Most states use a point system to track traffic violations and rate their severity. For example, you can receive up to five demerit points in Nevada for speeding based on how much you exceed the posted limit. The points can add up over time and lead to license suspension.
Nevada’s demerit point system only applies to traffic offenses that occur while a vehicle is in motion. Let’s see how it works and what to do about the points on your license.
How Do Demerit Points Work in Nevada?
The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) assigns demerit points for traffic offenses based on severity. Drivers can receive one to eight points per moving violation, except for:
- DUIs and other significant offenses: These result in automatic license suspension or revocation.
- Out-of-state convictions: If you commit an offense out-of-state, the ticket will go on your Nevada driving record — but without generating points.
If you get 12 demerit points within one year, your license will be suspended. The length of the suspension period varies between six and 12 months, but you may be able to apply for a restricted license (more on that later).
You won’t get demerit points in Nevada for parking tickets. The same applies to other non-moving violations, such as having overly tinted windows or driving with expired plates.
Demerit Points for Common Traffic Offenses
In Nevada, common traffic offenses like tailgating or unsafe passing carry four penalty points. Reckless driving and other major violations are punishable by up to eight demerit points.
Let’s see a few examples:
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding 1–10 mph over the posted limit | 1 |
| Failure to use turn signals | 1 |
| Driving on a sidewalk | 1 |
| Speeding 11–20 mph over the posted limit | 2 |
| Driving too fast for conditions | 2 |
| Driving too slowly and impeding the flow of traffic | 2 |
| Failure to obey signs regulating controlled-access highways | 2 |
| Failure to dim headlights | 2 |
| Unsafe backing | 2 |
| Improper starting | 2 |
| Speeding 21–30 mph over the posted limit | 3 |
| Improper right or left turns | 3 |
| Improper U-turns | 3 |
| Speeding 31–40 mph over the posted limit | 4 |
| Passing or following too closely (tailgating) | 4 |
| Using a cell phone while driving (2nd or 3rd offense) | 4 |
| Running a red light | 4 |
| Disobeying traffic signs | 4 |
| Failure to yield the right-of-way | 4 |
| Passing a school bus with flashing lights | 4 |
| Driving through a safety zone | 4 |
| Disobeying a school crossing guard | 4 |
| Crossing a double yellow line | 4 |
| Failure to maintain lane | 4 |
| Unsafe lane changes | 4 |
| Overtaking on the wrong side of the road | 4 |
| Driving through a no-passing zone | 4 |
| Driving against the traffic | 4 |
| Speeding 41+ mph over the posted limit | 5 |
| Careless driving | 6 |
| Leaving the scene of an accident | 6 |
| Reckless driving (e.g., street racing) | 8 |
How Can I Check How Many Demerit Points I Have?
To check how many demerit points you have on your Nevada record, request a copy of your driving record from the DMV. This service costs $7 and can be accessed online, in person, or by mail.
- Online: Log in to your MyDMV account to get a copy of your driving record. Alternatively, fill in a short form on the DMV website to view and print the document.
- Through GovQA: Fill out an application form (IR002) to access your driving record online via GovQA. For a certified copy, submit an electronic notarized affidavit, a payment authorization form, and a copy of your driver’s license.
- In person: Go to any DMV office or kiosk to request your driver history report. Bring your driver’s license with you.
- By mail: Complete Form IR002, then mail it to the DMV Records Section.
With any of these options, you may request a three- or 10-year driver history report. The number of points on your record will appear under “Conviction Listing” along with detailed information about each offense.
What Happens When I Get Demerit Points?
There are a few key consequences for getting points on your license in Nevada. They are:
- Fines
- Increases in insurance premiums
- License suspension
Let’s take a look.
Fines
Most traffic tickets are associated with a fine. That’s the most common consequence you’ll pay for breaking the law. The more serious the offense, the higher the point count and the fine received.
For example, speeding up to 10 mph over the posted limit is punishable by one point and a $150 fine. But if you exceed the speed limit by 40 miles per hour, you’ll get a $1,000 fine and four penalty points.
Insurance Rate Increases
According to Bankrate, Nevada drivers who carry full-coverage insurance pay around 19% higher premiums after one speeding ticket. If you have minimum liability coverage, your insurance costs will increase by an average of 21%.
Unless you complete traffic school, the points will stay on your license for 12 months from the conviction date. After that, the DMV will erase them – but the conviction will remain on your record. Some insurers will let you off the hook or give you a discount for attending traffic school while others will not.
