If you drive in Nevada, you may have heard about demerit points. But what do they mean for you? How many points can you get before your license is suspended? And what can you do to remove them from your record?
This guide will walk you through Nevada’s demerit point system in plain English. By the end, you’ll understand how it works, what the consequences are, and what steps you can take if you ever find yourself with points on your license.
What Are Demerit Points?
Demerit points are Nevada’s way of tracking traffic violations. Every time you commit a traffic offense, points get added to your driving record. The number of points depends on the severity of the violation.
Think of it like a scorecard: the more serious the violation, the more points you earn. But in this case, you don’t want points. If you collect too many within a short time, you risk losing your driving privileges.
How Many Points Lead to a Suspension?
In Nevada, the rule is simple:
- 12 points in 12 months = license suspension
If you reach that 12-point limit, your license will be suspended automatically by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Here’s what suspension looks like:
- First time: 6-month suspension (you may apply for a restricted license after 3 months).
- Second time in 3 years: 1-year suspension (restricted license possible after 6 months).
- Third time in 5 years: 1-year suspension (no restricted license allowed).
A restricted license means you can still drive to essential places like work, school, or medical appointments, but nothing beyond that.
Common Traffic Offenses and Their Point Values
Nevada assigns 1 to 8 points depending on the traffic violation. Here are some examples:
1 Point
- Speeding 1–10 mph over the limit
- Failing to signal a turn
- Driving on a sidewalk
2 Points
- Speeding 11–20 mph over the limit
- Unsafe backing
- Driving too slowly and blocking traffic
- Failure to dim headlights
3 Points
- Speeding 21–30 mph over the limit
- Improper turns
- Illegal U-turns
4 Points
- Speeding 31–40 mph over the limit
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Tailgating (following too closely)
- Texting while driving
- Passing a school bus with flashing lights
- Unsafe lane changes
5 Points
- Speeding 41 mph or more above the limit
6 Points
- Leaving the scene of an accident (hit-and-run)
- Careless driving
8 Points
- Reckless driving (like street racing)
Note: DUIs don’t carry demerit points because the DMV automatically revokes your license instead.
Do Out-of-State Tickets Add Points?
This is a question many Nevada drivers have.
- If you live in Nevada and get a ticket in another state: Nevada will put the conviction on your driving record, but no points will be added.
- If you live out of state and get a ticket in Nevada: Nevada may add points to your record here, but your home state may also take action. That’s why it’s important to talk with a lawyer both in Nevada and back home.
How Long Do Demerit Points Stay on Your Record?
The good news is that demerit points don’t last forever. They drop off your record automatically after 12 months from the date of conviction.
However, the actual conviction stays on your driving record even after the points disappear. This means your insurance company may still see the violation and raise your rates.
How to Check Your Demerit Points
If you’re not sure how many points you currently have, you can request a copy of your driving record from the Nevada DMV.
Here’s how:
- Online (MyDMV): Log in to your account and view your record.
- GovQA System: Submit a form online, pay a small fee, and download your record.
- In Person: Visit a DMV office or kiosk with your license.
- By Mail: Fill out form IR002 and mail it to the DMV Records Section.
The fee is usually around $7. You can choose between a 3-year or a 10-year driver history report.
What Happens When You Get Points?
Points on your license can lead to several problems:
- Fines: Almost all traffic tickets come with fines. The more serious the violation, the bigger the fine. For example, speeding just 10 mph over the limit may cost you about $150, while going 40 mph over can mean a $1,000 fine.
- Insurance Increases: Even one speeding ticket can make your insurance go up. On average, full coverage premiums in Nevada increase by about 19% after a single ticket.
- License Suspension: If you hit 12 points in one year, you’ll lose your license for at least six months.
Can You Remove Points from Your Record?
Yes — you have a few options to reduce points before they cause bigger issues.
1. Traffic School
You can attend traffic safety school to remove up to 3 points from your license. Here’s what you need to know:
- You can only do this once every 12 months.
- It must be voluntary (not part of a plea bargain).
- You must already have the points on your record before completing the course.
- The course is usually about 5 hours long and costs around $20.
Many schools let you do the course online at your own pace. Once you finish, they send proof directly to the DMV.
2. Pay a Point Reduction Fee
Some Nevada courts allow you to pay a fee instead of doing traffic school. For example:
- Henderson Municipal Court: $60 reduction fee.
- Mesquite Township Justice Court: Pay within 90 days to change your violation from moving to non-moving.
The rules and fees vary depending on the court, so always check before you pay.
3. Wait It Out
If you only have a few points and don’t want to pay or take a course, you can simply wait 12 months for them to fall off. But remember — during that year, even one small mistake could push you closer to suspension.
What If You Reach 12 Points?
If you get a notice from the DMV saying you’ve reached 12 points, you have two options:
- Accept the suspension: Your license will be suspended for the set period.
- Request a DMV hearing: You can fight the suspension, but keep in mind that DMV hearings are hard to win. The standard of proof is much lower than in criminal court.
If you do get suspended, don’t drive on a suspended license. In Nevada, that’s a misdemeanor that can mean up to 6 months in jail, fines up to $1,000, and another six-month suspension.
FAQs About Nevada’s Demerit Point System
Q: How many points can I get before losing my license?
A: 12 points in 12 months = automatic suspension.
Q: Do parking tickets add points?
A: No, only moving violations add points.
Q: How long do points stay on my record?
A: 12 months from the date of conviction.
Q: Can traffic school erase all my points?
A: No. It can only remove 3 points once every 12 months.
Q: Do DUIs add points?
A: No. Instead, your license is revoked automatically.
Tips to Avoid Demerit Points
The best way to avoid demerit points is to drive carefully and responsibly. But here are a few extra tips:
- Obey speed limits: Speeding is one of the most common ways drivers pick up points.
- Avoid distractions: Don’t text, eat, or adjust your GPS while driving.
- Be cautious in school zones: Fines and points are higher in these areas.
- Use your signals: Many drivers forget this simple step, but it can save you points.
- Keep headlights and equipment working: Simple issues like broken headlights can cost you points.
Why This System Matters
Nevada’s demerit point system isn’t just about punishment. It’s designed to keep roads safe. When you know that too many tickets could lead to losing your license, you’re more likely to drive cautiously.
For you, the system is a reminder that every ticket has consequences — not just the fine you pay today but also higher insurance costs, possible suspensions, and long-term marks on your record.
Final Thoughts
So, what is the Nevada demerit point system?
It’s a way for the DMV to track your driving behavior. Get too many points within a year, and you risk losing your license. But the good news is that points don’t last forever, and you can take steps to reduce them through traffic school or point reduction programs.
If you’re careful and stay informed, you can avoid the stress of a suspension. And if you do get points, knowing your options will help you protect your license and your driving record.