Federal Motor Carrier (CDL)

A CDL holder is not eligible for Deferred Disposition and is not eligible for a Driver Safety Course (DSC) for a violation of a state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle control, other than a parking violation. (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 45.051 (f)).

49 CFR § 384.226 Prohibition on masking convictions.   The State must not mask, defer imposition of judgment, or allow an individual to enter into a diversion program that would prevent a CLP or CDL holder's conviction for any violation, in any type of motor vehicle, of a State or local traffic control law (other than parking, vehicle weight, or vehicle defect violations) from appearing on the CDLIS driver record, whether the driver was convicted for an offense committed in the State where the driver is licensed or another State.

Owner or Representative of a company cannot handle a violation without the Defendant/Driver present.

Options

Please review the following options.  State law requires you to make an appearance on your case.  Your appearance date is 20 days from when you received the citation, or it is marked on the bond or summons paperwork.  Appearances must be made in person or in writing.  If appearing in-person violations can be taken care of at the court window Monday-Friday 8:00AM- 5:00PM. 

Payment in Full 

If you wish to pay for the violation in full, you must enter a no contest or guilty plea and waive your right to a jury trial. To pay the for the violation in full this typically can be done in person, by mail or online. NO PHONE PAYMENTS.   **Be aware that payment of fine could result in a conviction appearing on either a criminal record or a driver’s license record. 

      Additional information for paying online

Extension (30 Days) 

To request an extension you must enter your plea of no contest or guilty and waive your right to a jury trial. A request must be submitted to the court either in person or by mail.  If any portion of the fee/fine is paid on or after the 31st day, you will be assessed an additional fee as required by Section 133.103 L.G.    **Be aware that payment of fine could result in a conviction appearing on either a criminal record or a driver’s license record.        

      If appearing In-Person, the clerk will provide the form to you.

      If appearing by mail, print the Pay Extension/ 30 Day Extension Request Form

      Submit Electronically the Pay Extension/30 Day Extension Request Form

Payment Plan  

This option is available if you need to make monthly installment payments. A request must be filled out entering your plea of no contest/guilty for each violation entered into a payment plan agreement.  Typically, $100.00 down would be required to start a payment plan.  The next payment would be due 30 days from the initial starting date.  A $15.00 fee is added to each violation that is placed on a payment plan. **Be aware that payment of fine could result in a conviction appearing on either a criminal record or a driver’s license record.      

       If appearing In-Person, the clerk will provide the form to you. 

       If appearing by mail, print the Payment Plan Request Form. 

Trial 

The law requires you to make an appearance on your case.  Your appearance date is noted on your citation, bond, summons or release papers.  You or your attorney may appear in person in open court, by mail, or you may deliver your plea in person to the court. (Juveniles have separate rules for appearance).

You have a right to a trial by jury.  You may waive a jury trial and have a trial before the Judge.  A plea of not guilty means you deny the charge.  If you plead not guilty, the court will schedule a trial date.  If you choose to have the case tried by a jury, the court will schedule a pre-trial hearing prior to your case being set for a jury trial. 

To plea not guilty and request a trial without using an attorney, you must submit a request in-person OR by mail.  Prior to your trial, you will be set for a pre-trial hearing before the Prosecutor to discuss the case(s).   

      If appearing In-Person, the clerk will provide you a court date based on availability. 

      If appearing by mail, print the plea form and mail to the court  - Plea Request Form.                                                                                

Helpful Resources

If you have questions about your driver's license, contact Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS): http://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/drp.htm

For Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):   https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/

For Federal Regulations: https://www.ecfr.gov

For Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV):  https://www.txdmv.gov/ 

For Texas State Law Library:  https://www.sll.texas.gov/