Washington: Full Rule Record
Confirm with your court or DMV. Traffic-code rules change and vary by court — verify the current rule on Washington’s official .gov page or with the court handling your citation before you act. This rule is compiled at medium confidence and should be confirmed before you rely on it. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Washington maintains a point reduction mechanism that allows eligible drivers to keep an offense off their driving record. The frequency at which points may be reduced is course-dependent, varying based on the specific defensive driving course or traffic safety program selected.
Because point reduction programs are administered through individual approved providers and courts rather than at the statewide level, there is no single fixed cost or standardized course hour requirement published by the state. Drivers seeking point reduction should consult the state's official resources and their approved course provider to confirm current fees, course duration, and eligibility requirements for their particular situation. The Washington State Department of Licensing maintains authoritative information on approved providers and program details.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| State | Washington |
| Mechanism | Point reduction |
| What that means | removes/credits points; conviction stays |
| Eligibility / notes | For a level 1/2 offense, defensive driving can keep points off the record (eligibility limited). |
| Frequency | course-dependent |
| Points effect | keeps offense off record |
| Governing statute | Not yet pinned — see source |
| Confidence | Medium |
Primary source: https://dol.wa.gov/. Verified June 2026. How we compile this.
Check your state's rules →Washington overview → · Requirements →
Informational only — not legal advice. Traffic-school eligibility, point-reduction rules, and court procedures vary by state, by court, and by offense, and change over time. Nothing here is a specific statute citation or a determination about your case. Before you act, confirm the current rule with the traffic court handling your citation or your state DMV, and refer to your state’s official statutes for the governing law. For your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.