ND In Lieu of Points: How to Elect a Course

What is the in-lieu election?

It's a choice the law gives you at court. NDCC 39-06.1-10.1 says a person cited for a traffic violation "may appear before the court and elect to attend a driver training course approved by the director in lieu of entry of points."

How do I make the election?

Check the points. The violation has to be worth 5 or fewer. Which tickets qualify.
Contact the court on your citation before you post bond. Ask the clerk how the court records an election.
Post bond and say you elect the course. The law says you "must so notify the court at the time of posting the bond."
Write down the date. Your 30 days run from it.
Enroll in an approved course the same day.

What should I say to the clerk?

I'm posting bond on citation [number]. I elect to attend a driver training course in lieu of points under section 39-06.1-10.1. How do you want me to note that?

Ask for something in writing that shows the election and the date.

What do I do after I elect?

Finish the course and get the certificate to NDDOT. Email it to drs@nd.gov with your name, date of birth, license number, the court and the date of your election. NDDOT has to have it within 30 days of the election. The 30-day deadline.

What does it cost?

The bond, which equals the fee for the violation, and the course. The statute says you pay the course fee to the course sponsor. Ours is $24.99.

When can't I elect?

You made an election in the 12 months before this ticket was issued.
The offense is assigned 6 or more points.
The offense is one of those listed in NDCC 39-06.1-05, such as reckless driving, leaving the scene, or driving while suspended.

Does the election use up my 3-point reduction?

The law says a person making the election "forfeits any point reduction option under section 39-06.1-13." See reduction or in lieu of points.

Is this a dismissal?

No. The points aren't assessed. The bond is forfeited, and the law doesn't say the violation is removed from your record.

Quick answers

How do I elect a course in lieu of points in North Dakota?

Notify the court at the time you post bond that you elect to attend an approved driver training course, then get proof of completion to NDDOT within 30 days.

Do I still pay the ticket if I elect in lieu of points?

Yes. The bond is forfeited even though the election is made. You also pay the course fee to the course provider.

How often can I use in lieu of points in North Dakota?

Once in 12 months. You cannot elect if you made an election within the 12 months before the new ticket was issued.

Is in lieu of points the same as getting the ticket dropped?

No. The points are not assessed, but the bond is forfeited and the law does not remove the violation.

In lieu of points: how to elect a course at a North Dakota court