Smith County Driving Safety Course (DSC)
Did you get a ticket in Smith County? If you have received a ticket in or around Smith County, don't worry; we're here for you. Completing our TDLR-Approved Driving Safety Course (DSC) will help you dismiss your traffic ticket and prevent points from being added to your driver record. You could even qualify for a car insurance discount!
Our online driving safety course will allow you to mask your ticket and keep points off your driving record.
Why Choose Our Defensive Driving Course?
TDLR Approved
Our course is fully approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), ensuring it meets all state requirements for ticket dismissal and insurance discounts.
Flexible and Convenient
Complete the course at your own pace online, with the ability to start and stop as needed to fit your schedule.
How to Dismiss Your Traffic Ticket
If you're eligible, you can take a Defensive Driving course (also known as "Traffic School" and "Driver Safety Course" or "DSC") to dismiss your ticket and keep points off your record. Our online driving safety course will allow you to mask your ticket and keep points off your driving record. You must elect to take the driving safety course on or before your appearance date listed on your citation and enter a plea of no contest or guilty.
The citation the officer issues you when you get a ticket contains information about your ticket. This information includes the nature of the violation (speeding, etc.), the citation number, and the court to which your case is assigned.
Keep Points Off Your Texas Driving Record
The main reason people take traffic school is to keep points off their record. Your insurance company bases its premium on the number of tickets you have (in addition to other factors). By taking traffic school, your insurance company
will not see your traffic ticket. It is on your record but masked or hidden. Only the police are able to see the ticket. This means your insurance rates will not go up because of the ticket.
Of course, another reason to take a defensive driving course is to refresh your driving knowledge or to become a better driver. We at Safe2Drive are in the business of traffic safety education. We believe traffic safety education is one way to improve the behavior of drivers on the road. Our aim is to help you become a better driver when you take our course.
Driving Safety Course Requirements
The only types of tickets in Smith County that can be dismissed by a Driving Safety Course are moving violations.
Each court specifies its eligibility requirements for taking a Defensive Driving course for ticket dismissal, so you must check with your court to ensure you qualify. You're usually eligible to take a Defensive Driving course if you meet the following requirements:
- Enter a plea of guilty or no contest on or before the appearance date on your citation
- Present a request to take the driving safety course in writing on or before your appearance date on your citation
- Present a valid Texas Driver's license, permit, or Military ID
- Present proof of financial responsibility
- You must not have taken the driving safety course within a year before your citation
- Pay the court costs and administrative fees at the time of the request
You must NOT have taken the driving safety course for the purpose of having a citation dismissed within the 12 months prior to the date of your citation. You will be required to sign a sworn affidavit, under the penalty of perjury, stating that you are in compliance with this condition.
Moving violations are not eligible for dismissal if they were given under any of these circumstances:
- No auto insurance
- A construction zone with workers present
- Passing a school bus
- You do not have a valid driver's license
- You hold a commercial driver's license
- Leaving the scene of an accident
If you get a ticket in Smith, you will be required to address it with one of the Smith County Municipal Courts.
Smith County, Texas Municipal Court Locations
Tyler Municipal Court
Address: 813 N Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 531-1266
Whitehouse Municipal Court
Address: 101 Bascom Rd, Whitehouse, TX 75791
Phone: (903) 839-4914
Lindale Municipal Court
Address: 105 Ballard Dr, Lindale, TX 75771
Phone: (903) 882-3422
Winona Municipal Court
Address: 611 Wildcat Dr, Winona, TX 75792
Phone: (903) 877-3381
Smith County, Texas Justice of the Peace Locations
Smith County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
Address: 1517 W Front St, Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 590-2600
Smith County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
Address: 15405 Highway 155 S, Tyler, TX 75703
Phone: (903) 590-4812
Smith County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3
Address: 313 E Duval St, Troup, TX 75789
Phone: (903) 842-2661
Smith County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4
Address: 14152 County Rd 463, Tyler, TX 75706
Phone: (903) 590-4871
How Does the DSC Work?
Safe2Drive's Smith County Driving Safety Course is quick and easy. Get everything done in three simple steps!
Step One: Register for the DSC Course.
Create a username and password and fill out your contact information.
Step Two: Take the Course.
Our Defensive Driving course (DSC) consists of 11 short online lessons. We've incorporated the final exam into the multiple-choice end-of-lesson quizzes. That means you'll take the final exam as you progress through the course. You must pass the end-of-lesson quiz to proceed to the next lesson. Most people pass the lesson quiz on their first attempt, but you can retake a lesson quiz as many times as necessary to pass at no extra fee.
You may log in and out of the course as often as you'd like. Take it all in one sitting, or come and go on your own schedule. It's completely up to you!
Step Three: Get your Certificate of Completion.
When you complete the course, we will immediately email you your Certificate of Completion for FREE. You must sign the court copy of the certificate and deliver it to your court. We provide you with an additional copy of your certificate that you can keep for your records.
FAQs for Smith County Defensive Driving Course
What is the Smith County Defensive Driving Online Course?
The online course is a six-hour educational program sanctioned by the Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). It's designed for drivers looking to dismiss a traffic ticket or reduce their auto insurance premiums in Texas.
Does the state of Texas recognize this course?
Absolutely! Our course has received full approval from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). You can check our accreditation status directly on their website: [TDLR approved].
Will my Smith County court accept this course for ticket dismissal?
Yes, since our course is state-approved by Texas, completion certificates from Safe2Drive are accepted by all courts across Texas for ticket dismissal purposes.
