New Hampshire Driving Records

A New Hampshire driving record is a public document that typically provides critical insights into a particular driver's behavior on the road and compliance with traffic laws and regulations in the state.

These documents serve various purposes. A driving history may be used for gathering evidence in cases related to traffic violations or accidents, determining a driver's eligibility for reinstating a suspended or revoked license, or setting insurance rates based on an individual's risk profile.

Federal and state laws regulate how each U.S. state maintains its driving records to ensure they are accessed only by authorized individuals and used solely for legitimate purposes.

What Is a New Hampshire Driving Record?

A New Hampshire driving record is often called a motor vehicle record/report (MVR). This public record, managed by the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), generally provides a comprehensive history of a driver's activities, including traffic violations, accidents, and other relevant driving events.

What Is The Difference Between Official MVRs and Public Driving Records

Official MVRs are directly maintained by the New Hampshire DMV. Since these driver reports are typically used for legal, government, and corporate purposes, they undergo strict quality and security audits to ensure they contain timely, accurate, and complete information.

Public driving records, by contrast, are collected and sold by third-party commercial driver or vehicle history report providers like RecordsFinder. These companies also generally apply rigorous data handling procedures to maintain the integrity of such records.

However, these records are typically distributed through web-based systems, enabling individuals and organizations to access the information they need without the delays and complexities of government processes.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

Your New Hampshire driving history matters a lot, especially under the following circumstances:

• Commercial Driver's License (CDL): The New Hampshire DMV reviews the driving history of individuals applying for or renewing a CDL. You might be permitted or prohibited from operating specific vehicles, such as those used for transporting students or hazardous materials.
• Employer Background Checks: When applying for a job that requires driving company vehicles, employers typically check your driving record to evaluate your driving behavior and habits and your likelihood of causing accidents or committing violations.
• Insurance Evaluations: Your driving history is essential for qualifying for better car insurance coverage and rates. New Hampshire insurance providers analyze it to predict potential risks, including violation or accident tendencies and claims frequency.
• Legal Purposes: A clean driving record may enhance your credibility as a witness. It demonstrates your good judgment, trustworthiness, and adherence to laws, which may strengthen your testimony in legal matters, particularly in traffic-related cases.

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

Below are the pieces of information typically contained in a New Hampshire driver report:

• Driver's name, birth date, and address
• ID card information
• License issuance and expiration dates
• License classification and restrictions
• Convictions
• Tickets
• Demerit points
• Driver's license suspensions, revocations, and restorations
• Accident involvements
• Completed Driver Improvement Courses and Drive Attitude Programs
• Insurance filings (such as SR-22)

Types of Driver Records Available in New Hampshire

New Hampshire offers the following types of driver records:

• Standard Driving History: This report, available at the New Hampshire DMV online, in physical stores, and through various websites, summarizes a driver's profile and history.
• Certified Driver Record: This official document generally provides a detailed account of a driver's history, including license status, violations, suspensions, and reinstatements. Unlike uncertified records, certified driver reports are authenticated with the DMV seal and certification, making them valid for legal and employment purposes.
• Commercial Driver Report: Generally containing CDL endorsements, commercial driving violations, and medical certifications, these records belong to CDL holders.
• Insurance Driving Record: Insurance providers use such a driver record to evaluate risk and determine premiums and policy terms.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in New Hampshire

Motorists in New Hampshire must comply with the rules and regulations outlined in the state's Motor Vehicles Code. Those who violate these traffic laws may be issued citations or detained and face serious legal repercussions.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

Traffic offenses in New Hampshire are treated as either moving or non-moving violations. Moving violations occur when a driver breaks the law while the vehicle is in motion, such as speeding or running a red light.

Non-moving violations, like parking infractions or equipment issues, are generally resolved through fines and do not impact one's driving record. However, moving violations are more serious, leading to points on a driver's record, potential suspension of driving privileges, and civil or criminal penalties.

Moving Violations

• Unsafe Lane Changing: As per New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (NH RSA) Section 265:24, unsafe lane changes involve abrupt or improper movement between lanes without signaling or regard for other drivers. This violation results in fines of up to $1,000 and possible license suspension if repeated.
• Speeding: Under NH RSA Section 265:60, you violate the state's speeding laws if you drive over posted limits or at unsafe speeds, even if within the limits. Fines range from $62 to $496, with three demerit points.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): A DUI offense occurs when a person drives with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by drugs or controlled substances. First-time offenders face fines between $500 and $1,200 and a license suspension of nine months to two years. Penalties become more severe if aggravating factors are present, such as fleeing from law enforcement or having a minor passenger in the vehicle.

Non-Moving Violations

• Driving With an Expired License: In New Hampshire, operating a vehicle with an expired license is considered a violation, punishable by fines of up to $1,000. A second or subsequent offense may result in a Class B misdemeanor charge with harsher penalties.
• Improper Windows Tinting: This occurs when a vehicle's windows are tinted beyond legal limits, restricting light transmittance. Front side windows must allow at least 70% of light, and rear side windows must permit 35%.

What To Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

When you get a traffic ticket in New Hampshire, you usually have 30 days to respond. If you fail to take action, the ticket may be marked as default, and extra administrative fees may be added to the original fine.

