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State Cert Guide

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Can a Wisconsin traffic safety course take demerit points off my record?

Finishing a department-approved Wisconsin traffic safety course can take up to three demerit points off your driving record, but only once every three years. You have 30 days after you finish to tell the department you want them taken off. We haven't confirmed whether a court dismisses a ticket for the course.

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The rule, fact by fact

Rule
3 points, or the number accumulated if that is fewerCheck your point total on your driving record first.
Verified. web.archive.org (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Valid for
Points reduced only once every three yearsNote when you last had points taken off.
Verified. wisconsindot.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Request deadline
30 days from completion to notify the DMVSet a reminder for the day you finish the course.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check when you last had points taken off. You may seek only one reduction in a 3-year period, and the department counts it as sought once it posts your course to your record, even if your point total does not change.

  2. Step 2. Choose a course the department has approved. Among them are a traffic safety school course and a defensive driving or similar course. The state lists its courses as all offered through local technical colleges in Wisconsin.

  3. Step 3. Finish the course, then tell the department within 30 days that you want the points taken off.

Before you pay

Ask the school to confirm that it files your certification with the department, because it must be made within 30 days of finishing for the course to qualify.

You pay any fee the course charges, so ask for the total before you enroll.

Questions

What if my license is already suspended for points?

The department must release a point suspension if applying the reduction brings your total assessed demerit points under 12.

Does the reduction cover tickets I get after the course?

The reduction applies only to demerit points from convictions for violations that occurred on or before the date you complete the course.

What if I have fewer than three points?

Your record is reduced only by the points it has. No credit is applied toward future point assessments, and you cannot have the total reduced again within a 3-year period.

Does a right-of-way course reduce points?

No. The state says Right-of-Way courses do not reduce points.

What to do next

Note when you last had points taken off. Then read the state's page on traffic safety courses before you enroll.

wisconsindot.gov

Sources we read