The DIC-17 form is a document used by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). It serves as a standardized method for Texas courts to report criminal convictions and court orders. Its purpose is to ensure the DPS receives accurate and timely information regarding legal outcomes that may impact an individual’s driving record or privileges. The form is a specialized communication tool, unique to Texas, facilitating data exchange between the judicial system and the state’s driver licensing authority.
What the DIC-17 Form Is Used For
The DIC-17 form is employed by courts to officially communicate legal judgments to the Texas DPS. This ensures the DPS is informed of outcomes that may affect an individual’s driving privileges. The form acts as a bridge between judicial decisions and administrative actions related to driver licenses.
One common use of the DIC-17 form is to report automatic driver’s license suspensions. For instance, if a court requires a driver to surrender their license due to an offense, the clerk must send the surrendered license to the DPS along with a completed DIC-17 form. This process ensures the suspension is officially recorded and enforced by the state.
The form also reports convictions for serious offenses, such as negligent homicide or other felonies where a vehicle was used. For these cases, the clerk is required to submit a written record to the DPS using the DIC-17 form, typically within seven days of the conviction date. This allows the DPS to take appropriate action regarding the driver’s license.
The DIC-17 form is used to report juvenile adjudications, deferred dispositions, or acquittals related to alcohol offenses involving minors. This reporting ensures that even for minors, the DPS receives notice of alcohol-related incidents that could affect their driving privileges or future eligibility for a license. The objective is to provide the DPS with comprehensive information on legal judgments that could influence an individual’s ability to drive.
Implications for Driving Privileges
The information conveyed through the DIC-17 form directly impacts an individual’s driving privileges in Texas. Data submitted can trigger administrative actions against a driver’s license, which may include suspensions, revocations, or other penalties. These actions are taken by the DPS based on the specific court outcomes reported.
The DIC-17 form connects to the broader framework of Texas administrative code, specifically “Section 17,” which relates to Administrative License Revocation (ALR) and defines terms associated with DWI and commercial driving offenses. While the DIC-17 reports convictions and court orders, the ALR program provides the administrative process for license suspensions or disqualifications, often initiated by a peace officer’s sworn report following an arrest for DWI or BWI if a driver refuses or fails a breath or blood test.
The form plays a role in enabling the DPS to impose suspensions or other restrictions as mandated by law. For example, if a court reports an automatic driver’s license suspension via DIC-17, the DPS processes this information to officially suspend the license. This administrative process ensures that legal judgments from courts are translated into tangible consequences for driving privileges, upholding public safety and adherence to traffic laws.