How long do points stay on your license in North Dakota?

How do points come off in North Dakota?

One at a time. NDCC 39-06.1-13 tells the director to reduce your total "by one point for each three-month period during which points are not recorded against the licensee's driving record."

Four points take a year to clear. Eight take two years.

When does the three months start?

On the date your last points were entered. NDDOT bases the reduction date on the date the violation is entered, which can be later than the day you got the ticket.

What stops the clock?

New points. A new moving violation restarts the three-month count from the date those points are entered.

A suspension also stops it. NDDOT says that if you're serving a suspension or cancellation for points, "points will not be reduced until the period of suspension is complete."

How can I get them off faster?

Take an approved defensive driving course and send NDDOT the certificate. That's 3 points, once in any 12-month period, and up to 9 points in three years. It stacks with the automatic reduction.

Start at 9 points. With the course you're at 6 right away. Three months later you're at 5.

Does the ticket stay on my record after the points are gone?

Yes, for a while. NDDOT's limited driving record leaves out violations and convictions more than three years old. The complete record includes them.

What is my total after a suspension?

Eleven. After you complete a points suspension, the director reduces your total to 11. One more point and you're suspended again, so that's the time to take the course.

How do I see where I stand?

Order a limited record online for $3. It shows your current point total. How to check your points.