Corpus Christi Municipal Court: requesting a driving safety course

Corpus Christi gives you just 14 days from the violation to ask, so check your citation’s appearance date as soon as you get it.

Requesting the course

Submit, in writing:

• the court’s Defendant’s Affidavit and Request for a Driving Safety Course;
• a plea (guilty or no contest) — the court has a plea form;
• payment of $144, or $169 for a school-zone moving violation.

You can start the process through the court’s online portal. The court’s form explains the amount as “a reimbursement fee of $10.00 plus the State assessed court costs and fees” — the $10 is the maximum state law allows for the course fee.

Deadline: “on or before your appearance date on your citation (14 days from the date of violation)”.

Who can’t use it

On top of the state exclusions (CDL holders, 25+ mph over, and others), the court notes that drivers 25 or older can’t use the course for city ordinance violations. State law limits drivers 25 and over to state rules-of-the-road offenses; drivers under 25 can use it for any moving violation.

After the course: what to file

You have 90 calendar days from the date the interim judgment is signed. File:

1. the signed original “Court” copy of your completion certificate;
2. your certified driving record, 3A version (how to order it).

The court says: “Do NOT email or fax the certificate.” Mail it or take it to the court at 120 N. Chaparral St.

Extensions

The court’s form says that “under state law no extensions can be granted”. In fact, state law lets a judge allow more time for good cause (Art. 45A.355) — but don’t count on it here. Plan to finish well within the 90 days.

Questions: (361) 826-2500 or MCMail@CorpusChristiTX.gov.