Find out if you are eligible for a deferral. You are not eligible if you:
- Have a commercial driver license, even if the violation occurred while you were driving a non-commercial vehicle.
- Are under the age of 17.
- Are charged with a code violation other than those listed in Step 2 below.
If one of these apply, you can find out when you need to go to court using the court's online case portal. You can also choose another option to handle your case or ticket.
If you are under the age of 17, you will receive notice in the mail of a date and time to appear in court with a parent or guardian. Keep your address updated with the court so you receive your notice on time. You may have the option of requesting a deferral at your court appearance.
Understand the terms of your deferral and request to complete them.
Moving violations
addTerms of deferral:
- The deferral period is 90 days from the date your form is postmarked or submitted in person.
- You must complete a 6-hour driving safety course approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. You can submit a copy of your certification in person, by fax, by mail, or by email.
- You must maintain a valid driver license or permit during the deferral.
- You must notify the court in writing if your address changes.
- You must commit no other moving traffic offenses within Austin city limits during the deferral period.
Bicycle violations
addTerms of deferral:
- The deferral period is 90 days from the date your form is postmarked or submitted in person.
- You must complete the 3-hour online defensive cycling course through the Center for Cycling Education. You can register for the course online. Notice of certification will be mailed to the court directly once you have completed the course.
- You may also complete a 6-hour driving safety course approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. You are responsible for submitting the certification of completion by the end of the deferral period. You can submit a copy in person, by fax, by mail, or by email.
- You must commit no other bicycle offenses within Austin city limits during the deferral period.
No insurance
addTerms of deferral:
- The deferral period is 180 days from the date your form is postmarked or submitted in person.
- You must maintain the minimum liability insurance coverage as required by law without lapse during the deferral period.
- You must maintain a valid driver license or permit during the deferral period.
- You must notify the court in writing if your address changes.
- At the end of the deferral period, you must submit a letter from your insurance company or agent showing that your insurance has been in effect for 180 starting from the date this form is postmarked.
No license
addTerms of deferral:
- The deferral period is 90 days from the date your form is postmarked or submitted in person
- You must affirm that you will not drive a vehicle unless you have obtained a valid Texas driver license during the 90 day deferral period.
- You must notify the court in writing if your address changes.
Disabled parking
addTerms of deferral:
- The deferral period is 90 days from the date your form is postmarked or submitted in person.
- You must commit no other disabled parking offenses within Austin city limits during the deferral period.
- You must notify the court in writing if your address changes.
Water violation deferral
addTerms of deferral:
- The deferral period is 90 days from the date your form is postmarked or submitted in person.
- You must complete a boat safety class and submit a copy of the certificate of completion by the end of the deferral period. You can submit a copy in person or by fax, mail, or email.
- You must not commit any other water violations within Austin city limits during the deferral period.
- You must notify the court in writing if your address changes.
A week after submitting your request, search the online case portal using your last name and birth date to see the status of your case.
If your request for a deferral is denied, you can choose another option to handle your case or ticket.
Find the fees for your case through the court's case portal and choose an option to pay.
By phone
addCall (512) 974-4800.
Online
addFind your case and pay through the case portal.
By mail
addMail a check or money order to:
Austin Municipal Court
P.O. Box 2135 Austin
TX 78768-2135
Include in your correspondence:
- License plate number
- Date of violation
- Citation number
- Your name, address, and phone number
In person
addYou may pay the fee in person at one of these two courthouse locations.
6800 Burleson Road, Building 310, Ste 175 Austin, Texas 78744
12425 Lamplight Village Avenue Austin, Texas 78758
Through an alternative payment option
addIf you are unable to pay a court fee, payment alternatives may be available to you.
Complete the terms of your deferral and submit proof to the court.
If you cannot or will not complete the terms of a deferral and do not want to explain the reason to a judge, you may opt out of the deferral and a conviction will be entered.
Otherwise, failure to meet the terms of your deferred disposition will result in a revocation hearing. The hearing is your opportunity to explain to a judge why you failed to meet the terms.
If you do not appear in court for your revocation hearing, a conviction will be entered. The conviction will be placed on your record. If you still owe the court money, a warrant for your arrest will be issued.
In person
add6800 Burleson Road, Building 310 Ste 175 Austin, Texas 78744
12425 Lamplight Village Avenue Austin, Texas 78758
By email
addcourt@austintexas.gov
By fax
add(512)-974-4882
How the court determines deferral eligibility
The court will consider this information when determining if you are eligible for a deferral:
- Type of offense you have been charged with
- The facts of your particular case
- Your criminal history