Point Reduction in Washington DC

Determine Your “Course” of Action

DC drivers can enroll in one of two DMV-approved traffic schools for point removal.

They cannot enroll voluntarily for point reduction; they can only enroll in relation to a current moving violation and on the approval of their hearing examiners.

While not exactly ticket dismissal (you still have to pay the ticket fine), the course does remove the violation’s points from your record.

Good Points

You also can reduce points by accumulating what DC calls “good” or “safe” points.

Basically, you receive one good point at the end of each calendar year during which you don’t receive any moving violations and maintain a valid DC driver’s license. Later, if you receive a moving violation, the DMV will apply any good points you’ve accumulated and offset the violation points.

Good points only last for five years, but that’s not encouragement to use them!

Complete a DC Traffic School

Once your hearing examiner gives you the green light, you have:

• 15 days to pay your ticket.
• 30 days to complete the course.

NOTE: These are calendar days, including weekends and holidays, from the date of your hearing examiner’s decision.

Submit Requirements to the DMV

You don’t have to worry about submitting your completion certificate; the course provider handles that for you.

Check Your Washington DC Driving Record

The DMV will notify you once it receives your completion certificate and removes your points.

To make sure there are no mistakes, consider checking your driving record after you receive notification.

Get an Auto Insurance Discount

DC drivers also can use these approved courses for auto insurance discounts.

The DMV recommends contacting your provider for details before enrolling; not all providers give this option, and some may require completion of other courses for discounts.