The California NOTS Point System: How to Keep Your Driving Record Clean

As a new driver in California, one of your most valuable assets is a clean driving record. It keeps your insurance rates low and, most importantly, keeps your license in your wallet. To encourage safe driving, the California DMV uses a system to track traffic convictions called the Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS).

Understanding how this point system works from day one is essential. Accumulating too many points in a short period of time identifies you as a "negligent operator" and can lead to serious consequences, including the suspension of your driving privilege.

How the California Point System Works

The concept is simple: when you are convicted of a moving traffic violation (meaning you pay the ticket or are found guilty in court), the DMV adds a specific number of "points" to your driving record. These points stay on your record for a set amount of time, typically 36 to 39 months, depending on the offense.

Violations are generally categorized as either 1-point or 2-point offenses.

1-Point Violations

These are the most common types of traffic tickets. Examples include:

Speeding
Running a red light or stop sign
Making an unsafe lane change
An at-fault accident

2-Point Violations

These are reserved for more serious offenses that show a greater disregard for safety. Examples include:

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs
Reckless driving
Driving with a suspended or revoked license
Hit-and-run driving

The NOTS Thresholds: How Many Points is Too Many?

The DMV will take action and consider you a negligent operator if your driving record shows any of the following point totals:

4 points in 12 months
6 points in 24 months
8 points in 36 months

The Consequences of Being a Negligent Operator

The NOTS system is progressive. The consequences become more severe as you accumulate points.

Level I: The Warning Letter If you get close to the NOTS thresholds (e.g., 2 points in 12 months for a new driver, 3 points for an adult), the DMV will typically send you a warning letter. This is a "Level I" notice, simply reminding you of the consequences if you continue to get tickets.

Level II: Notice of Intent to Suspend If you reach a total of 3 points in 12 months, you'll receive a more serious "Level II" letter. This advises you that one more point will result in a license suspension.

Level III: Order of Probation/Suspension This is the critical stage. When you reach one of the NOTS thresholds (e.g., 4 points in 12 months), the DMV will mail you an Order of Probation and Suspension. This order means:

Your license will be suspended for 6 months.
You will be placed on probation for 1 year.

While on probation, any new violation or at-fault accident will trigger an additional 6-month suspension and extend your probation for another year.

Can You Fight a Suspension?

When you receive the suspension order, you have the right to request a DMV hearing to contest it. However, if you do not request a hearing within the specified time, the suspension will automatically take effect.

A Powerful Tool: Traffic Violator School (TVS)

For many 1-point violations, California law allows you to attend a state-approved Traffic Violator School (TVS), often called "traffic school." This is the single best way to protect your driving record.

How it Works: If you are eligible and complete the TVS course, the court will dismiss your ticket.
The Benefit: When the ticket is dismissed, the conviction is "masked" on your public driving record. This means no point is added to your license, and your insurance company will not see the violation.
Eligibility: You are typically eligible if you have a valid driver's license, the violation was a minor moving offense, and you have not attended traffic school for another ticket in the last 18 months. You are not eligible for 2-point violations like DUI.

If you get a ticket, always check with the court to see if you are eligible for Traffic Violator School. The cost of the course is a small price to pay to keep a point off your record.

By driving safely, being aware of the rules, and using options like traffic school when available, you can stay out of the NOTS system and protect your privilege to drive in California.