Traffic violations are classified as Class C Misdemeanors, which are generally punishable by a fine not to exceed $200 and state mandated court costs.

You must make an initial appearance in person, by mail or attorney representation, on or before the appearance date listed on your citation.
If the defendant is a juvenile, they must appear in person accompanied by a parent.

Plea of Guilty/Nolo Contendere:

Payment of fine may be made at initial appearance.  You do have the option of appearing before the Judge to request a Driver Safety Course or Deferred Disposition and keep the violation off your driving record. The court may also assess a fine and court cost to be paid immediately or by a future date. Payment plans or community service may also be ordered by the court.

To appear before the Judge, visit Municipal Court.

Laredo Municipal Court                          Monday-Thursday

4610 Maher Ave.                                         8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. or

Laredo, Texas 78041                              12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

No court sessions are held on Friday’s.

Closed on the City of Laredo Holidays.

Proper court attire is required, no shorts, sleeveless tops or flip flops are allowed.   Also, no electronic devices, including cellular phones, are allowed inside the building.

Plea of Not Guilty:

If you contest the citation and plea not guilty, your case will be reset to a future date for pretrial conference.

Compliance Dismissals:

You may be able to request a dismissal of your citation if you are charged with the certain offenses.  See compliance dismissal information below.

If you fail to appear on or before your appearance date, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest. Additionally, the court may request that the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) deny renewal of your Texas driver's license for your failure to appear. Additional court costs and fees may be assessed. If you possess a non-Texas driver's license, the State of Texas participates in the Non-Resident Violators Compact (NRVC), which may request that your home state suspend your driver license until you resolve your citation with this court.

The standard Safe Practices for Motor Vehicle Operations, ANSI/ASSE Z15.1, defines defensive driving as "driving to save lives, time, and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others." This definition is taken from the National Safety Council's Defensive Driving Course. It is a form of training for motor vehicle drivers that goes beyond mastery of the rules of the road and the basic mechanics of driving. Its aim is to reduce the risk of collision by anticipating dangerous situations, despite adverse conditions or the mistakes of others. This can be achieved through adherence to a variety of general rules, as well as the practice of specific driving techniques.

Defensive driving can only be considered if a plea of guilty or no contest is entered with the court on or before your court appearance date.

You are eligible to request this option if:

• You are at least 18 years of age

• You have current liability insurance and a valid Texas Driver License

• You have not taken a Driver Safety Course within the last 12 months to dispose of a citation (Calculated from the date of the last course completed to the date of your current citation)

• You do not possess a Commercial Driver License

• You are not charged with speeding in excess of 24 mph over the speed limit

• You are not charged with a violation:

-  in a construction work zone when workers present

-  passing school bus

-  leaving the scene of an accident

If you are eligible for the Driving Safety Course, click to download the Driving Safety Course request form.

Click here to request your Driver License Records.

If you were cited for a moving violation you may request Deferred Disposition for the purpose of having your case dismissed and not appear on your driving record.  Moving violations are defined 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.

Deferred Disposition is a form of plea deal, where a defendant pleads "Guilty" or "No Contest" to criminal charges in exchange for meeting certain requirements laid out by the court within an allotted period of time also ordered by the court. Upon completion of the requirements, which may include probation, treatment, community service, some form of community supervision, or some other diversion program, the defendant may avoid a formal conviction on their record or have their case dismissed. The Judge has the discretion of whether or not to grant Deferred Disposition.

You are eligible to request this option if:

• You do not possess a Commercial Driver License

• You are not charged with a violation in a construction work zone when workers present

Click to download Deferred Disposition Request Form.

Compliance Dismissals

You may be able to request a dismissal of your citation if you are charged with the following offenses:

• Driving without financial responsibility

• Expired driver license

• Expired motor vehicle registration

• Operate a vehicle without complying with the motor vehicle inspection requirements

• Failure to report change of address or name on drivers license
• Operate vehicle without valid registration insignia property displayed
• Operate vehicle with detective required equipment* (or in unsafe condition)
• Operate vehicle without two valid license plates

View the Compliance Dismissal List of eligible offenses and the requirements for requesting compliance dismissals.  Depending on the offense and/or appearance date, other fees may apply.

Your request for dismissal may be presented in person or by mail as soon as your citation has been filed with the court or on your appearance date.

In person:                                                        By mail:

Laredo Municipal Court                                Laredo Municipal Court

4610 Maher Ave.                                             P.O. Box 579

Laredo, Texas 78041                                     Laredo, Texas 78042

​DRIVER LICENSE HOLDS

If you are unable to renew your drivers license due to a hold that was placed, you must pay all pending citations in full before any hold can be released or you must appear before the Judge to request other special arrangements. Keep in mind, not all requests are granted and are at the discretion of the Judge.  Payments can be made in person or by mail.  Once your payment has been received, please allow 7-10 days for the hold on your drivers license to be released.  If you prefer to speak to the Judge, you must appear in person for court. Please keep in mind, arrangements on cases CAN NOT be made over the telephone.  For additional information on renewing your drivers license, call 512-424-2600 or  log on to  www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense.