North Dakota DMV Point System

North Dakota uses a traditional numeric point system to track moving violation convictions. Specific violations carry specific point counts; a 6-point total triggers a warning letter, and a 12-point total triggers a mandatory NDDOT hearing and possible license suspension. Points decay on a published schedule, so a clean year reduces accumulated points.

How points are assigned

When NDDOT receives a moving violation conviction from a North Dakota court, points are assessed based on the type of violation:

• Reckless driving: 8 points.
• Aggravated reckless driving: 12 points.
• Speeding 16+ mph over the limit: 4-9 points (rises with speed).
• Speeding 11-15 mph over: 3 points.
• Speeding 6-10 mph over: 1-2 points.
• Speeding 1-5 mph over: 0 points (warning territory).
• Failure to yield right-of-way: 2 points.
• Following too closely: 2 points.
• Improper passing: 4 points.
• Stop sign or signal violation: 2 points.
• Improper lane change: 2 points.
• Driving on a suspended license: 4 points.
• Leaving the scene of an accident: 6-12 points depending on severity.
• Eluding a peace officer: 12 points (often automatic suspension).

DUI convictions are handled through a separate administrative track and are not assessed via the point system, although they appear on the driver record.

The 6-point warning letter

When a driver's running point total reaches 6 points, NDDOT mails a warning letter. The letter advises the driver of the current total, the underlying convictions, and the potential consequences if more points accumulate. The letter is informational only - no suspension or hearing is triggered at this stage. It is a formal notice that gives the driver a chance to drive cleanly and avoid escalation.

The 12-point hearing trigger

When a driver's running point total reaches 12 points, NDDOT requires the driver to attend a hearing. At the hearing the NDDOT hearing officer reviews the conviction record and considers:

• Suspending the license for up to 30 days for a first 12-point episode.
• Requiring completion of a defensive driving course.
• Imposing a probationary license with restrictions.
• Imposing more severe action for repeat 12-point episodes - up to 1-year suspension.

Drivers can present mitigating evidence at the hearing - clean driving since the most recent conviction, driver-improvement course completion, employment hardship.

Point decay

North Dakota's point system rewards clean driving by reducing accumulated points over time. The standard rule is that points reduce by 1 point per 3 months of clean driving (no new convictions). A driver who reaches 8 points and then drives cleanly for one year would see the total drop to 4 points. Active 12-point hearing actions reset the decay schedule from the date of the underlying disposition.

Defensive driving course credit

NDDOT allows drivers to reduce accumulated points by 3 points through completion of an approved defensive driving course. The reduction is available once every 3 years and cannot be used to reduce points associated with mandatory minimum penalties. The course must be approved by NDDOT - typically 4-6 hours, classroom or online - and a certificate is filed with NDDOT after completion.

Younger drivers

Drivers on an instruction permit or restricted Class D face stricter point triggers. Three points during the GDL period triggers a parental notice; six points triggers a 30-day suspension. The standard point thresholds (6 / 12) still apply, but the additional GDL-specific triggers add early intervention. Parents are notified of every conviction reported on a permit holder's record because the parent or guardian's signature on form SFN-2475 establishes financial responsibility.

How points affect insurance

North Dakota insurance carriers pull driver records at quote, renewal, and following any reported accident. The point total itself is less important to most carriers than the underlying conviction history; recent moving violation convictions and DUI events affect rates and eligibility for preferred programs even after the points have decayed off the NDDOT total. Drivers required to file an SR-22 must maintain coverage continuously for at least 3 years - any lapse restarts the clock.

Disputing points

If your North Dakota point total is wrong - because of a conviction that was dismissed, a suspension that was vacated, or a clerical error - you can request a correction by contacting NDDOT in writing with supporting documentation (court disposition, hearing order). Most corrections take 30-60 days. See traffic tickets for how convictions are reported in the first place.