Demerit Points

Warning Notice

Pursuant to Saf-C 212.03, demerit points will be assessed for certain violations upon conviction. The number of demerit points assessed depends on the seriousness of the offense with the point value being 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6. The number of demerit points assessed for a motor vehicle conviction will appear on a certified copy of a record for three (3) years from the date of the violation.

If you received a Demerit Points Warning Notice, please be advised that the purpose of this notice is to inform you of the demerit point system convictions that have been posted to your New Hampshire driver record. The notice also indicates the total number of demerit points currently shown on your driver record. An accumulation of points may result in the suspension of driving privileges. 

Assessment of Points

Driver Licenses/Operating Privileges are suspended according to the Demerit Points Assessed After Court Conviction based upon the violation date. Information pertaining to suspensions with regards to the Assessment of Points is detailed in Saf-C 212.02.

Drivers Under the Age of 18 are Subject to these Suspensions:

• 6 Points in one calendar year = up to 3 months suspension
• 12 Points in two calendar years = up to 6 months suspension
• 18 Points in three calendar years = up to 1 year suspension

Drivers Under the Age of 21 are Subject to these Suspensions:

• 9 Points in one calendar year = up to 3 months suspension
• 15 Points in two calendar years = up to 6 months suspension
• 21 Points in three calendar years = up to 1 year suspension

Drivers 21 Years of Age or Older are Subject to these Suspensions:

• 12 Points in one calendar year = up to 3 months suspension
• 18 Points in two calendar years = up to 6 months suspension
• 24 Points in three calendar years = up to 1 year

Points per Violation

One demerit point for a conviction of violating:

• RSA 261:59, operating without possession of a registration certificate;
• RSA 266:5, failure to obey inspection requirements; or
• RSA 263:35, failure to obtain a New Hampshire driver's license;

Two demerit points for a conviction of violating:

• RSA 261:40, unregistered vehicle;
• RSA 263:1-a, allowing an improper person to operate a motor vehicle;
• RSA 263:2, failure to display or produce a license for inspection by an officer;
• RSA 263:85, allowing an improper person to drive a commercial motor vehicle;
• RSA 263:13, failure to abide by license restrictions;
• RSA 263:92, operating a motor vehicle with the improper class of license;
• RSA 263:30, operating without a motorcycle license;
• RSA 265:3, obedience required to a police officer; or
• RSA 265:102, littering

Three demerit points for a conviction of violating:

• RSA 265:9, disobedience to any required traffic control device;
• RSA 265:21, limitations on driving to left of center of roadway;
• RSA 265:23, one-way roadways and roadways and rotary traffic islands;
• RSA 265:24, driving on roadways laned for traffic;
• RSA 265:25, following too closely;
• RSA 265:26, driving on divided ways;
• RSA 265:26-a, driving on a sidewalk;
• RSA 265:28, failure to yield the right of way;
• RSA 265:29, vehicle turning left;
• RSA 265:30, failure to obey yield sign;
• RSA 265:31, failure to obey stop and yield signs;
• RSA 265:32, vehicle entering way from private road or driveway;
• RSA 265:33, failure to yield to authorized emergency vehicles;
• RSA 265:37 or RSA 265:41, failure to use due care;
• RSA 265:45, failure to signal turn;
• RSA 265:48-51, improper conduct at a railroad crossing;
• RSA 265:60-67, speeding when the conviction is for speeding under 25 miles per hour above the posted speed limit;
• RSA 261:75 or RSA 261:77, misuse of plates;
• RSA 265:94, illegal backing;
• RSA 265:95, obstruction of driver's view;
• RSA 265:96, opening and closing vehicle doors improperly;
• RSA 265:99, coasting;
• RSA 265:100, following fire apparatus too closely
• RSA 265:106, carrying passengers in truck not so designed;
• RSA 261:75 or RSA 261:77, misuse of plates;
• RSA 265:109, failure to display lights;
• RSA 261:176, misuse or failure to display plates;
• RSA 262:40-c, abandoned vehicles; or
• RSA 263:14, Youth Operator

Four demerit points for a conviction of violating:

• RSA 263:1, license required;
• RSA 265:16, failure to drive on the right hand side of the road;
• RSA 265:18, RSA 265:19 or RSA 265:20, improper passing;
• RSA 265:22, yellow line violation;
• RSA 265:60 - 67, speeding, when the conviction is for speeding of 25 miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit;
• RSA 263:63, driving without giving proof of financial responsibility; or
• RSA 265:79-b, negligent driving

Six demerit points for a conviction of violating:

• RSA 261:61, improper use of registration;
• RSA 262:3, false report of theft;
• RSA 262:7 or RSA 262:10, changed or removed vehicle identification;
• RSA 630:3, negligent homicide, resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle;
• RSA 630:2, manslaughter resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle;
• RSA 262:8, concealing identity of vehicle
• RSA 262:13, possession of master keys;
• RSA 262:23, driving after suspension;
• RSA 263:12, prohibited activities relative to license or nondriver identification card;
• RSA 262:16, inspection sticker or registration decal modified or forged;
• RSA 265:54, school bus violation;
• RSA 262:1, alteration of title;
• RSA 262:12, taking without owner's consent;
• RSA 262:17, odometer tampering;
• RSA 263:57-a, lending an operator's license to an underage person to purchase an alcoholic beverage;
• RSA 263:64, driving after revocation or suspension;
• RSA 264:25, conduct after an accident;
• RSA 265:4, disobeying a police officer;
• RSA 265:75, racing;
• RSA 265:79, reckless driving;
• RSA 265-A:43, driving a motor vehicle while in possession of drugs;
• RSA 265-A:2, driving while under the influence of drugs or liquor;
• RSA 265-A:3, aggravated driving while intoxicated; or
• RSA 265:79-a, vehicular assault.