Traffic Schools

While attending a traffic school course will not cause traffic tickets to be dismissed, there are still many good reasons for attending a driver improvement program. You may just want to improve your driving skills, or you may want to reduce your insurance premiums or points on your driving record. Once you find a program that works with your schedule and budget, make sure it also offers the benefits you are looking for.

Points Reduction and Alcohol Offenses

The North Dakota Department of Transportation recognizes completion certificates from the following defensive-driving programs and traffic schools for point reduction:

• Safer Driving

• National Safety Council

• North Dakota Safety Council

• AARP

After successful completion of any of these courses, take your certificate to the local DOT office for a three-point reduction from your driving record. The points will not be permanently erased, but you will have a reduction. You may take one course every 365 days for point reduction.

The courts may order one of these courses if you have an alcohol- or drug-related violation, such as driving under the influence.

To register for such a course, call the North Dakota Safety Council at (800) 932-8890.

Insurance Premiums

Many insurance companies offer discounts on premiums when drivers attend a course that teaches them defensive-driving techniques.

Contact your own insurance company to ask questions before enrolling though, because the amount of the discount may be determined by your age, or you may not be eligible for a discount because of your driving record.

Compare the discount to the cost of the course; discounts by some insurance companies will not offset the course fees.