The New Hampshire Point System Explained: How to Keep a Clean Driving Record
When you get your New Hampshire driver's license, you're also being enrolled in the state's demerit point system. This is the method the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) uses to track your driving history. A conviction for a moving traffic violation results in a specific number of "points" being added to your record.
It's a system where a low score is the goal. Accumulating too many points within a specific timeframe identifies you as a potentially high-risk driver, which can lead to serious consequences, including the suspension of your license. For new and experienced drivers alike, understanding how this system works is essential for maintaining your driving privileges and keeping insurance rates down.
How the New Hampshire Point System Works
The logic is straightforward: the more serious the traffic violation, the more points are assigned to it. These points are assessed based on the date of the violation, not the date you are convicted in court.
The system is designed to trigger a license suspension when a driver reaches a certain point threshold within a set number of calendar years. The number of points that leads to a suspension depends on the driver's age.
Point Thresholds for License Suspension:
The consequences are tiered, with stricter limits for younger, less experienced drivers.
For Drivers 21 Years of Age or Older:
- 12 points in one calendar year = suspension of up to 3 months.
- 18 points in two consecutive calendar years = suspension of up to 6 months.
- 24 points in three consecutive calendar years = suspension of up to 1 year.
For Drivers Under the Age of 21:
- 9 points in one calendar year = suspension of up to 3 months.
- 15 points in two consecutive calendar years = suspension of up to 6 months.
- 21 points in three consecutive calendar years = suspension of up to 1 year.
For Drivers Under the Age of 18 (Youth Operators):
- 6 points in one calendar year = suspension of up to 3 months.
- 12 points in two consecutive calendar years = suspension of up to 6 months.
- 18 points in three consecutive calendar years = suspension of up to 1 year.
Common Traffic Violations and Their Point Values
While there are over 50 offenses that carry points, knowing the values for common violations can help you understand how quickly they can add up.
| Violation Category | Examples | Demerit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Most Serious Offenses | Reckless Driving, DWI, Disobeying a Police Officer, Driving After Suspension, Conduct After an Accident | 6 |
| Serious Offenses | Negligent Driving, Yellow Line Violation, Improper Passing, Speeding 25 mph or more over the limit | 4 |
| Common Moving Violations | Speeding less than 25 mph over the limit, Disobeying a Traffic Control Device (Stop Sign, Red Light), Following Too Closely, Failure to Yield | 3 |
| Minor Infractions | Allowing an Improper Person to Operate Your Vehicle, Operating an Unregistered Vehicle | 2 |
| Lesser Infractions | Failure to Obey Inspection Requirements, Operating Without Possession of Registration | 1 |
(This is not an exhaustive list. Source:)
As you can see, a single conviction for a serious offense like reckless driving (6 points) is enough to trigger a suspension for a driver under 18. For a driver over 21, two 6-point violations within a year would result in a suspension.
What Happens When You Accumulate Points?
The process is automatic once a conviction is reported to the DMV.
- Conviction: You are found guilty of or plead guilty to a moving violation in court.
- DMV Notification: The court system reports the conviction to the NH DMV.
- Points Assessed: The DMV adds the corresponding points to your driving record, effective from the date the violation occurred.
- Suspension Hearing: If you reach a point threshold that triggers a suspension, the DMV will schedule a hearing. You have the right to attend this hearing to present your case. If you fail to appear, the suspension is typically imposed automatically.
- License Suspension: If the hearing officer upholds the suspension, your license will be suspended for the determined period.
Beyond the DMV, accumulating points almost always leads to a sharp increase in your car insurance premiums, as insurers view point-holders as a higher risk.
Can You Reduce Your Point Total?
New Hampshire does offer a way to mitigate the impact of points on your record.
Defensive Driving Course
- Point Reduction: You can voluntarily complete a state-approved, 6-hour defensive driving course.
- The Benefit: Successful completion of this course will subtract 3 points from your total. These points still appear on your driving record, but they will not count toward a suspension.
- Limitations: This is an important proactive measure you can take to keep your point total below the suspension threshold.
How Long Do Points Affect You?
Points from a conviction will stay on your driving record and be used in the calculation for suspension for three years. After that period, they are no longer counted towards a new suspension, but the conviction itself remains part of your permanent driving history.
The best way to manage the point system is to avoid accumulating points altogether. Drive defensively, obey all traffic laws, and never drive distracted or impaired. A clean driving record is the best proof of your commitment to safety on the road.
