All About Statute of Limitation on Traffic Tickets In Texas

The statute of limitation on traffic tickets in Texas depends on the type of violation. Most traffic offenses in Texas are classified as Class C misdemeanors, considered a minor type of criminal offense. However, a properly issued ticket will stay on your record for a long time unless you take action to have it dismissed.

If you are looking for an easier way to fight traffic tickets in Texas without a lawyer, DoNotPay can help you dispute any type of traffic ticket, whether it is a parking ticket, speeding ticket, red light ticket, and more.

What Is the Statute of Limitation for Class C Misdemeanors?

Class C misdemeanors typically have a two-year limitation period. This means a ticket must be issued within two years of the driving offense for a prosecution to happen.

Is There a Time Limit for Paying the Fine?

The statute of limitation applies only to filing a complaint against you. Once a citation is issued, you must pay the fine before your scheduled court appearance or appear in court to contest the ticket. The ticket doesn't become invalid after the time limit for the offense expires. The only way to remove a ticket is to get it legally dismissed.

How Serious Is a Traffic Ticket in Texas?

As mentioned earlier, a traffic ticket in Texas is a class C misdemeanor. Although this is the least serious criminal offense punishable by a fine only, there are other hidden consequences for conviction violations.

These include:

• License Suspension
• Higher Insurance Rates

What Are the Penalties for Ignoring a Texas Traffic Ticket?

Ignoring a traffic ticket won't make it go away. The following are the consequences of ignoring a traffic ticket in Texas:

• A warrant of arrest will be issued against you
• The court may enter a judgment against you
• You will have additional charges of failure to appear in court
• Possible jail time or community service hours

How Do I Find My Lost Traffic Ticket in Texas?

If the TX Highway Patrol issued it, you could search for your ticket online at the Department of Public Safety (DPS) website. Contact the appropriate traffic court for your lost ticket if it was issued by a local police officer or a sheriff.

What Happens if I Receive a Ticket But Can't Make It to Court?

By signing the ticket, you promised to show up at your court date. If you can't show up in court, ensure you call the court immediately and try to reschedule. Keep all records of communication with the court.

If you are eligible for driving school, prefer this option instead of going to court.

Can I Pay My Fine by Mail Rather Than Going to Court?

Most courts allow you to plead guilty or no contest by mail or online. If you pay without going to court, you will be convicted of a crime. This may result in higher insurance rates and surcharges to the Department of Public Safety.

What Happens When You Skip Bail?

Skipping or jumping bail is failure to appear at a scheduled court date.

The following are the consequences of skipping bail:

• A warrant can be issued for your arrest. Once the warrant is issued, your license won't be valid until you resolve the matter with the court.
• Additional charges will be preferred against you.

How to Fight a Ticket in Texas On Your Own

You can plead not guilty and contest the traffic ticket. The following are the steps to fight a traffic ticket:

1. Show that you didn't violate the law at issue: Each traffic rule contains parts known as elements. For a ticket to be valid ideally, a driver must have violated each element of the traffic rule. If you can show the evidence doesn't support one or more elements, the judge will dismiss the charges.
2. Challenge the officer's version of events: You can also put to question the officer's version of what happened. You can doubt the credibility of the officer's observations if witness statements support your story.
3. Show the speed was safe in the situation: If there was minimal traffic and clear weather, you could argue you were not greatly exceeding the posted limit
4. Argue there is a mistake of fact: If an object obstructed your view and prevented you from seeing a stop sign or speed limit sign, you can argue you were legitimately unaware of the sign when driving.

Using DoNotPay to Fight Traffic Tickets the Easy Way

Here's how to get started:

1. Log in to DoNotPay and go to the Ticket Disputes category. Select the correct product based on your traffic ticket.

2. Upload a photo of your citation.

3. Provide us with some details on why you believe the citation issued is a mistake.

4. Select whether or not you want the letter mailed to the traffic ticket issuer on your behalf!
5. That’s it! You’ll receive an appeal letter that contains state vehicle codes to boost your case.

It's really that simple. Look out for your traffic ticket issuer's response to discover whether you won.

You can use DoNotPay to fight your traffic citations in Las Vegas, NYC, LA or any city in California, as well as any other state in the country.

Fight Traffic Tickets Easily With DoNotPay

Fighting traffic tickets can be challenging. DoNotPay can help you make the best case possible for voiding or otherwise not paying the ticket. Join us today to appeal your Texas traffic tickets and win!