New Hampshire suspends your license when you accumulate 12 points within a 12-month period

New Hampshire's Department of Safety tracks violations on your driving record using a point system. Each traffic violation carries a set number of points. When your total reaches 12 points in any 12-month rolling window, the state automatically suspends your license for a period that depends on how many times you have been suspended before.

The suspension is not optional — it happens without a hearing or warning letter once the 12-point threshold is crossed. Your insurance company will also see the suspension on your record, which typically raises your rates significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • Your license suspends automatically when you accumulate 12 points within any 12-month period, with no advance notice required.
  • A first suspension lasts 30 days; a second suspension within five years lasts 90 days; a third or later suspension lasts one year.
  • Common violations like speeding 1–10 mph over the limit cost 2 points, while reckless driving costs 6 points.
  • Points stay on your record for five years from the violation date, but only violations within the past 12 months count toward the suspension threshold.
  • You can request a hearing with the Department of Safety to contest the suspension, but you must do so within 10 days of receiving notice.

Point values for common New Hampshire traffic violations

Different violations carry different point values. Speeding violations are among the most common and range from 2 to 6 points depending on how far over the limit you were driving. A violation for speeding 1–10 mph over the limit is 2 points; 11–20 mph over is 4 points; and 21 mph or more over is 6 points.

Other common violations include reckless operation (6 points), careless driving (3 points), failure to yield (3 points), and following too closely (3 points). Driving under the influence (DUI) is 6 points for a first offense. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is 6 points.

Less common but serious violations like hit-and-run (6 points) and driving without a valid license (3 points) also add to your total. The state publishes a full violation schedule on the Department of Safety website, which you can reference if you received a ticket for a violation not listed here.

How the 12-month rolling window works

New Hampshire counts points within a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year. This means the state looks back 12 months from today, not from January 1. If you received a violation 13 months ago, it no longer counts toward your current total — but if you received one 11 months ago, it still does.

Points remain on your driving record for five years, but only for insurance and employment purposes. For the purpose of triggering a suspension, only the points from the past 12 months matter. This distinction is important: an old violation will not cause a suspension now, but it will still appear on your record if someone requests your driving history.

Suspension length based on your history

The length of your suspension depends on how many times you have been suspended in the past five years. A first suspension lasts 30 days. If you are suspended a second time within five years of the first suspension, the second suspension lasts 90 days. A third or any later suspension within five years lasts one year.

The clock resets five years after your first suspension. If you go five years without another suspension, a new suspension would be treated as a first suspension again, meaning it would last 30 days rather than 90 days or one year.

What happens when you receive notice of suspension

The Department of Safety sends you a notice of suspension by mail once your record reaches 12 points. The notice includes the suspension start date, the length of the suspension, and instructions for requesting a hearing. You have 10 days from the date you receive the notice to request a hearing if you want to contest the suspension.

During the suspension period, you cannot legally drive. Driving with a suspended license is itself a violation worth 6 points and can result in criminal charges. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons during the suspension, you can request a work permit or hardship license from the Department of Safety, though approval is not may provide.

How to request a hearing to contest the suspension

If you believe the suspension is incorrect — for example, if you paid a ticket and the points were not removed, or if you were not the driver — you can request a hearing. You must submit your request in writing within 10 days of receiving the suspension notice. Send your request to the Department of Safety, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, at the address listed on the notice.

At the hearing, you can present evidence and argue why the suspension should not stand. The hearing officer will review your driving record, the violations on it, and any documentation you provide. If the hearing officer agrees with you, the suspension may be cancelled or reduced. If not, the suspension remains in effect.

Points and your insurance rates

Even before a suspension occurs, points on your record affect your insurance rates. Most insurance companies use points as one factor in calculating your premium. A single 2-point violation may raise your rate by 10 to 15 percent, while a 6-point violation can raise it by 25 percent or more. These increases typically last three to five years.

A suspension itself is treated as a major incident by insurers and can raise your rate even more steeply. Some insurers may cancel your policy or refuse to renew it if you are suspended. When your suspension ends and you are may be able to access to drive again, you will need to contact your insurer to reinstate your policy before you can legally drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get points removed from my record before they cause a suspension?

Points cannot be removed early, but you can take a defensive driving course in New Hampshire to reduce points on your record. Completing an approved course removes up to 3 points from your record, though you can only use this option once every five years. You must take the course before the suspension occurs; it does not undo a suspension that has already started.

What if I was not the driver when the violation occurred?

If someone else was driving your vehicle, you can request a hearing and present evidence that you were not behind the wheel. Bring documentation such as witness statements, credit card receipts showing you were elsewhere, or phone records. The burden is on you to prove you were not the driver, so gather evidence before the hearing.

Do points from other states count toward my New Hampshire suspension?

No. Only violations that occurred in New Hampshire and appear on your New Hampshire driving record count toward the 12-point threshold. However, violations from other states may still appear on your record and affect your insurance rates. If you move to New Hampshire from another state, contact the Department of Safety to confirm what is on your record.

Can I drive during my suspension if I have a work permit?

A work permit allows you to drive only for specific purposes — usually to and from work, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. You cannot use it for personal errands or any other driving. You must carry the permit with you at all times while driving. Violating the terms of a work permit is a separate criminal offense.

How long does it take to get my license back after the suspension ends?

Your license is automatically reinstated on the date your suspension ends. You do not need to explore or pay a fee. However, you must contact your insurance company to reinstate your policy before you drive, because driving without active insurance is illegal in New Hampshire.