Sec. 31.130. BOATER EDUCATION COURSE PERMITTED IN LIEU OF FINE. (a) Except as provided by Section 31.131, this section applies to a person who violates for the first time a provision of this chapter relating to the operation of a vessel.
(b) A justice may defer imposition of a fine and place a defendant on probation for a period not to exceed 60 days if the defendant:
(1) pleads guilty or nolo contendere or is found guilty; and
(2) requests permission from the court to attend a boater education course.
(c) The justice shall require the defendant to successfully complete a boater education course approved by the department during the probation period.
(d) If the defendant presents satisfactory evidence that the defendant has successfully completed the boater education course, the justice shall waive imposition of a fine. If the defendant fails to successfully complete the boater education course, the justice shall impose a fine for the violation.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1363, Sec. 11, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Structure Texas Statutes
Subchapter E. Enforcement and Penalties
Section 31.121. Enforcement Officers
Section 31.1211. Jurisdiction of Municipal Peace Officers
Section 31.122. Water Safety Vessels: Lights
Section 31.123. Required Response to Police Water Safety Vessel
Section 31.124. Inspection of Vessels
Section 31.125. Violations; Notice to Appear
Section 31.127. Penalties and Fines
Section 31.128. Disposition of Fines
Section 31.129. Violation and Enforcement of Sewage Disposal Regulations
Section 31.130. Boater Education Course Permitted in Lieu of Fine
Section 31.131. Boater Education Course Required for Certain Violations
Section 31.132. Reporting Procedures for Enforcement Officers