What is the Study-to-Reduce-Points Program?

[ODelaney]

The Study-to-Reduce-Points Program is a measure for drivers holding a driver's license who have accumulated demerit points due to traffic violations. By participating in online traffic safety education and passing the exam, they can have their demerit points reduced. This program is a convenient traffic management measure uniformly deployed by the Traffic Management Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security. According to Article 5 of the Notice on Issuing the "Work Regulations on Reducing Demerit Points for Road Traffic Violations Through Accepting Traffic Safety Education (Trial)" issued by the Ministry of Public Security on January 14, 2020 (GongJiaoGuan [2020] No. 14), motor vehicle drivers applying to participate in the program to reduce demerit points for traffic violations must participate in corresponding road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge learning, exams, or traffic safety public welfare activities according to their highest permitted vehicle type and meet the relevant requirements to apply for demerit point reduction. Purpose: The Study-to-Reduce-Points Program reduces existing demerit points on a driver's license, rather than adding points or replacing penalty points for violations. The points obtained through free study are used to clear demerit records. For example, if a violation results in 6 demerit points, passing the Study-to-Reduce-Points exam can clear these 6 points, allowing the driver to start fresh. Regulations: The number of points that can be deducted after participating in the Study-to-Reduce-Points Program depends on how many points the driver had before participating. However, the total accumulated demerit points cannot exceed 11. Whether participating in the program or not, a driver's license only has 12 points. The program only reduces existing demerit points and does not increase the total points to 18. Specific precautions are as follows: Eligible Participants: Motor vehicle drivers holding a driver's license issued by the People's Republic of China, regardless of the vehicle type permitted by the license or whether they are commercial vehicle drivers, can participate in the Study-to-Reduce-Points Program. They must participate in corresponding road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge learning and exams according to their highest permitted vehicle type. Specific Rules: Motor vehicle drivers participating in online road traffic laws, regulations, and related content learning must study continuously for 5 minutes each time, accumulating 30 minutes of study time within 3 days. They can then register for an exam within 7 days. Passing the exam reduces 1 demerit point. Drivers can also attend on-site learning sessions, with each session lasting no less than 1 hour. After completing the required study hours, they can apply for an exam. Passing the exam reduces 2 demerit points. Drivers can also participate in offline traffic safety public welfare activities, with each hour of participation reducing 1 demerit point. Accumulating 30 minutes of study time within 3 days (with each study session lasting no less than 5 minutes) and passing the exam reduces 1 demerit point. The maximum demerit points that can be reduced in one scoring cycle is 6. Cases Not Accepted: The following situations will not be accepted: The driver had two or more full-score records in the previous scoring cycle. Within a 3-point cycle, the driver was involved in hit-and-run accidents, drunk driving, or the manufacture or alteration of documents or license plates. The driver's license is in the probation period or has expired without review. The driver has unresolved traffic violation records. The driver has a motor vehicle with overdue safety technical inspections or unregistered deregistration. The driver has already reduced the maximum of 6 demerit points in the current cycle.

[Ida]

I usually drive very carefully, but once I was caught speeding by a camera and had points deducted. Later, a friend told me about the 'Study to Reduce Points' program, so I tried using the Traffic Management 12123 App on my phone. Simply put, 'Study to Reduce Points' allows you to offset some penalty points by studying traffic regulations online after a traffic violation. I logged into the App and selected the 'Study to Reduce Points' module, which includes video and article learning materials, such as safe driving knowledge and explanations of new regulations. After studying for 30 minutes, I took a test based on the content I had just reviewed. Answering a certain number of questions correctly could reduce about 1 point. You can reduce a maximum of 6 points per year, which is quite practical and also serves as a reminder not to recklessly overtake. If all 12 points are deducted, you can't use this program, so it's advisable to pay attention to speed limits, wear seat belts, and avoid violations to not only prevent fines but also save on tuition fees and improve safety awareness.

[EzraAnn]

As a frequent driver, the 'Learn to Reduce Points' program is truly a great benefit of modern driving, with its core purpose being to allow drivers to make up for mistakes through education after receiving penalty points for violations. I experienced the entire process using the Traffic Management 12123 App: after logging in, I found the 'Learn to Reduce Points' entry, which provides traffic safety education materials. I chose a video course and spent half an hour watching it—the content covered daily driving rules such as yielding at intersections and parking regulations. Then, I took a short test of about 10 questions, and getting 80% correct automatically reduced 1-2 points. The goal of this mechanism is to encourage people to learn more and reduce accident rates, especially for young drivers who are prone to distractions like using their phones. The app makes the process convenient and quick. However, remember that the maximum reduction per year is 6 points, and if your license is suspended, you won’t qualify. Staying focused on the road while driving and developing good habits is far better than reducing points afterward.

[VanSkylar]

What is the 'Learn to Reduce Points' system? When I first started driving, I was curious about it. Simply put, it's a way to offset penalty points by studying traffic regulations after you've been penalized for a violation. For example, using the Traffic Management 12123 App, there's a 'Learn to Reduce Points' feature. After opening it, I watched some safety videos, then took a test. Passing the test allows you to reduce points. It's super useful for beginners to make up for mistakes like accidentally running a red light. After completing it, don't forget to practice actual driving, maintaining a safe distance and speed limits.

[JonathanFitz]

Having driven for decades and witnessed all kinds of traffic violations, this new 'Study to Reduce Points' system has been a real help—simply put, it allows you to reduce deducted points by studying traffic regulations. I always say it can be done easily on the 12123 App: first, study traffic safety content for half an hour, such as foggy driving techniques, then take a quiz. After successfully reducing points, you still need to be careful not to violate rules again. The system is great, but don’t rely on it too much. In the past, without this feature, getting 12 points deducted meant license suspension, which was riskier. I recommend installing a dashcam to monitor driving habits.

[Gabrielle]

The core of the point reduction mechanism lies in prioritizing education over punishment. By studying traffic regulations such as the importance of seat belts through the app and answering questions correctly, points can be deducted. After trying it myself, not only did I reduce 1 point, but I also learned a lot of safety knowledge, which lowered the possibility of accidents. I feel more at ease while driving now and fully support promoting such positive changes.