Two new court costs go into effect on offenses occurring on or after January 1, 2008, raising court costs by $4.00.  For more information, check out our 2007 legislative update, and download the new court cost chart.

Recent FAQs on the 800 line

Q.    When does the time payment fee apply for deferred disposition?

A.    The time payment fee is due on the 31st day after judgment is entered assessing the fine, court costs, or restitution. (Section 133.103, Local Government Code).  The  judgement for deferrred or a  drivning safety course assessing the fine and court costs is not entered until the end of the period when the defendnant has not completed the driving safety course or complied with the terms of deferred.  After the court enters this  judgment, the court starts counting the next day as Day 1.  If the 30th day falls on a  weekend or holiday, the 30th day is pushed out to the next working day, although that policy may be subject to different interpretation by your city attorney or legal department.  On the next  day, the 31st day, the time payment fee is due.

Q.    What is a moving violation?  Which moving violations are assessed DPS Points?

A.    The Department of Public Safety defines "moving violation" in the Texas  Administrative Code as “an act committed in connection with the operation of a motor vehicle on a public street or highway, which constitutes a hazard to traffic and is prohibited by state law or city ordinance.” The Administrative Code also provides a list of 178 offenses that constitute moving violations for which points are assessed. A complete list may be found on the Texas Secretary of State’s website.

Q.      What information is necessary to be included on a notice to appear or traffic citiation?