Here are some possible ways of responding to a traffic citation:

• Pay the fine: If you receive a speeding ticket in New Hampshire, you may pay the fine to the New Hampshire Department of Safety (DOS) by mail, in person, or through their Online Ticket Payment service. You may also call the New Hampshire Bureau of Financial Responsibility (BFR) at (800) 272–0036.
• Fight the Citation: You may plead not guilty in the circuit court of the county where the ticket was issued, especially if you believe you are not at fault. Some counties may also allow a pre-trial conference or negotiations with the prosecutor.
• Ask for a Mitigation Hearing: If you ask for a mitigation hearing, the court might lower your fine, let you pay in monthly installments, or allow community service instead of the full penalty.

Whatever action you take, you must regularly check your driver report to ensure all updates and outcomes related to the citation are recorded accurately.

Additionally, if you have lost your ticket, contact the court or the BFR immediately. They may guide you on how to recover lost tickets.

How Does the New Hampshire Point System Work?

Under New Hampshire's demerit point system, a certain number of points may appear on your driving record when you are convicted of a traffic violation.

Points are based on the severity of the offense. Minor violations like driving without a license carry one point, while major offenses such as DUI add six points.

If you accumulate too many points, your license may be suspended. The suspension duration depends on your age and the total number of points within a specific period, as shown in the table below:

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History?

The severity of an offense determines how long it stays on a New Hampshire driving history. Most traffic violations remain for three years from the date of the violation.

However, more serious offenses stay longer. Reckless driving remains on record for five years, while DUI may stay on record for five to 10 years.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

In New Hampshire, most misdemeanor violations and convictions may be sealed or expunged from driving records by filing a Petition for Annulment of Criminal Records. However, the petition is typically only be granted if one of the following criteria is met:

• The sentence and waiting period have been completed, such as a 7-year wait for speeding convictions or a 10-year wait for DUIs.
• The person was found innocent of the charges.
• The case was dismissed by the court.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

Here are several ways to request your motor vehicle history report in New Hampshire:

• Online: The New Hampshire DMV's Online Motor Vehicle Record (OMVR) Request serviceoffers a quick and convenient way to access your driving history online. To use the service, you'll need a valid driver's license or non-driver ID, the required personal details, and a credit or debit card.
• Mail-In and Drop Box Service: Complete the Release of Motor Vehicle Records (Form DSMV 505) and mail it to the address listed on the form. Alternatively, you may submit the driving record request form at any of the New Hampshire DMV drop box locations.
• In-Person: Another way to get your driver record is by visiting a local New Hampshire DMV office. Walk-ins are accepted, but those with booked appointments are given priority.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driving Record in New Hampshire?

Requesting your driving history from the New Hampshire DMV costs $15. For online requests, you may pay with a valid credit or debit card, and the record is typically mailed to you the next business day.

If you choose to mail your request or use a DMV drop box service, you may pay by check or money order. Mail-in processing takes up to two weeks, while dropbox requests take seven to ten business days.

You may also visit a local DMV office to get your record on the spot, where cash payments are accepted.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free

You cannot access your New Hampshire driving history for free. However, you may contact the clerk's office at the courthouse where your previous traffic cases were filed to inquire whether you may obtain those records at no cost.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

A bad driving record means you have been involved in multiple accidents, accumulated excessive demerit points, and have a history of convictions or administrative penalties.

In New Hampshire, traffic violations affect a driver's record based on the offense's severity. Minor infractions like parking tickets do not add demerit points. However, violations such as tailgating or driving without registration may result in points, fines, and possible license suspension or revocation.

Note that a verbal or written warning from New Hampshire law enforcement may not appear on your driving record, as it is not officially counted as a citation or violation.

Misdemeanor offenses, like running red lights or ignoring stop signs, carry higher points, fines up to $2,000, a jail term of up to one year, and license penalties.

Felony traffic violations, including vehicular homicide or a fourth DUI, are criminal offenses. These lead to the highest points, heavy fines, and lengthy prison terms.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

Insurance companies review motorists' driving records to assess risk levels. If you have a history of traffic violations, particularly DUI convictions, you might face the highest premium rates or be denied coverage entirely.

New Hampshire drivers with DUI convictions pay an average of $2,733 per year for full coverage. In contrast, those with a clean driving record pay only $1,737.

Moreover, New Hampshire is an at-will employment state, which means companies and businesses have broad discretion in hiring, disciplining, and firing employees.

As a result, depending on the severity of the offense, they may take specific disciplinary actions, such as verbal or written warnings, suspension, or termination, if your driving record shows violations.

Who Can Access Your New Hampshire Driving History?

The federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and NH RSA Section 260:14 require the New Hampshire DMV and related agencies to keep your personal information in driving records confidential. This generally includes your name, address, phone number, driver ID number, and Social Security number.

Therefore, others cannot access your full driving record with these details unless they have your notarized, written consent or are legally authorized to do so.

The requesters or entities below may obtain your driver report as long as they provide a Certificate of Authorization, signed by you or your attorney, clearly stating the intended use of your information:

• Banks, financial institutions, and lienholders
• Employers
• Private investigation or security services
• Insurance companies
• Law firms or lawyers
• Public utilities
• Government agencies
• Tow companies

FAQs About New Hampshire Driving Records

Gain a better understanding of New Hampshire driving records by exploring the following frequently asked questions (FAQs):

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