Points, tickets and licence suspension in Nevada

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain how points are added and how long they count.
• You can recall common point values.
• You can say when traffic school can remove points.
• You can list non-driving offenses that can cost a minor their license.
• You can describe how to get a license back after suspension.

What you need to know and understand

• Points are added when a court convicts you of a traffic violation and reports it to the DMV.
• The DMV writes to you once you reach 3 or more points.
• Twelve or more points within 12 months brings an automatic 6-month suspension.
• Points stop counting 12 months after the conviction date, but the conviction stays on your record.
• With 3 to 11 points, a DMV-approved traffic safety course removes 3 points, once in any 12 months.
• DUI and offenses causing serious injury or death carry no points; they lead directly to revocation.
• Out-of-state convictions go on your Nevada record but do not add Nevada demerit points.

Sample point values

The handbook gives a partial list. You can see the full list of violation codes and your own record through a free MyDMV account.

• Reckless driving: 8 points
• Careless driving: 6 points
• Failing to give information or render aid at a crash: 6 points
• Following too closely, failing to yield, failing to yield to a pedestrian, or disobeying a signal or stop sign: 4 points each
• Passing a stopped school bus with flashing signals: 4 points
• Second or later handheld phone or texting offense: 4 points
• Driving too fast for conditions, impeding traffic or failing to dim headlights: 2 points each
• Speeding: points rise with how far over the limit you were, up to 5 points for 41 mph or more over

Extra risks for drivers under 18 and under 21

When a minor applies for a permit or license, they sign an affidavit accepting these rules. The license can be suspended, or its issue delayed, for reasons beyond traffic tickets.

• Under 21 with a BAC of 0.02 percent or more: license revoked for 185 days.
• Graffiti, alcohol or drug offenses, or buying or possessing alcohol: suspension or delay of up to two years.
• Certain firearm offenses: up to one year, or two years for a second offense.
• Habitual truancy: 30 days to 6 months for a first offense, and 60 days to one year for later offenses.
• Street racing or a trick driving display: 6 months to two years.
• A teen must have 6 months free of moving violations and at-fault crashes before the license is issued.

Other ways to lose a license, and getting it back

You can also lose your license for causing a crash with a pedestrian or cyclist, failing to appear in court for a ticket, driving without insurance, or falling behind on child support. Even ID card holders can collect points against their future driving privilege.

Reinstatement is never automatic. You must reapply at a DMV office with identity documents, meet any extra conditions such as an SR-22 insurance filing, and pay fees. The DMV fee list shows $75 to reinstate after most offenses, or $120 plus a $35 victim impact fee after alcohol or drug offenses, on top of the original license fee and any testing fees. Some drivers may get a restricted license once half the suspension has passed. The site's Nevada demerit points guide covers this in more depth.

Common mistakes

• Ignoring a ticket. Failing to appear in court can suspend your license on its own.
• Assuming traffic school always helps. You only get credit if you attend voluntarily, not as part of a plea bargain.
• Thinking a ticket in another state does not matter. It still goes on your Nevada record.
• Forgetting that skipping school can cost a minor their license.

Test yourself: Points, tickets and licence suspension in Nevada

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Nevada Demerit Points and License Suspensions for New Drivers
• Learning to Drive in Nevada
• Moving to Nevada