Violating Nevada driving and traffic laws can result in fines, the suspension or revocation of your driving privileges, and even imprisonment. The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) uses an extensive demerit point system to track violations and their corresponding penalties. Demerit points are added to your driving record every time you are convicted of a driving violation and if you receive a traffic ticket for moving violations.

MOVING VIOLATIONS AND POINTS

Different violations are assigned different demerit points. For instance, moving violations like reckless driving carry the maximum penalty of eight points. Convictions of careless driving or failure to render assistance at an accident scene both carry six points. Four demerit points are issued for offenses such as failure to yield, disobeying traffic signals and signs and following too closely. Offenses such as impeding traffic and failure to dim headlights carry two demerit points. The number of demerit points assessed for different speeding violations are as follows:

Exceeding the posted speed limit by 1-10 mph:1 point

Exceeding the posted speed limit by 11-20 mph:2 points

Exceeding the posted speed limit by 21-30 mph:3 points

Exceeding the posted speed limit by 31-40 mph:4 points

Exceeding the posted speed limit by 41 mph or more: 5 points

View the complete Point Schedule to learn about the number of demerit points associated with each type of moving violation.

PENALTIES

1. You will have your license suspended for a period of six months if you accumulate 12 demerit points or more on your current driving record in a twelve month period.
2. A record of convictions for driving violations is also likely to increase your auto insurance rates. See our auto insurance section for more information about obtaining quality car insurance at competitive rates.

HOW TO CLEAR YOUR DRIVING RECORD

The Nevada DMV maintains a record of all the demerit points added to your driving license. However, there are a number of ways in which you can remove points from your current driving record.

1. If you accrue three or more demerit points on your driving record, you will be mailed a notification from the DMV's Driver License Review Section. Those who have between three to eleven demerit points can attend a DMV-approved traffic safety course. Successful completion of the course removes three demerit points from your record, and may also qualify you for a reduction in your car insurance rates.
2. Any demerit points accrued for a particular conviction are only valid for twelve months from the date of the conviction. After this period, those points are removed from your driving record, although a record of the conviction remains.

HOW TO DISPUTE A MOVING VIOLATION CHARGE

If you believe you have been incorrectly charged with committing a moving violation, you may be able to fight the charge in court. See Traffic Tickets and Traffic Ticket Attorneys for more information.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Points are not assessed for parking or other non-moving violations.
• See also Driver's Education and Suspended Licenses.
• Serious violations such as driving under influence or bodily harm are not assigned demerit points. If convicted of these, your driver license is automatically revoked or suspended.