Texas, known for its sprawling landscapes and long highways, witnesses its share of traffic violations. However, for those who end up with a traffic ticket, there are several methods to handle the situation, namely "Defensive Driving" and "Deferred Disposition". In this article, we'll explore both terms and understand the differences to help Texans choose the best option for their situation.
What is Defensive Driving?
Defensive driving refers to a driving course that emphasizes safety and driving techniques that allow individuals to anticipate potential hazards in a proactive manner. Completing a defensive driving course in Texas can help drivers dismiss a traffic ticket and avoid accumulating points on their driving record.
Example: Imagine you receive a speeding ticket. Instead of paying the fine outright or facing potential points on your license, you could enroll in a defensive driving course. Upon successful completion, your ticket could be dismissed.
What is Deferred Disposition?
Deferred disposition, on the other hand, is a form of probation. When a driver chooses this option, they're given a probationary period where they must avoid any additional traffic violations. If the driver successfully completes this period without any further incidents, the original violation is dismissed and won't appear on their driving record.
Example: Consider that you've been ticketed for running a red light. If you choose deferred disposition and remain violation-free during the probationary period (which could range from 30 days to a year), then the red light ticket is dismissed.
Defensive vs. Deferred - The Key Differences
Purpose: Defensive driving focuses on education and refining driving skills, while deferred disposition is a probationary period without the need for a course.
Completion: With defensive driving, you need to complete a course and present the certificate to the court. With deferred disposition, you simply need to stay violation-free during the set period.
Eligibility: Not everyone may be eligible for both options. It largely depends on the nature of the violation, past driving history, and specific court guidelines.
Choosing the Right Option
Which method is right for you? That often depends on your personal circumstances and preferences. If you're keen on enhancing your driving skills and gaining knowledge, the defensive driving route might be more appealing. However, if you'd rather not take a course and feel confident in maintaining a clean driving slate, deferred disposition could be a better choice.
Get Educated with Online Courses
Regardless of your choice, if you decide that a Defensive Driving course is the route for you, we've got the perfect solution. Visit our website at https://getdriversed.com/courses to register for online courses. Stay safe on the road, enhance your skills, and handle those Texas tickets like a pro!
I hope this blog post serves the purpose you intended. Do let me know if you'd like any edits or modifications. Safe driving!