License Suspension
Per Nevada law, accumulating 12 demerit points within a year results in automatic license suspension. Here’s what to expect:
| No. of times you accrue 12 points in one year | Length of license suspension | Can you apply for a restricted license?* |
|---|---|---|
| 1st time | 6 months | Yes, after 3 months from the date of license suspension |
| 2nd time in 24 months | 1 year | Yes, after 6 months from the date of license suspension |
| 3rd time in five years | 1 year | No |
| *A restricted license allows you to drive to/from work, school, and doctor’s appointments. You can also drive when visiting your child as part of a court order. | ||
The DMV will notify you by mail when you accumulate three or more demerit points. If you have three to 11 points, you may attend traffic school to remove three. The course must be completed voluntarily and not as part of a plea bargain. (Learn more in How Nevada Traffic School Works.)
Expect a second notification if you accrue 12+ points within a year. The letter will arrive before your license is suspended, allowing you to request a hearing. Unless you complete traffic school, the points will stay on your license for 12 months from the conviction date.
What Can I Do About Demerit Points on My Nevada License?
If you have fewer than 12 points on your record, there are steps you can take to prevent license suspension. Consider the following options:
Complete Traffic School
Traffic school can remove three points from your license and help you qualify for insurance discounts. All you need to do is complete a five-hour course approved by the DMV. (Learn more in How Long Is Online Traffic School in Nevada?)
Nevada drivers can attend traffic school for point reduction once every 12 months. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a valid non-commercial driver’s license
- Have three to 11 points on your record
- Have been charged with a violation punishable by one to four points
- Were not involved in a car accident
- Committed the offense outside of a school zone
- Are not required to appear in court
- Have no pending traffic violations
- Completed the course voluntarily
Some drivers must attend traffic school to fulfill a court order. In such cases, they no longer qualify for point reduction.
Our Nevada traffic school course can help you meet a court order, erase three points from your license, or get lower insurance rates. It’s fully licensed by the DMV and accepted by all Nevada courts, offering a seamless learning experience.
Once enrolled, you’ll gain access to 12 user-friendly lessons followed by quizzes. Go through all modules, then take an open-book final exam consisting of 25 questions. The minimum passing score is 70%, but if you fail, you can retake the test as many times as needed.
How much does Nevada traffic school cost? At Traffic Safety Institute, we charge an all-inclusive flat fee of only $19.99, which you’ll pay after passing the exam. Our fee covers all study materials plus the following:
✅ Free audio read-along
✅ 24/7 customer support
✅ Unlimited retakes
✅ Electronic certificate of completion
✅ Study at your own pace from any device
We’ll also submit your completion details to the DMV within 30 days of finishing the course. This service is included in our $19.99 fee — just like everything else.
Maintaining a clean driving record has never been easier. Start traffic school for FREE today to keep points off your license.
Pay a Demerit Point Reduction Fee
Some courts may give you the option to pay a point reduction fee instead of completing traffic school. If you go this route, you must plead guilty or no contest, pay your ticket, and submit a request online or in person.
For example, Henderson Municipal Court charges a $60 demerit point reduction fee. Simply file a request online and then wait for a judge to review your case and decide whether you’re eligible.
Similarly, Mesquite Township Justice Court allows drivers to pay a fee instead of going to traffic school. Make sure you pay within 90 days from the date you got the ticket in order to have it changed from a moving violation (which adds points to your license) to a non-moving violation (which doesn’t carry any points).
The fee amount, as well as the number of points that can be removed from your license, depends on the court’s policy.
Wait and Monitor Your Driving Record
Dmerit points remain on your license for 12 months. If you only have a few points, you can wait for the 12 months to pass instead of taking a course or paying the fee. In the meantime, drive safely to avoid further violations.
The downside is that while you wait for the points to drop off, you’re taking a risk. Even one minor slip-up (e.g., running a stop sign) can add more points and bring you closer to license suspension. Mistakes can happen, no matter how careful you are.
Our recommendation is to sign up for traffic school if you have three or more points. The course takes just five hours to complete and can prevent you from losing your license.
FAQs About the Nevada Demerit Point System
Is there anything else you want to know about Nevada’s demerit point system? Below are the answers to some commonly asked questions.
How many demerit points can you get in Nevada?
Nevada drivers can get one to eight demerit points per violation based on its severity.
For example, failure to use your turn signals is a minor offense punishable by one point. Driving against the traffic, on the other hand, can add four points to your license.
If you get 12 demerit points within one year, your license will be suspended.
How many demerit points can you receive for a DUI in Nevada?
DUIs and other major traffic offenses don’t carry demerit points. Instead, they result in automatic license suspension or revocation.
How long do points stay on your license in Nevada?
The points stay for 12 months on your driving record unless you go to traffic school or pay a point reduction fee.