How does the Smith County Defensive Driving course operate?
Our course is straightforward and user-friendly, structured in three simple steps:
- Register
- Complete your online course
- Get your certificate
How Much Does This Course Cost?
Texas Driver Safety Course (DSC) course costs $25, the lowest cost allowed by the state.
How Long Does This Course Take to Complete?
You can finish the Texas DSC Course in as little as 6 hours, the shortest time allowed by law.
Course Details
The Texas Defensive Driving course is a six-hour course regulated by the Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Drivers take this course to get a ticket dismissed or obtain a discount on their auto insurance premium. Schools approved by the TDLR offer the course in a classroom setting or online. A printable certificate of completion is issued upon completion of the course. Drivers submit this completion to the court to get their ticket dismissed or submit it to the insurance company for a discount.
You can verify our course's TDLR-approval by checking our Course Provider Number (CP557) via the TLDR website.
What You'll Learn
The course covers traffic laws and techniques for driving safely on Texas roads. The TDLR regulates the specific topics and includes:
- Texas Driving Rules: Learn the fundamental rules of the road specific to Texas, including speed limits, right-of-way regulations, and traffic law enforcement.
- Distracted Driving: Understand the dangers of distracted driving, including using mobile devices and strategies to stay focused on the road.
- Driving Emergencies: Gain knowledge on how to respond effectively to driving emergencies, such as tire blowouts, brake failure, and evasive maneuvers.
- Protecting Yourself While Driving: Learn safety measures to protect yourself and your passengers, including seat belts, airbags, and defensive driving techniques.
- Driving in All Seasons: Acquire skills for driving safely in various weather conditions, including rain, ice, snow, and extreme heat.
- Adult and Child Safety Equipment: Understand the importance and proper use of safety equipment for adults and children, including seat belts, child seats, and booster seats.
- Impaired Driving: Recognize the risks of impaired driving due to alcohol, drugs, and fatigue, and learn the legal consequences and safety implications.
- Driving Behaviors: Explore how personal behaviors and attitudes, such as aggression and patience, affect driving safety and how to develop positive driving habits.
- Recent Trends in Driving: Stay informed about the latest trends in driving and traffic safety, including technological advancements and new traffic management strategies.
- Best Practices and Procedures: Learn best practices and recommended procedures for safe driving, including proper following distances, checking blind spots, and signaling intentions.
Course Duration
This course meets all the requirements for a Defensive Driving program and spans 6 hours. Enjoy the flexibility to progress through the course at your own pace, logging in and out whenever it suits you. Designed for modern convenience, our course is fully compatible with mobile devices, allowing you to access it easily from smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
About Smith County, Texas
Smith County is located in the northeastern part of Texas, within the Piney Woods region. Established in 1846, the county was named after General James Smith, a Texas Revolutionary War soldier. The county seat is Tyler, known for its rose gardens, historic sites, and vibrant economy.
Economic Landscape
Smith County's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from healthcare, education, manufacturing, retail, and agriculture. Tyler, the largest city in the county, is home to several major hospitals and medical centers, making healthcare a leading industry. The University of Texas at Tyler and Tyler Junior College contribute to the education sector's prominence. The county is also known for its rose production, earning Tyler the title "Rose Capital of America." Other important sectors include oil and gas, transportation, and technology.
Community and Lifestyle
Smith County offers a mix of urban and rural living, with a strong sense of community and Southern hospitality. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with access to modern amenities, cultural events, and recreational opportunities. The county is known for its friendly neighborhoods, vibrant arts scene, and numerous parks and outdoor spaces. Community events such as the Tyler Rose Festival and the East Texas State Fair reflect the area's rich cultural heritage and local pride.
Education and Recreation
Smith County is served by several independent school districts, including Tyler ISD, Whitehouse ISD, Lindale ISD, Chapel Hill ISD, and Troup ISD, providing K-12 education. Higher education institutions include the University of Texas at Tyler and Tyler Junior College. Recreational opportunities abound, with numerous parks, golf courses, and the renowned Tyler Rose Garden. The county also offers several lakes and trails for fishing, boating, hiking, and camping. Cultural attractions include the Caldwell Zoo, Tyler Museum of Art, and Liberty Hall.
Smith County, Texas, Cities and Towns
- Tyler - The county seat, known as the "Rose Capital of America," with a strong economy, cultural attractions, and educational institutions.
- Whitehouse - A growing city known for its excellent schools, family-friendly atmosphere, and access to Lake Tyler.
- Lindale - A city with a small-town charm, offering local shops, parks, and an active arts scene.
- Winona - A rural community known for its quiet lifestyle, local schools, and close-knit community spirit.
- Troup - A small town with a rich agricultural history, known for its friendly residents and local events.
- Arp - A small, rural town offering a peaceful environment, local schools, and community gatherings.
- New Chapel Hill - A small town with a focus on local agriculture and a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere.
Texas Defensive Driving Information
Check out the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation page on taking defensive driving and additional resources and information for Texas drivers.
Contact Us
Get In Touch
If you have any questions or need assistance with the Smith County Defensive Driving Course, we're here to help! Our dedicated support team is committed to providing you with the assistance you need, whether you have questions about course content, registration, completion certificates, or any other inquiries related to the course.
Contact Us Via Email:
For inquiries at any time, please reach out to us at support@safe2drive.com. We aim to respond to all email communications within 24 hours.
Call Us: Call our customer service line at (800) 763-1297 for immediate assistance.
Chat Now: Click the "Chat Now" button in the bottom right-hand corner.