Quick Facts For Municipal Court Citations
A Quick-Reference for Responding to a Southlake Municipal Court Citation
MAKING AN APPEARANCE:
You must make an appearance at the Court office at 600 State Street, Suite 1000, Southlake, Texas 76092 OR mail the appropriate documents and any payment due by or on the 20th business day following the date of your citation.
DRIVING RECORD POINTS:
The State of Texas assigns points to convictions for moving violations and various other violations. An explanation of the Driver Points System can be found at the Texas Department of Public Safety website. See a list of violations that add points to a Texas driver record.
COMPLIANCE DISMISSALS: violations written for the following, may be dismissed if proof of compliance and any associated dismissal fee is presented to the Court within the 20 business days provided.
Motor Vehicle Inspection Within 60 Days of Sticker Expiration: Safety Sticker has been expired for 60 days or less. Provide proof of inspection (a copy of the emissions report) and a $20 fee.
Motor Vehicle Inspection OVER 60 Days Expired: When the safety sticker was already expired for more than 60 days when the citation was issued. . These cannot be dismissed. The full fine amount ($162) is due.
Expired Vehicle Registration: Provide 1.) Proof of renewed registration. Receipt must show that a late penalty fee was paid at the time of renewal. 2.) $20 dismissal fee.
Expired Driver's License: Provide: 1.) Proof of renewed license, 2,) $20 dismissal fee.
Fail to Display Drivers License: Provide: 1.) Copy of Driver's License 2.) $10 dismissal fee.
INSURANCE: Insurance Violations (Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility) can be dismissed if proof is provided to the Court that the vehicle or the driver of the vehicle was covered on an active policy at the time of citation. The driver of the vehicle cannot be listed as an excluded driver on the vehicle's insurance policy. There is no dismissal fee associated with insurance dismissals.
If no insurance policy covered the car or driver on the date of citation, a defendant may set a court date to speak with the Judge about requesting deferred disposition.
MOVING VIOLATIONS:
All moving violations (such as speeding and running a stop sign) are reported
to the State.
OPTIONS FOR AVOIDING A CONVICTION FOR A MOVING VIOLATION.
Note: The options listed below do not apply to a holder of a Commercial Driver's License
OPTION 1: Deferred Disposition
90-day Probationary Period. You cannot receive any new moving violations during the 90-day probation. This option is available to drivers who meet ALL of the following conditions:
1.) Possess a valid Driver's License.
2.) Have not received another moving violation (within the State) in the last 6 months.
3.) Are listed as a driver on a current insurance policy.
4.) Were not going 25 miles or more over the posted speed limit.
5.) Were not cited while driving in a construction zone.
6.) Does not possess a Commercial Driver's License.
OPTION 2: Driver Safety Course Option
Enrollees must:
- meet ALL of the following conditions:
1.) Possess a valid Texas Driver's License.
2.) Have not taken a Driver Safety Course in the last 12 months.*
3.) Are listed as a driver on a current insurance policy.
4.) Were not going 25 miles or more over the posted speed limit.
5.) Were not cited while driving in a construction zone.
6.) Does not possess a Commercial Driver's License.
- request this option in person or by mail (notarized statement required) and pay a fee upon request. Fee: $107 for regular zone, $132 for school zone.
- complete a certified course (6-8 hours), once completed and order a certified Driver Record.
- Once completed, turn in course completion certificate and driver record.
*By State Statute: the Driver Safety Option cannot be repeated more than once in a 12-month period. The date of course completion must be at least 12 months prior to the date of the current moving violation.
DEFENDANTS WHO DO NOT QUALIFY FOR AN OPTION LISTED ABOVE
May set a court date and request a deferred disposition or driver safety option from the Judge.
IMPORTANT NOTE TO COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE HOLDERS:
By State Statute, CDL holders WILL NOT qualify for either of these options, even before the Judge.
Window Payments: In person at the Court office window during business hours,
Cash
Mastercard, Visa, Discover
Personal Check, Cashier's Check . Please make checks payable to: "City of Southlake."
Money Order
Mail Payments:
Check, Cashier's Check. Please make checks payable to: "City of Southlake."
Money Order
Online Payments: Click for information on online payment.