Demerit Point System

Traffic offenses are assigned point values based on severity. Your driver's license can be suspended if you accumulate too many points.

Accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months may result in license suspension. Stay informed and drive safely.

Traffic Safety Schools License Reinstatement

Point Status Checker

Keep track of your demerit points and understand your license status.

Your Current Points

0

Total Points

Good Standing

0-2 Points

Safe

3-11 Points

Warning Range

12+ Points

Suspension

How It Works

The Nevada DMV assigns demerit points for traffic convictions reported by the courts.

When Points Are Added
  • When you’re convicted of a moving traffic violation, the court notifies the DMV.
  • The offense is added to your driving record, and demerit points are assigned based on the severity.
You’ll Be Notified
  • You’ll receive a notification by mail once you accumulate 3 or more points.
  • If you have 3 to 11 points, you may be eligible to remove 3 points by completing a DMV-approved traffic safety course. This option is not available if the course was part of a plea bargain with the court.
License Suspension
  • Accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months results in an automatic 6-month license suspension.
Serious Offenses
  • Serious violations like DUI or causing serious injury or death do not use the point system.
  • These result in immediate license suspension or revocation.
Points Expire After 12 Months
  • Demerit points expire 12 months after the date of conviction.
  • However, the conviction stays on your permanent driving record.
Keep Your Address Updated

Make sure we have your correct address. See Address Changes.

Common Traffic Violations & Demerit Points

Find specific traffic violations and their point values.

Offense Points
Reckless Driving 8 Points
Careless Driving 6 Points
Failure to give information or render aid at the scene of an accident 6 Points
Following too closely 4 Points
Failure to yield right-of-way 4 Points
Passing a school bus with flashing signals 4 Points
Hand-held cellphone use or texting (second and subsequent offenses) 4 Points
Disobeying a traffic signal or stop sign 4 Points
Prima facie speed violation / Driving too fast for conditions 2 Points
Impeding traffic / Driving too slowly 2 Points
Failure to dim headlights 2 Points
Speed Over Limit Points
41 mph or more over posted limit 5 Points
31 - 40 mph over posted limit 4 Points
21 - 30 mph over posted limit 4 Points
11 - 20 mph over posted limit 2 Points
1 - 10 mph over posted limit 2 Points
Note for CDL Holders

If you have a Commercial Driver License, additional penalties and demerit points may apply for certain violations.

See Violation Codes (PDF) for a complete list of offenses and points

Traffic Safety School

Reduce your demerit points by completing an approved traffic safety course.

Point Reduction Program

Learn how attending traffic safety school can help reduce your demerit points.

-3

Points Removed

Upon successful completion of a DMV-approved traffic safety course.

Eligible If:

You have 3–11 demerit points.

Frequency Limit:

Only once every 12 months to remove points.

Important Restriction:

If the course is required as part of a plea-bargain agreement with a court of law, no point credit is given. Points are only removed for voluntary attendance.

Key Points to Remember:
  • Must attend a DMV-certified traffic safety school.
  • Three demerit points will be removed upon completion.
  • The conviction record remains part of your driving history.
  • Schools report completion directly to the DMV.

See Traffic Safety Schools for a list of DMV-certified schools.

Out-of-State Issues and Answers

Contact the court listed on your citation to explore possible plea bargain options. If you’re convicted, the offense will be added to your Nevada driving record. However, out-of-state convictions do not add demerit points to your Nevada license.

You should contact the Nevada court listed on your citation. Some courts may accept out-of-state traffic safety schools, but this is not guaranteed. Be sure to confirm with the court directly.

No, there is no need to contact the Nevada DMV. Instead, reach out to your home state’s DMV to understand how the conviction may affect your license, including any demerit points or eligibility for traffic safety school.

Need help finding your state’s DMV? 50 State DMV