Citation dismissal: Which States
Citation dismissal refers to a court diversion mechanism in which a traffic court dismisses or removes a citation from a driver's record. Among 51 jurisdictions surveyed, five employ this approach: Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas.
Grouping states by legal mechanism rather than by course type or price provides the most accurate basis for comparison, since public data records are organized around the actual legal structures in place. Within any single mechanism, however, eligibility requirements and frequency limits vary substantially by state and even by individual court. Drivers seeking to pursue citation dismissal should verify the current rules applicable to their specific jurisdiction by consulting directly with the relevant court or Department of Motor Vehicles office.
This information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
| State | Frequency | Points effect | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | once / 12 months | diverts (no points/conviction) | High |
| Arkansas | court-set | court may dismiss | Medium |
| Kansas | court-set | court may dismiss | Medium |
| New Mexico | course-dependent | dismisses ticket | Medium |
| Texas | once / 12 months | dismisses citation | High |
Per-state confirmation still required. Mechanism is the same across these states, but eligibility, frequency and the governing statute are not. Open each state's page and confirm with the court/DMV. Not legal advice.
Check your state's rules →