You have a right to enter a plea of “guilty”, “nolo contender” or “not guilty” to each offense charged, the right to consult an attorney and the right to a jury or non-jury trial. If you plead “not guilty”, you will need to decide whether to employ an attorney to represent you. You may defend yourself, but on one else except a attorney may represent you.

All cases are heard in the Municipal Court Building at:

701 N. Tool Drive

Tool, Texas 75143

The law requires that you make an appearance either in person or by mail. A phone call does NOT constitute an appearance.

By the Appear by date on the citation to enter a plea, pay your fine and costs or set a court date.

1. Online: https://www.govrec.com/home/toolcitx

2. In-Person:

Monday – Friday

8:00 am – 4:00 pm (open during lunch)

Tool Municipal Court

701 N. Tool Dr. - Tool, TX 75143

3.By Mail: 

Tool Municipal Court

701 N. Tool Dr.

Tool, TX 75143

4.Night Drop: Front door of City Hall

Payments Accepted: Cash, Credit & Debit Card, Money Order and Cashiers Check (NO PERSONAL CHECKS,  NO OVER THE PHONE PAYMENTS)

Requirements to Take Driving Safety Course

Not everyone is eligible for driving safety course, be certain to check the requirements to see if you are eligible. If you are, you may request permission to take a driving safety course (DSC) before the appear by date on the citation, by drop box, mail, or in person.

At the time of the request you must do the following:

Enter a plea of Guilty or No Contest

Present a valid Texas drivers license

Present proof of financial responsibility (auto insurance) listing you as a driver

Pay the applicable state costs, and an administrative fee of $144.00 or $169.00 if the offense occurred in a school zone. All costs and fees are subject to change without notice

When You Are Not Eligible to Request a Driving Safety Course:

You received a ticket for speeding 25 mph over the posted speed limit

The offense occurred in a construction zone with workers present

The offense was for unlawfully passing a school bus

The offense was for leaving the scene of an accident

You have or held a commercial driver’s license (CDL) at the time of the offense.

If you have taken a DSC within the 12 months before the date of this citation, or you are currently required to take a DSC for another citation

What to do Next

Bring or mail the listed items to the court, and upon approval, the court will grant you permission to take the course.

You will have 90 days to complete the course and obtain a certified copy of your driving record from the Texas Department of Public Safety in Austin. Both documents – the course completion certificate and the certified copy of your driving record – must be returned to the court on or before the 90th day to have your citation dismissed.

Note: If you are applying by mail, please wait until you have received permission from the court before you take the course

Where You Can Take a Driving Safety Course

You may search for driving safety courses online, the course must be an approved course for the dismissal of a traffic citation in the State of Texas.

Failure to Complete a Driving Safety Course

If you fail to complete any one of the requirements by your due date, you will need to attend your show cause hearing. The date is preset when you are approved for the DSC. If you fail to appear at the hearing, a conviction on your case will be imposed and payment will be due immediately. If payment is not made immediately or an appeal bond filed, a capias pro fine warrant with a $50 warrant fee will be issued.

Wanting to know if you have an active warrant?

Search Active Warrants & Pay Online: https://www.govrec.com/home/toolcitx

If you pay in full online, we recommend you contact the court to ensure that your warrants are pulled.

Call GHS Directly: 877-439-1900

Call Tool Municipal Court: 903-432-3522, ext. 103

Juveniles in Municipal Court

If you are 17 years of age or younger and received a citation, your parent / guardian will be sent a letter of notice to appear in court with you before the Municipal Court Judge. This is required by state law. If you fail to appear, a notice will be sent to the Texas Department of Public Safety to suspend your driver’s license or prohibit you from getting one. Also, an order can be issued for a marshal to take you into custody from school or home until a parent can appear with you.

You must wear appropriate attire in the courtroom. Cell phones should be turned off or left on silent.

If you have any questions / concerns regarding any of this information, please feel free to call the court clerk at 903-432-3522 EXT. 103

The following chart depicts all violations that can be dismissed by the court. To be considered for dismissal, the violation must be remedied and the required proof presented to the court by the appear by date on the citation. 

Violation: Defective Equipment (any violation  Of Transport Code Chapter 547 not on A commercial motor vehicle)

Fine: $ Varies

Required Proof: PD will inspect vehicle

Dismissal Fee: $10

Violation: Driver’s License Fail to Display

Fine: $234

Required Proof: Driver’s license that was valid at the time of the citation

Dismissal Fee: $10

Violation: Expired Driver’s License 

Fine: $281

Required Proof: Renewed driver’s license

Dismissal Fee: $20

Violation: Expired Motor Vehicle Registration

Fine: $214

Required Proof: Receipt from county showing when the vehicle was registered and that the penalty was paid

Dismissal Fee: $20

*Violation not dismissible if registration is more than 90 days past due

Violation: Fail to display current registration on vehicle 

Fine: $214

Required Proof: PD will inspect vehicle

Dismissal Fee: $10

Violation: Fail to report change of address

Fine: $234

Required Proof: Driver’s license with a new address

Dismissal Fee: $20

Violation: Failure to Maintain financial responsibility - liability insurance

Fine: $390

Required Proof: Proof of financial responsibility (liability insurance card) that the court verifies was valid at the time of violation

Dismissal Fee: $0