Is the 'Study to Reduce Points' a Point Addition or Deduction?

[ODominic]

The 'Study to Reduce Points' is not about adding points; it refers to deducting previously accumulated points due to traffic violations. It does not serve the purpose of adding points but can achieve the goal of reducing previously accumulated points. It cannot be used to offset points during a violation. The 'Study to Reduce Points' is a measure for drivers holding a driver's license who have been penalized for traffic violations. By participating in online traffic safety education and passing the exam, they can have their penalty points reduced. This initiative is a public service measure uniformly deployed by the Traffic Management Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security. Function: The 'Study to Reduce Points' reduces existing penalty points on a driver's license, not adding points or substituting for violation penalties. The points obtained through this program are used to clear existing penalty records. For example, if a driver has been penalized 6 points, passing the 'Study to Reduce Points' exam can clear these 6 points, allowing a fresh start. Regulations: The number of points that can still be deducted after participating in the 'Study to Reduce Points' depends on how many points the driver had before participating. However, the total accumulated points cannot exceed 11. Regardless of participation in the program, a driver's license only has 12 points. The program only reduces existing penalty points and does not increase the total points to 18. Specific considerations are as follows: Eligible Participants: Drivers holding a motor vehicle driver's license issued by the People's Republic of China, regardless of the vehicle type or whether they are commercial vehicle drivers, can participate in the 'Study to Reduce Points' program. They must study and take exams related to road traffic safety laws and regulations according to their highest permitted vehicle type. Specific Rules: Drivers participating in online road traffic law and regulation studies must complete at least 5 minutes of continuous study per session, accumulating 30 minutes of study time within 3 days. They can then register for an exam within 7 days. Passing the exam will reduce their penalty points by 1. Drivers can also attend in-person study sessions, with each session lasting at least 1 hour. After completing the required study hours, they can apply for an exam. Passing the exam will reduce their penalty points by 2. Drivers can also participate in offline public safety activities, with each hour-long session reducing penalty points by 1. Accumulating 30 minutes of study within 3 days (each session lasting at least 5 minutes) and passing the exam can reduce points by 1. The maximum point reduction in one scoring cycle is 6 points. Cases Not Accepted: The following situations will not be accepted: If the driver had two or more full-point records in the previous scoring cycle. If the driver was involved in hit-and-run accidents, drunk driving, or falsified or altered documents or license plates within the last 3 scoring cycles. If the driver's license is in the probation period or has not been reviewed on time. If the driver has unresolved traffic violation records. If the driver has a vehicle with an expired or unregistered safety inspection under their name. If the driver has already reduced the maximum 6 points in the current scoring cycle.

[LeFinn]

I've been driving for so many years, and this 'learning to reduce points' thing needs to be clarified—it definitely reduces points. It doesn't add extra points to your license but rather allows you to reduce some of the points deducted after a traffic violation by passing a test on traffic regulations. For example, last time I was deducted 2 points for not wearing a seatbelt, but after studying the rules, I got 1 point back, leaving only 1 point on record. This way, part of the total points is restored, but it’s not added beyond the 12-point limit; essentially, it reduces the existing deductions to ease the pressure. Many experienced drivers mistakenly think it’s adding points, but it’s not—it helps recover lost points to avoid losing your license over minor mistakes. I think this policy is quite humane, encouraging everyone to learn more and violate less, putting safety first.

[StWillow]

As a new driver who just got my license, I was also curious at first whether 'learning the law to reduce points' means adding or deducting points. Simply put, it means deducting points. The idea is that after you violate traffic rules and get points deducted, you can reduce the penalty by participating in legal education and passing exams. For example, if I run a red light and get 6 points deducted, after completing the course, only 3 points are recorded, allowing some of my total usable points to recover. It doesn't award extra points to your total score but rather reduces the penalty portion. From a practical perspective, this gives you a chance to correct mistakes, but the core concept is point reduction, not point addition. On the road, you still need to be very careful—don’t assume that learning the law can grant you extra points beyond the limit.

[VincentRose]

When assisting customers with driver's license issues at the dealership, we often explain that 'study to reduce points' means deduction rather than addition. After receiving penalty points for violations, passing the study exam will reduce part of the demerit points, e.g., from 4 points down to 2. This doesn't add new points but rather reduces the deducted amount, maintaining the total 12-point rule. It's important to clarify this to avoid misunderstanding it as a point-adding opportunity.