Can you take defensive driving course for running a red light in Texas?

In Texas, you may be eligible to take a defensive driving course instead of paying a fine and receiving points on your driver's license if you have been cited for running a red light for the first time and certain conditions are met, such as no one being injured in the incident and your red light offense taking place outside of a school zone.

This option is known as "deferred disposition," and to benefit from it, you typically need to:

1. Complete the defensive driving course within the specific timeframe designated by the court or citation.

2. Pay any required court costs and administrative fees (the specific costs may vary).

3. Provide proof of course completion to the appropriate authority (court or citation provider).

Once accepted, completing the defensive driving course usually results in you not being required to pay the fine for the red light violation, and the associated demerit points may not be added to your driving record. It's advisable to promptly respond to your citation when you receive it and check with the issuing authority or court for the exact conditions, requirements, and procedures for defensive driving course in your specific situation in Texas.