The Nova Scotia Demerit Point System Explained: Protect Your License
As a driver in Nova Scotia, your license is a privilege, not a right. To ensure our roads are safe for everyone, the province uses a demerit point system to track driving convictions. Understanding how this system works is crucial for all drivers, especially new ones, as accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension and soaring insurance rates.
This guide will break down the Nova Scotia demerit point system, explaining how you get points, what happens when you do, and how you can maintain a clean driving record.
What is the Purpose of the Demerit Point System?
The demerit point system is a tool used by the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to identify and rehabilitate drivers who repeatedly violate traffic laws. It's not designed to be a punishment in itself—the fines and other penalties from the traffic ticket serve that purpose. Instead, the points create a formal record that can trigger further action, like warnings or suspensions, for drivers who show a pattern of unsafe behavior.
Points are added to your record after you are convicted of a moving traffic violation. This means after you have paid the fine, been found guilty in court, or failed to appear in court. These points remain on your driving record for two years from the date of the conviction.
How Demerit Points Are Assigned
The number of points you receive is based on the seriousness of the offense. More dangerous actions carry a higher point value.
Here are some of the most common traffic offenses and their demerit point values in Nova Scotia:
| Demerit Points | Offense |
|---|---|
| 10 Points | Failing to stop for a police officer |
| 6 Points | Failing to stop for a school bus with its red lights flashing |
| 6 Points | Driving carelessly and heedlessly |
| 5 Points | Failing to remain at the scene of an accident |
| 4 Points | Speeding by 31 km/h or more over the limit |
| 4 Points | Following too closely (tailgating) |
| 3 Points | Speeding by 16-30 km/h over the limit |
| 3 Points | Failing to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk |
| 3 Points | Making an improper turn or unsafe lane change |
| 2 Points | Speeding by 1-15 km/h over the limit |
| 2 Points | Failing to stop at a stop sign or red light |
| 2 Points | Failing to signal a turn or lane change |
Note: Distracted driving (using a cell phone) carries a hefty fine and 4 demerit points.
The Consequences: Newly Licensed vs. Experienced Drivers
The demerit point system is much stricter for new drivers in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program.
For Newly Licensed Drivers (Class 7 and 5N)
The system is designed to intervene early to correct bad habits.
- Warning Letter: If a newly licensed driver accumulates 4 demerit points, they will receive a warning letter from the RMV.
- License Suspension: If a newly licensed driver accumulates 6 or more points, their driver's license will be suspended for six months.
- Program Reset: After the suspension, the 24-month Newly Licensed (probationary) period starts over from day one. This is a very significant penalty.
For Experienced Drivers (Full Class 5)
The thresholds are higher for drivers who have exited the GDL program.
- Warning Letter: A warning letter is sent upon reaching 6 demerit points.
- Required Interview: If you accumulate 10 or more points, you will be required to attend an interview with the RMV to discuss your driving record. Failure to attend will result in suspension.
- License Suspension: After the interview, if you are convicted of another offense bringing you to 10 points or more, your license will be suspended for six months.
Point Removal and Defensive Driving Courses
You cannot simply "wait out" your points. They remain on your record for two years from the conviction date. However, there is a way to reduce your active point total.
- Defensive Driving Course: A driver can choose to complete a government-approved Defensive Driving Course. Upon successful completion, the RMV will remove up to 4 demerit points from your record. This can be done once every two years. This is a proactive way to manage your record if you have accumulated a few points.
The Hidden Cost: Insurance Premiums
Beyond the fines and risk of suspension, demerit points have a major financial impact. Your insurance provider has access to your driving record. Each conviction, especially those with demerit points, will likely cause a significant increase in your insurance premiums for several years. A driver with multiple convictions is considered a high-risk client, and the price of their policy will reflect that risk.
The best strategy is to avoid getting points in the first place. Drive defensively, obey all traffic laws, and stay focused on the road. A clean driving record is your ticket to safety, freedom, and affordable insurance.
