New Hampshire Driving Laws



Information on New Hampshire driving laws and NH driving laws...

A License to Drive in New Hampshire

A license to drive a motor vehicle in New Hampshire is not a person’s right. It is a privilege that the State of New Hampshire gives to those persons who have shown that they can safely drive a motor vehicle. This privilege may be taken away at any time for many reasons after a hearing.

Issuance of Original Driver's License

The Director, upon receiving proper application for an original driver’s license, may in his discretion issue a license designated as an original. This designation is to be effective until the fifth anniversary of the license holder’s date of birth following the date of issuance.

The purpose of the five year period is to allow such applicant the opportunity to gain proper driving habits, attitudes and experience. The director, after a hearing, may suspend or revoke any such original license for good cause upon receipt of proper evidence or information of misconduct, misuse or abuse of such driving privileges.

Driver's License Suspension

Note: In accordance with NH driving laws, if you are under 20 years of age and are convicted of a motor vehicle violation, your license will be suspended for:

  • 20 days for the first offense,
  • 45 days for the second offense, and
  • 90 days for a third or subsequent offense.

Conviction for Driving While Under Suspension or Revocation

Should you be convicted of driving while under suspension or revocation, your period of suspension can be extended. In addition, this can result in a jail sentence.

Assessment of Demerit Points

Demerit points are assessed for convictions of violations. Demerit points will be assessed after a court conviction (based upon the date of the violation). The number of points that will be assessed will depend on the seriousness of the offense.

Under New Hampshire driving laws, conviction of the following violations will result in the assessment of one (1) demerit point:

  • Operating without vehicle registration available in the vehicle.
  • Failing to obey inspection requirements.
  • Failing to obtain a N.H. driver’s license.

Under New Hampshire driving laws, conviction of the following violations will result in the assessment of two (2) demerit points:

  • Driving an unregistered vehicle.
  • Failing to produce a license when requested by a police officer.
  • Allowing an improper person to operate a motor vehicle. (Improper person is an unlicensed person, under aged person, person under suspension or revocation, etc.)
  • Failing to abide by license restrictions.
  • Operating a vehicle with improper class of license.
  • Operating without a motorcycle license.
  • Failing to comply with directions from a police officer.
  • Allowing an improper person to operate a commercial motor vehicle.

Under New Hampshire driving laws, conviction of the following violations will result in the assessment of three (3) demerit points:

  • Disobeying any traffic control device.
  • Following too closely.
  • Driving on a sidewalk.
  • Failing to yield right of way.
  • Failing to obey yield sign.
  • Failing to obey stop and yield signs.
  • Failing to use due care when a partially or totally blind person crosses the street.
  • Failing to signal a turn.
  • Improper conduct at a railroad crossing.
  • Illegal backing.
  • Obstructing the driver’s view (by persons, objects, etc.).
  • Opening and closing vehicle doors improperly.
  • Coasting.
  • Following fire trucks too closely.
  • Carrying passengers in a truck not so designed.
  • Speeding at less than 25 MPH above the posted limit.
  • Misuse of plates.
  • Misuse or failure to display plates.
  • Abandoning a vehicle.

Under NH driving laws, conviction of the following violations will result in the assessment of four (4) demerit points:

  • Driving without a license.
  • Speeding at 25 MPH or more above the posted limit.
  • Failing to drive on the right side of the road.
  • Improper passing.
  • Yellow line violation.
  • Driving without required insurance.

Under New Hampshire driving laws, conviction of the following violations will result in the assessment of six (6) demerit points:

  • Improper use of a registration certificate.
  • False report of a theft.
  • Removal or changes to vehicle identification number.
  • Improper use of license.
  • Modifying or forging inspection sticker or registration decal.
  • School bus violation.
  • Title alteration.
  • Taking motor vehicle without the owner’s consent.
  • Odometer tampering.
  • Lending a driver’s license to an under-age person to buy alcoholic beverages.
  • Driving after license revocation or suspension.
  • Failure to stop immediately after accident involvement.
  • Disobeying a police officer.
  • Racing and/or reckless driving.
  • Being in possession of controlled drug(s) while driving a motor vehicle.
  • Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Aggravated DWI.


License Suspension Periods

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 consecutive calendar years = up to 6 months suspension.
  • 18 points in three consecutive calendar years = up to 1 year suspension.

Drivers age 18, 19 or 20 are subject to these suspensions:

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

Drivers age 21 and older are subject to these suspensions:

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

Any person who has accumulated points is eligible for a three-point reduction credit ONCE ONLY during any three consecutive calendar year period. To be eligible for this point reduction credit you must successfully complete an approved driver improvement program. Program fees and locations are NOT established by the state. Completion of the program does not effect the number of points on your driving record.

Status of Habitual Offenders

The New Hampshire legislature has declared it to be a policy of the State of New Hampshire to provide maximum safety for all persons who travel or otherwise use the highways of this state. Under New Hampshire driving laws, this policy denies the privilege of driving vehicles to persons who, by their conduct and record, have shown their indifference for the safety and welfare of others, disrespect for the laws of the state, and indifference to orders of the courts and of administrative agencies.

When it is decided that any person is a Habitual Offender within the meaning of the law, the Director shall issue an order requiring that the person appear for a hearing to show cause why that person should not be barred from driving a motor vehicle in this state.

If the Director finds that the person’s record contains the number of valid convictions required by New Hampshire driving laws, the Director shall revoke the person’s driver license and direct the person not to drive a motor vehicle in this state for one to four years.

If, after having been declared a Habitual Offender and being convicted of driving a vehicle on a highway of this state while the order is in effect, that person shall be subject to imprisonment for not less than one year, and up to 5 years.

For more information on New Hampshire driving laws, please visit the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles website.

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