Suspensions, Demerit Points, Tickets, and Accidents
What this domain tests
This domain tests New Hampshire's point system, license suspension triggers, ticket handling, and accident-reporting duties. It also tests the state's unusual insurance rule: New Hampshire does not require liability insurance for private passenger vehicles, but drivers must still be financially responsible after a crash.
Core rules
- Moving violations carry demerit points. Accumulating 12 points within 12 months can trigger a license suspension. Points remain on the driving record and are not erased simply by paying the ticket.
- Failing to respond to a ticket can lead to suspension. Driving after suspension or revocation is a criminal offense in New Hampshire.
- A reportable accident involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 must be reported to the DMV within 5 days. Police may also require a report.
- New Hampshire does not require liability insurance for private passenger vehicles, but after an accident a driver may have to file proof of financial responsibility with the DMV.
- DWI carries mandatory license suspension, fines, and possible jail time; refusing a chemical test triggers implied-consent consequences.
Worked example
A driver receives a speeding ticket worth 3 points. Four months later the driver receives another ticket worth 9 points. The total is 12 points within 12 months, so the DMV can suspend the license. Paying both fines does not prevent the suspension, because the points remain on the record. The driver must respond to the suspension notice rather than continue driving.
Traps that cost marks
Do not assume that paying a ticket removes points. Do not assume that because New Hampshire does not require liability insurance, an at-fault driver has no financial responsibility. Do not miss the 5-day accident-report deadline, and do not treat driving on a suspended license as a minor civil violation.
Key points
- 12 points in 12 months can trigger suspension.
- Paying a ticket does not remove points.
- Reportable accident: injury, death, or damage over $1,000; report within 5 days.
- No mandatory liability insurance for private passenger vehicles, but financial responsibility applies after a crash.
- Driving after suspension is a criminal offense.