Some Texas Drivers Will Soon Be Able to Avoid Traffic Stops

A new way to interact with police is on the way in Texas. You no longer get pulled over by police for a minor traffic violation. You would get the ticket via a text on your phone. This program is now being tested in one small town near San Antonio.

How Does this Ticket Text Program Work?

It’s called the Trusted Driver program. You register online to participate in this effort and your information is saved in the database. If your car is ever spotted by an officer doing something illegal (minor offenses only), you will get a ticket texted to your phone rather than being pulled over by an officer.

Bexar County is the first police department in the nation to try out this program. Val Garcia is President and CEO of the Trusted Driver Program. He tells WLTX "It's not a 100% solution, but it's a step forward in the right direction."

Garcia has teamed up with four other former SAPD officers to create this program.

This is not an app. The program is an online system that will let you avoid being pulled over by a police officer and having an in-person interaction. You will also avoid the delays that are caused by a live traffic stop.

Garcia says "If we minimize those interactions just for minor traffic violations, they have more time to dedicate to serious crime like DWI's that are on the road, reckless drivers and other offenses.

How Do You Sign Up for the Program

Motorists have to register for the program at mytrusteddriver.com. You will be asked to create a profile and give complete details about any disabilities or medical conditions you might have that would be helpful for police to know about. Your data is encrypted and is never shared with other parties.

What Happens If You Are Caught Doing Something Wrong?

Once you are registered and you commit a minor traffic violation, officers will not turn on siren or lights and you will not be pulled over. The officer will run your plate and you will get a text on your phone with a warning or a ticket that you can handle online without appearing in court.

What Town Is Kicking Off This Program?

The Trusted Driver Program is beginning right now in the town of Windcrest which is just northeast of San Antonio, but the developers hope to expand it to other cities in the near future.