The Nevada Point System Explained: How to Keep a Clean Driving Record
When you receive your Nevada driver's license, you're also being enrolled in a statewide monitoring program: the Nevada Demerit Point System. This system is how the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) tracks your driving behavior. Every time you are convicted of a moving traffic violation, the DMV adds a specific number of "demerit points" to your record.
Think of it like a golf score in reverse—the goal is to have as few points as possible. Accumulating too many points in a set period signals to the state that you may be a high-risk driver, leading to serious consequences, including the loss of your driving privileges. For new drivers, understanding this system from day one is crucial for building a lifetime of safe driving habits and avoiding the stress and expense of a suspended license.
How Does the Nevada Point System Work?
The concept is simple: different traffic violations are assigned different point values based on their severity. Minor infractions get fewer points, while reckless and dangerous actions get a lot more.
The critical number to remember is 12.
If you accumulate 12 or more demerit points within any 12-month period, your driver's license will be automatically suspended for six months.
It’s important to note that the 12-month period is a "rolling" window. This means the DMV looks back at the last 12 months from the date of your most recent conviction, not just a calendar year.
Do All Tickets Carry Points?
No. Non-moving violations, such as a parking ticket or a ticket for an equipment failure (like a broken taillight), do not add points to your record. Similarly, a DUI conviction results in an automatic license revocation, so it operates outside the standard demerit point system. The system specifically targets moving violations—actions you take while the car is in motion.
Common Violations and Their Point Values
While you don't need to memorize the entire list, being familiar with the point values for common offenses can help you understand the potential impact of a single ticket.
| Violation | Demerit Points |
|---|---|
| Reckless Driving | 8 |
| Following too closely / Tailgating | 4 |
| Failure to give information or render aid at an accident | 6 |
| Failing to yield right-of-way | 4 |
| Disobeying a traffic sign or signal (e.g., running a red light) | 4 |
| Impeding traffic, driving too slowly | 2 |
| Speeding | |
| 1-10 mph over the limit | 1 |
| 11-20 mph over the limit | 2 |
| 21-30 mph over the limit | 3 |
| 31-40 mph over the limit | 4 |
| 41 mph or more over the limit | 5 |
| Speeding in a school zone | Doubled points for that speed |
| Careless Driving | 6 |
As you can see, two serious tickets—like one for reckless driving and one for running a stop sign—are all it takes to trigger a license suspension.
What Happens When You Accumulate Points?
The consequences of gaining points are progressive.
- The Conviction: You are found guilty of a traffic violation in court.
- Notification to DMV: The court informs the Nevada DMV of your conviction.
- Points are Added: The DMV adds the corresponding demerit points to your official driving record.
- Warning Letter: If you accumulate between 3 and 11 points, the DMV will mail you a notification letter. This is a friendly warning, letting you know that you are approaching the suspension threshold.
- Suspension Notice: If you hit the 12-point mark, the DMV will send a certified letter informing you of your license suspension. The six-month suspension period will begin a few weeks after the notice is sent.
Beyond license suspension, accumulating points has other negative effects, most notably a significant increase in your car insurance premiums. Insurance companies view points as a direct indicator of risk, and they will raise your rates accordingly.
How to Keep a Clean Record and Remove Points
The best strategy is to drive safely and avoid getting tickets in the first place. However, if you do get a ticket, you have options.
Attending Traffic Safety School
If you have accumulated between 3 and 11 points, you may be eligible to attend a DMV-approved traffic safety school to have points removed from your record.
- How it works: Upon successful completion of a licensed 5-hour traffic school course, the DMV will remove up to 3 demerit points from your record.
- Limitations: You can only use this option once every 12 months. This is also not typically an option if a judge orders you to attend traffic school as part of a plea bargain; it must be done voluntarily for point removal.
How Long Do Points Stay on Your Record?
Demerit points for a specific violation remain on your record for 12 months from the date of conviction. After one year, they are no longer counted toward the 12-point total for suspension purposes. However, the record of the conviction itself remains on your driving history for much longer and can still be seen by insurance companies.
Tips for Maintaining a Zero-Point Record
- Be a Defensive Driver: Always be aware of your surroundings, anticipate the actions of other drivers, and maintain a safe following distance.
- Know the Rules: Ignorance of a traffic law is not an excuse. Regularly refresh your memory on the rules of the road.
- Manage Your Speed: Speeding is one of the most common ways drivers accumulate points. Always be aware of the posted speed limit.
- Never Drive Distracted or Impaired: A single bad decision can have lifelong consequences.
Your driving record is a reflection of your commitment to safety. By understanding and respecting the Nevada point system, you can protect your driving privilege, keep your insurance costs down, and contribute to safer roads for everyone.
