driving course in the last 12 months, and do not have a CDL you’re eligible to take defensive driving. This is an option approved in all courts and will not only dismiss your ticket, but also provide additional savings.

Take a Defensive Driving Course

Several states offer eligible drivers the opportunity to take an online defensive driving course to keep the ticket and/or points off your driving record.

Select Your State

DriveSafe Online offers a customized defensive driving course for each state and the District of Columbia. Learn about state-specific traffic laws and regulations, as well as helpful driving tips and techniques to keep you safe anywhere you drive. However, it’s important to take the appropriate course to satisfy court or DMV requirements.

How to take defensive driving course in Texas?

You can take a Texas defensive driving course if you meet the following conditions: 1 You have not taken a defensive driving course within the past 12 months. 2 Do not have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) 3 Are not currently taking a defensive driving course for a different violation.

What are the violations of defensive driving in Texas?

A Texas defensive driving course may NOT be taken to dismiss any of the following violations: Speeding at or more than 25 MPH over the posted speed limit. No car insurance. Leaving the scene of an accident (hit and run) Passing a school bus. Construction zone violations.

How to take defensive driving course in Texas?

You can take a Texas defensive driving course if you meet the following conditions: 1 You have not taken a defensive driving course within the past 12 months. 2 Do not have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) 3 Are not currently taking a defensive driving course for a different violation.

What are the violations of defensive driving in Texas?

A Texas defensive driving course may NOT be taken to dismiss any of the following violations: Speeding at or more than 25 MPH over the posted speed limit. No car insurance. Leaving the scene of an accident (hit and run) Passing a school bus. Construction zone violations.

Know the Rules for Defensive Driving in Texas

First, anyone can take a defensive driving course in Texas at any time. You might just want to brush up on your driving skills. Or you might want to take a course to earn an auto insurance discount .

Enroll in Your Texas Defensive Driving Course

When you need to fight a speeding ticket in Texas, iDriveSafely has you covered! Our online courses are:

Why do you need defensive driving courses?

Defensive driving courses offer an ongoing benefit of helping you drive safer in the future. You can save quite a bit of money without realizing it by using the tips, tricks, and techniques this type, of course, will teach you. Every time you avoid an accident or a traffic citation due to the topics covered in the course, it saves you money.

What happens if you complete defensive driving in Mississippi?

When you complete a defensive driving course in Mississippi, you can dismiss a traffic violation. This helps keep your driving record clean and gives you peace of mind knowing there will be no points on your driving record due to the ticket. 2. Satisfy a court order.

How much does it cost to take a traffic course online?

The cost of your course online will vary from one provider to another. The average cost is around $40, making it a very affordable option to complete for an insurance discount or traffic dismissal. Some courses will cost close to $50, but most are between $35 and $45.

How old do you have to be to get a traffic ticket in Mississippi?

Those drivers under 21 years of age receiving their first traffic ticket will be eligible in most scenarios. Most adult drivers that haven’t received a ticket in the last three years on the road. It’s necessary to contact the course if you plan to use defensive driving in Mississippi.

How old do you have to be to take defensive driving?

Satisfy a court order. Drivers under the age of 21 may end up being required by a judge to take an online defensive driving course. If this happens, you will need to complete the course to keep your driving privileges. Once completed, you will have fulfilled the court order, and you will avoid penalties for not complying.

Can I take defensive driving online in Mississippi?

As long as you can connect to the internet, you can take an online Mississippi defensive driving course. This means you can work on the materials on your own time, at the pace you prefer, and from wherever you want.

Is defensive driving legal in Mississippi?

Eligibility for Defensive Driving in Mississippi. There isn’t a standard for eligibility throughout the state in Mississippi. Some cities will allow you to take the course to dismiss a ticket, which is up to each judge. While the rules on eligibility vary from one area to another in the state, it’s necessary to understand the general guidelines, ...