North Dakota’s Three-Point Reduction Rule for Online Traffic Courses

North Dakota drivers have several ways to reduce or avoid points on their driving records. Points can come off automatically after periods without new point violations, or drivers can complete an approved course to reduce existing points or qualify for the alternative option for certain citations. Anyone looking at a defensive driving class online should first confirm which program the course is approved for before paying.

How the Three-Point Reduction Works

The North Dakota Department of Transportation lets a driver remove up to three points by completing an approved defensive driving course, once every twelve months. The reduction lowers the point count NDDOT uses when it reviews a record. It does not erase the conviction or the violation behind the points. 

North Dakota also caps course-based reductions at nine points over three years, measured from the date the latest points were entered on the driver’s record. The annual limit still applies, even if a driver has accumulated enough points to benefit from another reduction.

A driver with eight points who completes a qualifying course, and whose reduction NDDOT accepts, would see the total drop to five. The result depends on the driver’s record and eligibility, and the underlying violation stays on the record.

Two Reductions That Work Differently

A clean period of driving allows North Dakota drivers to work down their point totals, with one point deducted after each qualifying three-month period. The automatic reduction happens without a course, while the three-point reduction requires completion of an approved course and submission of the certificate to NDDOT. Neither reduction applies while a point-related suspension or cancellation is being served.

Steps to Claim the Course Reduction

Once NDDOT confirms that a course qualifies, the driver must complete it and send the required proof to the department.

1. Check the current NDDOT approved-provider list and confirm the course’s exact listing.
2. Complete the course and obtain the certificate of completion.
3. Submit the certificate to NDDOT Driver Record Services at [email protected] or mail it to Driver License Division, 608 E. Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505-0750.
4. Confirm with NDDOT that the reduction has been applied to the record.

Completing a Course Instead of Taking Points

North Dakota offers a separate option for certain non-criminal violations assigned five points or fewer. Eligible drivers can complete an approved course in place of having those points added to their driving record.

A low point value alone does not guarantee eligibility. Certain offenses are excluded from this option under North Dakota law, so check the citation and confirm with the court that the violation qualifies before paying the bond.

The driver must post bond within fourteen days of the date on the citation and notify the court clerk when choosing the driver-training option. For a mailed payment, the written notice must be sent in the same envelope as the citation. After notifying the clerk, the driver has 30 days to complete the approved course and submit the certificate to NDDOT. The driver is responsible for sending the certificate. Drivers paying in person must give the clerk written notice at the time of payment. This option can be used once every twelve months, and paying the bond admits the violation. A driver should confirm the requirements with the court before paying, because missing a deadline can remove this option. This option cannot be combined with the separate three-point reduction, so drivers should confirm which route applies to their situation before choosing a course.

Point Levels That Lead to Suspension

NDDOT suspends driving privileges at twelve or more points, and the suspension lasts seven days for each point above eleven. Completing a course does not automatically stop a suspension or cancellation. A driver close to a threshold should confirm their status and options with NDDOT before assuming a reduction will resolve it.

Stricter Limits for Drivers Under Eighteen

Drivers under 18 can have their license or driving privileges canceled at six points. Anyone approaching that threshold should check their current record and ask NDDOT about the status of their driving privileges.

Insurance Discounts Follow Separate Rules

A course approved to lower license points may not qualify for an insurance premium discount. North Dakota maintains a separate list of courses approved for insurance-premium reductions, and insurers may have their own requirements. Drivers should check with their insurer before enrolling if saving on premiums is their main reason for taking the course.

Confirm a Course Qualifies Before You Pay

The current NDDOT approved-provider list does not identify ETS Traffic School by name. Drivers considering its North Dakota course should contact NDDOT to confirm whether it qualifies for point reduction before paying. The provider’s own description is not a substitute for confirmation from the state, especially when approval determines whether a course can reduce points.

Conclusion 

North Dakota gives eligible drivers several ways to reduce or avoid points, each with its own requirements and deadlines. Check with NDDOT before signing up for an online defensive driving course to make sure it qualifies for the type of point relief you need. Drivers seeking an insurance discount should check their insurer’s requirements separately.