A ‘Defensive Driving’ option for cyclists
Did you receive a traffic ticket while riding your bike in Texas?* With this course, you will meet the requirements to have your fine waived (but not the court fees), and have your traffic citation dismissed.
* This course is valid for tickets issued by the Austin Police Department, the Travis County Sheriff’s Department, the San Marcos Police Department, the Houston Police Department, and the Waller County Sherriff’s Department. It is also valid when offered as an option by any other court in Texas.
Since July of 2010, we have been offering an option to cyclists that has been available to drivers for years – having a traffic fine waived in exchange for taking part in some valuable, effective training. To date, we have had more than 1200 people take part in this option.
Cost: $35
Time: Approximately 5 hours narration (Many people complete the course in about 2 hours)
Access period: 1 year
Here’s how you can take part in this ticket dismissal option:
- Complete and submit a Deferred Disposition form through the court, along with the payment of the court fee and any other associated charges.
- Sign up here for the online course.
- Complete the course with a passing grade.
- A certificate of completion will be prepared and emailed directly to the court, or sent to you by mail to deliver to the court (depending on the jurisdiction).
- Once the certificate is processed, the fine will be waived and the ticket dismissed.
Why take the Defensive Cycling course?
- Qualify to have your fine waived by the court.
- Gain valuable techniques that will help you increase your safety and comfort in traffic, even if you are an experienced cyclist.
- Learn what your rights are, and how you can gain more accommodation from drivers.
- Learn the laws that apply to you as a cyclist, reducing the likelihood of getting another ticket in the future.
The laws that apply to you as a cyclist, including your rights:
From the Texas Transportation Code:
Sec. 551.101. RIGHTS AND DUTIES.
(a) A person operating a bicycle has the rights and duties applicable to a driver operating a vehicle under this subtitle, unless:
(1) a provision of this chapter alters a right or duty; or
(2) a right or duty applicable to a driver operating a vehicle cannot by its nature apply to a person operating a bicycle.
(b) A parent of a child or a guardian of a ward may not knowingly permit the child or ward to violate this subtitle.
- Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 551:
Operation of Bicycles and Mopeds, Golf Carts, and Other Low-Powered Vehicles- Texas Transportation Code, All sections
(Look for Title 7 – Vehicles and Traffic, Subtitle C: Rules of the Road)- Austin Cycling Bylaws: Austin City Code, Chapter 12-2. Bicycles
- Austin’s Safe Passing / Vulnerable Road Users Ordinance
Information from the Austin Municipal court:
- Request a deferral for a bicycle violation
- Options for handling your case
- Municipal court locations (Austin, TX)
- A list of violation codes, court costs, and fines (search for ‘NMV’)
Finding out the status of your case
Once you have successfully completed the course, an electronic copy of your certificate will be emailed to the court. You can then check your status by phone, or online.
You will need one of the following combinations:
- Your name and date of birth.
- Your driver’s license and state.
- Your Municipal Court case number.
Check your status (Austin only):
Please note that the date your certificate is received is recorded, but the system can take up to a week to update.
The CCE developed all applicable training materials and administers the course training.
