Washington DC Online Traffic School: Points, Not Dismissal (2026)
Comparing 4 reviewed options
Ticket in Washington DC, license from another state?
This page is written for drivers who hold a Washington DC license. If you got the ticket in Washington DCbut your license is from another state, different rules decide what reaches your home state's record and whether a course helps.
Read the out-of-state ticket guideWashington DC license, ticket from another state? Same guide, other direction.
Washington DC Traffic School: Key Facts (2026)
- Online course available
- Yes, for point reduction
- Ticket dismissal
- No, point credit instead
- Typical cost
- from $29.00
- Eligibility
- Requires prior approval from a DC DMV hearing examiner; the approved online course must be completed within 30 days of the hearing decision.
Last verified August 2026
Washington DC runs an official online traffic school through the DC DMV. If a DMV hearing examiner approves it, completing a DC DMV-approved online course removes points from your driving record. You have 30 days from the hearing decision to finish, and the two approved online providers are the American Safety Council and Online Traffic School Inc. This is a point-removal program, not a dismissal: the ticket conviction itself still stands. Ask the DC DMV about a hearing before you enroll. Last checked August 2026.
The True Cost of a Ticket in Washington DC
A DC moving-violation conviction adds points to your driving record, and points are what drive the insurance and suspension risk. DC's own online traffic school (dmv.dc.gov) removes those points once a DMV hearing examiner approves it, completed within 30 days. It does not dismiss the ticket, so you still pay the fine, but clearing the points is what limits the longer-term cost. Last checked August 2026.
Reduces points, not a dismissal
In Washington DC, completing an approved course reduces or credits points on your driving record. It does not dismiss the ticket, and the conviction still stands. Confirm the course you pick is state-approved for the point credit before you enroll.
DC point removal runs only through the DC DMV's two approved providers
To remove points in Washington DC you first need approval from a DC DMV hearing examiner, then complete a DC DMV-approved online course within 30 days. The DC DMV lists only two approved online providers: American Safety Council and Online Traffic School Inc. (dmv.dc.gov). The national courses listed below are shown for reference only and are not valid for DC point removal; confirm the current approved-provider list with the DC DMV before you pay.
We may earn a commission if you enroll through our links. It never changes a school's score or rank.
DriveSafe Online
Top RatedOur take
Investopedia's 'Best Overall' pick, with a cinematic full-video course
Pros
- Named Best Overall Online Defensive Driving Course by Investopedia
- Full-screen cinematic video, no text walls
- Money-back guarantee if certificate not accepted
- No hidden fees
Cons
- −Not available in all 50 states
DriversEd.com
Our take
Trusted since 1998, available in all 50 states, with a premium course experience
Pros
- Available in all 50 states
- In business since 1998, one of the most established providers
- Covers the full state curriculum with strong state-specific material
Cons
- −Higher price point than competitors
- −Related to iDriveSafely, same parent company (I Drive Safely LLC)
Traffic School Online
Our take
Top-rated and state-approved across the states it covers
Pros
- State-approved in covered states
- Electronic submission to court or DMV included
- Money-back guarantee
- Strong customer support reputation
Cons
- −Limited state coverage vs all-50-state providers
- −No dedicated mobile app
I Drive Safely
Lowest priceOur take
Among the most widely accepted online traffic schools, available in all 50 states
Pros
- Available in all 50 states
- Electronic certificate submission, no mailing required
- Lowest price in most states
Cons
- −Course design feels dated compared to newer competitors
- −No dedicated mobile app, browser-based only
We independently research and review all schools. Prices are checked periodically and may change or differ at checkout, so confirm the current price on the school's site. We may earn a commission if you enroll via our links, at no extra cost to you.
Washington DCTraffic School Rules & Requirements
Online Status
Online, point reduction
Eligibility
Requires prior approval from a DC DMV hearing examiner; the approved online course must be completed within 30 days of the hearing decision. Last checked September 2026.
Court Acceptance
The DC DMV runs an official online traffic school. With prior approval from a DMV hearing examiner, completing a DC DMV-approved online course removes points from your driving record; the two approved online providers are the American Safety Council and Online Traffic School Inc. This removes points, it is not a ticket dismissal, and the conviction still stands. Last checked August 2026.
Official DMV
Notes
DC has its own DMV.
Washington DC Traffic School FAQ
Does DC have online traffic school?
Yes. The DC DMV runs an official online traffic school. With prior approval from a DMV hearing examiner, completing a DC DMV-approved online course removes points from your driving record. The two approved online providers are the American Safety Council and Online Traffic School Inc.
Does DC traffic school dismiss my ticket?
No. It removes points from your record, but the ticket conviction still stands. In DC this is a point-removal program, not a dismissal, and you still pay the fine.
How do I qualify for DC's online traffic school?
You need approval from a DC DMV hearing examiner first. Once approved, you complete the DMV-approved online course within 30 days of the hearing decision. Contact the DC DMV about a hearing before enrolling.
Which online providers are approved in DC?
The DC DMV lists two approved online providers for its traffic school: the American Safety Council and Online Traffic School Inc. Confirm the current list with the DC DMV before you pay.
Nearby states
DMV-licensed online traffic schools in Washington DC
Directory data coming soon. We're collecting the official Washington DC DMV listing.