The North Dakota Point System Explained: How to Keep a Clean Driving Record
When you receive your North Dakota driver's license, you are automatically enrolled in the state's demerit point system. This is the method the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) uses to track your driving history. When you are convicted of a moving traffic violation, a specific number of "points" are added to your driving record.
It's a system where a low score is the goal. Accumulating too many points within a specific timeframe identifies you as a driver who may pose a risk on the road, which can lead to serious consequences, including the suspension of your license. For new and experienced drivers alike, understanding how this system works is essential for maintaining your driving privileges and keeping insurance rates down.
How the North Dakota Point System Works
The concept is straightforward: the more serious the traffic violation, the more points are assigned to it. If you accumulate a certain number of points, the NDDOT will take action.
The critical number to remember in North Dakota is 12.
If you accumulate 12 or more points on your driving record, your license will be suspended.
The point total is a running tally. The NDDOT will look at your current point total to determine if a suspension is warranted.
Do all tickets carry points?
No. Non-moving violations, such as a parking ticket or a citation for a non-working headlight, do not add demerit points to your record. The system specifically targets moving violations—actions taken while the vehicle is in motion that violate traffic law. Serious offenses like Driving Under the Influence (DUI) result in automatic license suspensions or revocations and are handled with penalties that go beyond the standard point system.
Common Traffic Violations and Their Point Values
While there is a long list of violations, knowing the point values for common offenses can help you understand how quickly they can add up.
| Violation | NDDOT Points |
|---|---|
| Reckless Driving / Aggravated Reckless Driving | 8 |
| Leaving the scene of an accident | 6 |
| Driving without liability insurance | 6 |
| Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle | 6 |
| Speeding | |
| 11 to 15 mph over the limit | 2 |
| 16 to 20 mph over the limit | 3 |
| 21 to 25 mph over the limit | 4 |
| 26 to 35 mph over the limit | 6 |
| 36 to 45 mph over the limit | 8 |
| 46 mph or more over the limit | 10 |
| Disobeying a traffic control device (e.g., stop sign, red light) | 2 |
| Failure to yield right-of-way | 2 |
| Following too closely (tailgating) | 2 |
| Improper turn | 2 |
| Careless driving | 4 |
As you can see, a single conviction for reckless driving (8 points) combined with a conviction for careless driving (4 points) would put you at the 12-point threshold for suspension.
The Consequences of Accumulating Points
The NDDOT's actions are based on your total point accumulation.
- Warning Letter: The NDDOT may send you a warning letter as you begin to accumulate points to remind you of the potential consequences.
- Suspension at 12 Points: Once your record reaches or exceeds 12 points, the NDDOT will mail you a "Notice of Intention to Suspend."
- Suspension Period: The length of the suspension is 7 days for every point over 11. For example:
- 12 points = 7-day suspension
- 13 points = 14-day suspension
- 14 points = 21-day suspension
- Right to a Hearing: You have the right to request an administrative hearing to contest the suspension. If you do not request a hearing, the suspension will go into effect automatically on the date listed in the notice.
Beyond the NDDOT, accumulating points will almost certainly lead to a sharp increase in your car insurance premiums. Insurance companies use your driving record and point total as a primary factor in determining your rates. More points equal higher risk, which equals higher costs for you.
How to Reduce Your Point Total
The good news is that points do not have to stay on your record forever. North Dakota provides two primary ways for drivers to reduce their point total.
1. Good Behavior Credit
- For every three months that you drive without being convicted of a moving violation, 1 point is automatically subtracted from your record.
- For every one full year that you drive without a conviction, 3 points are subtracted.
- Important Note: Your point total can never go below zero.
2. Attending a Defensive Driving Course
- You can voluntarily enroll in an NDDOT-approved Defensive Driving Course (DDC). These courses teach safe driving techniques and are available in a classroom setting.
- Point Reduction: Upon successful completion of the course, up to 3 points will be removed from your driving record.
- Limitations: You can only receive a point reduction from a DDC once every 12 months.
- Insurance Discount: Many insurance companies also offer a discount on your premium for voluntarily completing a defensive driving course.
Your driving record is a direct reflection of your choices behind the wheel. By understanding the North Dakota point system and taking advantage of the available point reduction programs, you can protect your license, keep your insurance costs manageable, and contribute to safer roads for everyone in the Peace Garden State.
