New Hampshire Driving Record FAQ

Speeding 1–10 mph over the limit carries 3 demerit points in NH.

In NH they generally refer to the same thing: the official driving record maintained by the NH DMV.

A New Hampshire driving record is an official report of your driving history maintained by the NH Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Speeding 11–25 mph over the limit carries 3 demerit points in NH, though higher penalties may apply at higher speeds.

The NH Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues and maintains driving records for NH-licensed drivers.

You can request your NH driving record through the NH DMV, either in person at a DMV office or by mail.

Speeding more than 25 mph over the posted limit carries 4 demerit points in NH and is treated as a more serious offense.

A NH driving record typically includes your license status, convictions for traffic violations, demerit points, and DMV-imposed actions such as suspensions.

Yes. NH uses a demerit point system where points are added to your record when you are convicted of certain traffic violations.

Careless or negligent driving carries 4 demerit points in NH.

Online ordering availability depends on current NH DMV offerings. The DMV offers in-person and mail options; check the DMV's website for current online access.

For most adult drivers, accumulating 12 or more points within a 12-month period can result in a license suspension by the NH DMV.

Violating NH's move-over law—failing to move over for emergency or service vehicles stopped on the shoulder—carries 3 demerit points.

The NH DMV charges a fee for driving records. Fees vary by record type; check the DMV's current fee schedule for the exact amount.

Speeding in NH typically carries 3 demerit points, though higher speeds or aggravated speeding may carry more.

Yes. A drag racing or racing on public roads conviction carries 6 demerit points in NH—the same high value as reckless driving.

Yes, under federal DPPA rules, employers and insurers may request a driver's NH driving record for permissible purposes.

Reckless driving carries 6 demerit points in New Hampshire.

Yes. Some minor equipment violations or non-moving violations cited under traffic law may not add points even though they result in a ticket.

NH assigns demerit points for traffic convictions. Points accumulate on your record and can trigger a license suspension if you reach the threshold.

DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) is New Hampshire's primary drunk-driving offense. A first-offense DWI conviction results in a mandatory license loss issued by the NH DMV.

Aggravated DWI in NH involves specific aggravating factors—such as a very high BAC, causing injury, or having a minor in the vehicle—and carries more severe penalties than a standard DWI.

NH uses a 12-month rolling lookback period when counting demerit points toward the suspension threshold.

Refusing chemical testing under NH's implied consent law results in a mandatory license loss imposed by the NH DMV, separate from any DWI criminal case.

The IDCMP is a state-required substance use evaluation and treatment program that DWI offenders must complete as a condition of license reinstatement in NH.

NH participates in the Driver License Compact, so out-of-state convictions are generally reported to NH DMV and may be treated as if the violation occurred in NH.

A DWI conviction remains on a New Hampshire driving record for the lookback period used by the DMV, which is typically at least 10 years for repeat offense purposes.

Out-of-state DWI convictions reported under the Driver License Compact are recorded on your NH driving record by the NH DMV.

Non-residents do not have an NH license, but NH convictions are reported to their home state under the Driver License Compact, which may then apply its own rules.

Yes. Completing a DMV-approved driver improvement course may reduce demerit points on your NH driving record.

ALS in NH refers to the DMV's authority to suspend a driver's license for DWI-related events—such as a high BAC test result or test refusal—administratively, before any criminal conviction.

The NH DMV may issue a warning letter when you accumulate a significant number of points before reaching the 12-point suspension threshold.

A suspension is a temporary withdrawal of driving privileges for a set period; a revocation cancels the license entirely and requires reapplication through the NH DMV.

The initial ALS period in NH after a DWI arrest is typically 6 months for a first offense, though it can be longer if the driver has prior DWI history.

Yes. Drivers under 21 face lower point thresholds and may face suspension at fewer points than adult drivers.

To reinstate your NH license after a suspension, you must serve the full suspension period, pay any reinstatement fee, and meet any other conditions the NH DMV has placed on your record.

Yes. A DWI-related license action in NH can trigger both state-level license loss and federal CDL disqualification, affecting your ability to operate commercial vehicles.

Completing a DMV-approved driver improvement course can reduce demerit points on your NH record, typically by a set number established by the DMV.

NH's DWI statute covers impairment by any substance—alcohol, drugs, or a combination. A drug-impaired DWI conviction carries the same penalties and license consequences as an alcohol-based DWI.

The NH DMV limits how often a driver can use a course for point reduction, typically once within a set number of years.

NH does not generally allow DWI convictions to be expunged from the DMV driving record, though limited annulment options may exist for criminal records under specific circumstances.

A stop sign violation (failure to stop) carries 3 demerit points in NH.

A first points-based suspension in NH typically results in a 30-day suspension, though the exact period can vary based on DMV discretion and the driver's history.

A red light violation typically carries 3 demerit points in NH.

NH designates a driver as a habitual offender based on a specified number of serious violations or suspensions within a set period, resulting in long-term revocation.

Following too closely carries 3 demerit points in NH.

A habitual offender revocation in NH lasts a minimum of 4 years, after which the driver must petition the court to request restoration of driving privileges.

Improper passing carries 3 demerit points in NH.

The NH DMV can suspend a license on medical grounds if a driver's physical or mental condition is found to affect their ability to safely operate a vehicle.

Aggressive driving is a serious offense in NH and carries 4 demerit points.

Federal law requires states to suspend the license of a person convicted of certain drug offenses, even if the offense was not driving-related. NH administers this federal mandate.

Unlawfully passing a stopped school bus carries 4 demerit points in NH.

A completed suspension cannot typically be removed from the driving record early, but the record will reflect it as 'satisfied' once all reinstatement conditions are met.

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense and carries 6 demerit points in NH.

