Suspended license in New Hampshire: points, other causes, and how to reinstate

How the points system works

Most states assign points to moving violations and suspend the license when the total inside a set window crosses a threshold. The threshold, the window and how long each violation keeps counting are all set by the state.

New Hampshire assesses demerit points of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6 upon conviction under Saf-C 212.03, depending on the seriousness of the offense. Accumulating points within one, two or three consecutive calendar years leads to suspensions of up to 3 months, 6 months or one year, with lower thresholds for drivers under 21 and under 18 (Saf-C 212.02).

Points period stated by the agency: 3 years. Points are counted by the violation date within one, two or three consecutive calendar years for suspension purposes, and the demerit points for a conviction appear on a certified copy of the driving record for three years from the violation date.

“Drivers Under the Age of 18 are Subject to these Suspensions: 6 Points in one calendar year = up to 3 months suspension”

“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.”

Check points or the driving record: dmv.nh.gov

Traffic school and point reduction

A driver who has accumulated at least 3 demerit points and completes a State-authorized Driver Improvement Program has the most recent point total reduced by 3 for suspension purposes only; the points still appear on the driving record. Under Saf-C 212.06 the course must be completed within the period for which the points are assessed, the reduction applies retroactively and not prospectively, and only the schools authorized by the State may be considered in the Bureau of Hearings' demerit-point process. The course may also be ordered by a court or after an administrative hearing. A separate Driver Attitude Program is required before restoration when ordered or after a Habitual Offender revocation.

“In accordance with Saf-C 212.06, for any person that has accumulated at least three (3) demerit points, proof of the successful completion of this program shall, only for the purposes of suspension, reduce three (3) points from the most recent point assessment total.”

Other reasons a license is suspended, and what ends each one

These are the causes the licensing agency itself lists on its suspension pages, with what it requires to lift each one. Court-imposed suspensions and DUI suspensions are covered on the state's DUI pages.

Reinstating after a non-DUI suspension

Reinstatement fee: $100. $100 to restore a license or operating privilege (RSA 263:42, V), $50 for an original or youth operator license suspended under RSA 263:14, and $25 to restore a registration privilege. For default and nonpayment suspensions RSA 263:56-a, III sets a $100 fee in lieu of any other reinstatement fee. A $50 Administrative Late Fee applies when a ticket is not received within 30 days.

“Restoration/Reinstatement Fees License/Operating Privilege $100 Commercial Driver License/Operating Privilege $100 Original/Youth Operator/License $50 Registration Privilege Restoration Fee $25”

1. Satisfy the default, order or suspension period

   For a default or nonpayment suspension, the person appears, pays the fine or complies with the order (or shows inability to pay), and the court vacates its order and notifies the director; a points suspension must be served in full, and no privilege is restored before any other suspension in effect expires.

   “Appearance by such defendant, payment of his fine, or compliance with the order of the director, as applicable, or upon demonstration that such defendant is financially unable to pay the fine or to comply with the order.”

2. Pay the restoration fee

   By the credit card payment line at 1-800-272-0036, by check through the Concord DMV drop box with a note stating the payment purpose, name and date of birth, or by appointment at the Concord DMV.

   “Reinstatement fees may be paid: By calling the Credit Card Payment line at 1-800-272-0036 from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., excluding holidays; Through our Drop Box Service at the Concord DMV”

3. File an SR-22 if the record shows a filing requirement

   The DMV notifies drivers in writing when proof of insurance is required, for example after a points suspension of 6 months or more; only the uniform SR-22 certificate from an insurer licensed in New Hampshire is accepted.

   “If you are placed under such a filing requirement, your license/operating and/or registration privileges cannot be restored or retained until this requirement is met.”

4. Complete a Driver Attitude Program when ordered

   Proof of completing an approved Driver Attitude Program is required before restoration when a court or the Bureau of Hearings orders it or after a Habitual Offender revocation.

   “In accordance with Saf-C 212.08, proof of the successful completion of this program shall be required before restoring the license/operating privilege of a person who has: Been ordered by a justice of the district court to complete the program”

Official page: dmv.nh.gov

After a DUI the steps are different: how to get a license back after a DUI in New Hampshire.

Driving during a non-DUI suspension

Not available · Limited Driving Privilege (RSA 263:57-b, DWI first offense only). New Hampshire's limited driving privilege under RSA 263:57-b is available only to a person convicted of a first offense under RSA 265-A:2, I (driving under the influence). No DMV page or statute read provides a restricted or hardship privilege during a demerit-point or other non-DUI suspension; the DMV describes the default and points suspensions as running until satisfied or served.

“if a person is convicted of a first offense under RSA 265-A:2, I, not including any conviction involving driving a commercial motor vehicle, he or she may petition the court for limited driving privileges.”

For the privilege after a DUI, see driving after a DUI in New Hampshire.