Last Updated on July 23, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
Understanding High-Speed Traffic Tickets in Texas: When Is a Deal Possible?
Speeding Ticket Defense Lawyer in Texas
Many drivers wonder, “How fast is too fast to protect my driving record in Texas?” The answer isn’t always simple, but this article will clarify the laws and options available for high-speed traffic tickets. If you’d like to discuss your specific speeding case after reading, feel free to contact us at 214-321-4105.
Common Ways to Dismiss a Speeding Ticket in Texas
There are primarily two ways to get a speeding ticket dismissed in Texas: Driver Safety Course and Deferred Disposition.
1. Driver Safety Course
Taking a driver safety course is a common way to have a ticket dismissed in Texas. However, there are specific limitations:
- Cost: You’ll need to pay court costs, typically ranging from $125.00 to $140.00.
- Eligibility: You must possess a valid Texas driver’s license and proof of insurance.
- Completion Time: The course must be completed within 90 days of your request.
- Frequency: You can only use this option once every 12 months.
- Speed Limit Restriction: This is the most crucial limitation for high-speed tickets. You are not eligible for a driver safety course if the officer alleges you were going 25 mph or more over the posted speed limit.For example, if you were cited for 90 mph in a 60 mph zone (30 mph over), you cannot take a driver safety course. Similarly, 60 mph in a 35 mph zone (25 mph over) would also make you ineligible. The “red line” is 25 mph over the limit; once you hit or exceed this, driver safety is no longer an option.
2. Deferred Disposition
Speeding Ticket Defense Attorney
Deferred disposition is an agreement with the court to delay any conviction on your record. If you meet certain conditions, the case will be dismissed entirely at a later date.
- Relevant Code Section: This option is authorized under Article 45A.302 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, titled “Deferred Disposition.”
- Outline of Article 45A.302 (Deferred Disposition):
- (a) Authority to Defer: On a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) or a finding of guilt in a misdemeanor case punishable by fine only, a judge may defer further proceedings for a period not to exceed 180 days without entering a judgment of guilt.
- (b) Imposing a Fine: The judge may impose a fine up to the maximum amount that could be imposed as punishment for the offense.
- (c) Fine Collection: This fine can be collected at any time before the deferral period ends and must be credited toward any fine ultimately imposed if the deferral is not successfully completed.
- (d) Waiving Fine: The judge may choose not to impose the fine for good cause shown by the defendant.
- (e) Bond Liability: An order of deferral terminates any liability under a bond given for the charge.
- Outline of Article 45A.302 (Deferred Disposition):
Conditions: The primary condition is usually that you do not receive any new tickets during the deferral period, which typically ranges from 30 to 180 days. You must also pay the deferral fee on time.- Frequency: Unlike driver safety, there’s no legal limit to how many times you can receive deferred disposition in a year, as long as the prosecutor and judge agree.
- No Speed Limit Restriction (Legally): There is no law within the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure that prevents a judge from granting deferred disposition based on the speed you were allegedly going. While a court might have an internal policy against it for extremely high speeds, legally, there’s no specific limit.For instance, even if someone was alleged to be going 150 mph in a 20 mph zone, they are technically eligible for deferred disposition under the law. However, whether a prosecutor or judge will allow it is a different matter.If a prosecutor or judge claims that “by law” you cannot receive deferred disposition due to your speed, you should point out that Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 45A.302, does not specify any speed limitations for a judge to approve it. There is no such law. Your job becomes to persuasively argue why your high-speed case deserves deferred disposition, even if it exceeds the informal 25 mph threshold many courts apply.
Conditions: The primary condition is usually that you do not receive any new tickets during the deferral period, which typically ranges from 30 to 180 days. You must also pay the deferral fee on time.Defending High-Speed Cases: Trial Options
Sometimes, even with the best efforts, an agreement to protect your record (like deferred disposition) isn’t possible. In such situations, a trial might be necessary. Experienced attorneys employ various trial techniques depending on the specific court and facts of your case, all aimed at achieving a dismissal or a more favorable outcome.
If you’re facing a high-speed traffic ticket in Texas and want to explore your options, including potentially hiring an experienced speeding ticket attorney, don’t hesitate to call us at 214-321-4105.