For CDL holders, serious traffic violations under federal rules include excessive speeding, reckless driving, improper lane change, following too closely, and using a handheld device, among others.

NH law sets the per se DWI blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit at 0.08 for drivers 21 and over.

Major CDL offenses—like DWI in a commercial vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident, or using a CMV to commit a felony—result in at least a one-year federal CDL disqualification.

NH's zero-tolerance law sets a BAC limit of 0.02 for drivers under 21. Any result at or above 0.02 is grounds for an administrative license loss.

A DWI in a personal (non-commercial) vehicle can still trigger a CDL disqualification under federal rules that apply regardless of which vehicle was operated.

A first-offense DWI conviction in NH results in a mandatory license loss period imposed by the NH DMV.

No. Federal law prohibits states from issuing a hardship or limited CDL during a disqualification period. The CDL holder may not legally operate a commercial vehicle during disqualification.

A DWI conviction in NH does add demerit points to your driving record in addition to triggering the mandatory license loss.

A lifetime CDL disqualification is imposed for a second major CDL offense, or for a single offense involving using a CMV in a felony involving controlled substances or human trafficking.

Implied consent is the legal principle that by driving on NH roads, you have agreed to submit to chemical testing if lawfully requested by a police officer.

Yes. Out-of-state convictions for CDL-qualifying violations are reported to NH DMV and treated the same as NH convictions for CDL disqualification purposes.

Under NH's implied consent rules, a first refusal triggers a 180-day administrative license loss from the NH DMV.

Ignoring a civil traffic fine in NH can result in a court entering a default judgment, which can lead to an administrative license suspension until the matter is resolved.

The NH DMV can impose suspensions for point accumulation, DWI-related actions, failure to pay fines or appear in court, medical reasons, and other violations of DMV regulations.

SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer with the NH DMV, required for certain high-risk drivers—particularly after DWI convictions or serious license actions.

A habitual offender revocation in NH is a long-term license cancellation imposed by the courts and administered through the NH DMV for drivers who accumulate a serious pattern of violations.

Yes. In some circumstances—such as insurance lapses or failure to pay fines—both your NH registration and your driver's license can be suspended by the DMV.

Yes. NH can suspend a license for failure to pay court-ordered fines, child support, or other obligations depending on the applicable court or agency order.

NH does not have a formal 'driver responsibility' surcharge program comparable to some other states, but certain convictions carry mandatory fees and assessments imposed by the courts.

The NH DMV charges a reinstatement fee to restore a suspended license. The fee amount depends on the type and number of suspensions on record.

If your SR-22 insurance lapses, your insurer must notify the NH DMV, which can then re-suspend your driving privileges until coverage is reinstated and the SR-22 is refiled.

A suspension does not always end automatically. You must typically pay the reinstatement fee and meet any other DMV conditions; the DMV then removes the suspension from your record.

Yes. New Hampshire can suspend a driver's license for failure to pay child support as directed by a court or state agency.

SR-22 may be required for certain suspensions in NH, particularly DWI-related or financial responsibility suspensions. The NH DMV specifies when SR-22 is required as part of reinstatement.

A hardship or restricted license allows limited driving for work, medical, or essential purposes during a suspension period. NH may allow hardship licenses in certain (non-DWI) suspension situations.

Yes. CDL holders in NH face stricter federal disqualification rules in addition to NH's standard demerit point system.

Processing times vary, but once all reinstatement conditions are met and the fee is paid, the NH DMV typically processes the reinstatement within a few business days.

A CDL disqualification is a federal action that withdraws a driver's privilege to operate commercial vehicles for a set period after certain violations.

For revocations—particularly habitual offender revocations—the NH DMV may require the driver to pass written and road tests as part of the reapplication process.

For CDL holders operating a commercial vehicle, the BAC threshold is 0.04—half the standard 0.08 limit for non-commercial drivers.

Before reinstating a license after a DWI, NH generally requires completion of the Impaired Driver Care Management Program (IDCMP) and payment of all fees.

NH's GDL program phases in driving privileges for new drivers under 18 through learner permit, conditional license, and full license stages.

If the NH DMV or court orders an ignition interlock device (IID) as a reinstatement condition, the driver must have the device installed before driving and maintain it for the required period.

Under NH's GDL, conditional license holders under 18 may not drive between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed adult.

Yes, if the other state is a member of the Driver License Compact, the conviction is transmitted to NH DMV and recorded on your NH driving record.

Yes. Drivers under 18 holding a conditional license can face suspension for fewer points than adult drivers.

Generally no. Other states typically check the National Driver Register before issuing a license and will not issue one while an NH suspension is active.

Driving with a suspended license in NH is a separate criminal offense that can result in additional fines, further suspension, or other penalties imposed by the court and DMV.

An NH suspension applies to your NH license. However, because other states are notified through the Driver License Compact, you may face recognition of the NH suspension in other member states as well.

Yes. Failing to appear for a traffic court date or failing to pay a fine can result in the NH DMV suspending your license at the court's direction.

Yes. When you apply for an NH license, the NH DMV checks the National Driver Register and requests your driving history from your prior state to evaluate any active suspensions or serious convictions.

Accidents reported to or investigated by NH authorities may appear on your driving record, though the specific reporting depends on the type and severity of the accident.

Under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), NH driving records can be accessed only by permissible users—including drivers themselves, courts, law enforcement, employers, and insurers with a lawful purpose.

Most traffic convictions remain on an NH driving record for a set period—commonly several years—depending on DMV retention rules and the violation type.

If a conviction is incorrectly listed on your NH record, you should contact the NH DMV with documentation—such as court records showing the charge was dismissed or the conviction was for a different offense.

Yes, if the other state reports the conviction under the Driver License Compact, the NH DMV will typically add it to your NH driving record.