How often can you take defensive driving for points in North Dakota?

How often can I get the 3-point reduction?

Once in any 12-month period. NDCC 39-06.1-13 also says the reduction "may not exceed nine points during any three-year period commencing on the date of entry of the last points" against your record. That's three courses in three years at most.

How often can I elect a course in lieu of points?

Once in 12 months. You can't elect if you made an election "within the twelve months preceding the date of issuance of the summons or notice to appear." The date that counts is the date on the new ticket.

Can I use one of each in the same year?

The law says a person who makes the in-lieu election "forfeits any point reduction option under section 39-06.1-13." If you need both within a year, call NDDOT at 701-328-2604 and ask how they'll apply it before you pay for a second course.

What is the most I can take off in a year?

Source	Points off in 12 months
One course	3
Time, with no new points	4
Total	7

The automatic reduction is 1 point for every three months without new points, and it has no yearly limit.

When in the year should I take the course?

When you have at least 3 points to remove, and before you're at 12. The reduction comes only from points you had before you finished the course, so taking it at 1 point wastes most of it.

Does the course expire?

The statute doesn't give a time limit for sending in a certificate for the 3-point reduction. Send it when you finish. A certificate in a drawer does nothing for your record.

I took the course 11 months ago. Should I take it again now?

Wait until the 12 months have passed, then take it and send it in. If you're close to 12 points and can't wait, call NDDOT and ask for the exact date your last reduction was applied.