New Hampshire Driving Records

New Hampshire driving records provide a comprehensive account of a driver’s history, detailing every infraction and license action.

For individuals, these records influence not only insurance premiums but also financial planning and eligibility for state-specific programs. For organizations, especially in the transportation and logistics industries, driving records are essential tools for verifying employee qualifications and maintaining compliance with state safety standards.

Under New Hampshire’s Right to Know Law (RTKL), these records are publicly accessible, with some exceptions for sealed documents. The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) manages the collection and distribution of driving records. 

The agency ensures that accurate information is available through secure and reliable channels for legal, professional, and personal purposes.

Types of Driving Records Available in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, the following are the types of driving records available:

Standard Driving History Report

This report provides a general overview of a driver’s history, including personal details, license status, recent traffic violations, and any suspensions or reinstatements. It is accessible online or at DMV offices for quick reference.

Official Certified Record

For a more authoritative document, the Official Certified Record offers a comprehensive account of a driver’s history, complete with DMV certification and seal. Due to its detailed content, courts, employers, and legal entities often require this report.

Insurance-Specific Report

This report is tailored for insurance purposes. It offers a summary of recent driving activities, risk assessment details, license status, and penalties. Insurance companies use this information to determine policy terms and premiums.

Commercial Driver Record

For Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders, this record includes standard driving information, CDL-specific endorsements, medical certifications, and a history of commercial driving infractions. It is essential for compliance with industry regulations.

How To Request a New Hampshire Driving History Report?

New Hampshire motorists can employ the following methods to acquire their driving history reports from the state's DMV:

Digital Submission

The NH DMV's Online Motor Vehicle Record Request (OMVR) Service enables drivers to access their records online quickly. To use this service, drivers must provide the following:

• New Hampshire driver's license or non-driver ID
• Legal name, date of birth, and registered mailing address
• Email address
• Contact number
• Payment via bank card

Requests are processed immediately, but the physical record is mailed to the driver’s address the next business day. This service is only available to the individual requesting their record.

Postal Request

For those who prefer traditional methods, drivers can request their records by mail by submitting the Release of Motor Vehicle Records (Form DSMV 505) with a $15 fee, payable to "State of NH-DMV. They must mail the form and payment to the following address:

NH Department of Safety

DMV - FR Records

23 Hazen Drive

Concord, NH 03305

Alternatively, drivers may utilize designated drop box locations throughout the state for submission.

On-Site Application

For immediate records, visiting a local NH DMV office provides same-day service. Walk-ins are accepted, but scheduling an appointment ensures quicker processing.

Uses of New Hampshire Driving Records

In New Hampshire, driving records are utilized for various purposes as outlined in New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (NH RSA) Section 260:14. These uses are essential for managing legal, financial, and administrative matters involving vehicle and driver information. Below are the specific applications of driving records in the state:

• Civil, criminal, administrative, or arbitral proceedings: Driving records are used in legal proceedings to verify relevant information.
• Bank verification: Banks access driving records to confirm the accuracy of personal information provided by individuals.
• Towed vehicle notifications: Records are used to notify vehicle owners about the towing or impoundment of their vehicles.
• Storage or mechanic’s lien notices: Records facilitate notifications to vehicle owners regarding storage fees or mechanic’s liens.
• Private investigative agencies: Licensed private investigative agencies use records for approved purposes, excluding bulk marketing or solicitations.
• Employer verification: Employers utilize driving records to verify information related to holders of CDLs.
• Public utility services: Public utilities use records to fulfill their service obligations, provided they have the individual's consent.
• Auto insurance companies: Car insurance companies access driving records for underwriting and claims investigations.
• Life insurance companies: Life insurance companies review driving records with the individual's consent to assist with claims, rating, and underwriting.

Understanding New Hampshire Driving Laws

New Hampshire enforces strict driving laws for road safety and accountability. Below outlines key laws and penalties related to licensing, speeding, reckless driving, driving while intoxicated (DWI), and hit-and-run offenses.

Licensing Laws and Penalties 

Under NH RSA Section 263:1, drivers must have a valid license. Driving without one is a Class B misdemeanor, with fines up to $1,200 and four demerit points.

Non-residents with valid out-of-state licenses can drive in New Hampshire, but new residents must obtain a state license within 60 days.

Driving with an expired license incurs fines of up to $1,000 for a first offense and a Class B misdemeanor for repeat offenses. Failing to carry a license can result in a fine of up to $1,200 and two demerit points, but charges may be dropped if a valid license is presented within 48 hours.

Speeding Laws and Penalties 

NH RSA Section 265:60 outlines New Hampshire's speeding regulations. The basic speeding law mandates safe driving based on road conditions. Meanwhile, presumed limits include:

• 10 miles per hour (mph) under the posted limit in school zones
• 30 mph in urban areas
• 35 mph in rural zones
• 55 mph in non-interstate locations
• 65 mph on most interstates

Basic speeding law violations result in fines starting at $62. Exceeding presumed limits leads to fines ranging from $62 to $496, with at least three demerit points added to the driver's record.

Reckless and Negligent Driving Laws and Penalties 

NH RSA Section 265:79 defines reckless driving as actions that pose an unreasonable risk, such as street racing or driving at 100 mph. First-time offenders face a $500 minimum fine and a 60-day license suspension. 

Repeat offenses result in fines up to $1,000 and suspensions from 60 days to a year, with six points added to the driver’s record. Reckless driving causing death may lead to vehicular homicide charges.

Negligent driving, under NH RSA Section 265:79-b, involves endangering others or property, with fines between $250 and $1,000 and four demerit points.

DWI Laws and Penalties 

NH RSA Section 265-A:2 outlines DWI laws, where driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher is prohibited. For commercial drivers, the limit is .04%, and for those under 21, it is .02%.

A first DWI offense within ten years is a misdemeanor, punishable by fines from $500 to $1,200 and a 9-month to 2-year suspension. Aggravated DWI, including excessive speeding or evading officers, results in fines up to $2,000, jail time, and a longer suspension.

A second offense within ten years carries harsher penalties, including up to a year in jail and a three-year suspension. A fourth DWI is a felony, leading to at least 120 days in jail and more severe penalties.

Hit-and-Run Laws and Penalties

NH RSA Section 264:25 requires drivers involved in accidents causing injury, death, or property damage to stop immediately and provide personal and vehicle information. If an officer isn’t present, drivers must report the incident to the nearest police station. 

For significant damage or injuries, a police report is mandatory. Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death is a Class B felony, punishable by up to seven years in prison and fines up to $2,000.

For property damage or unattended vehicles, it is a Class A misdemeanor, leading to up to one year in jail and similar fines.

The Point System in New Hampshire

The NH DMV's demerit point system monitors traffic violations to enhance road safety. Points, ranging from one to six, are added to a driver's record based on the violation's severity. 

Accumulating too many points within a specific period can result in a license suspension, deterring unsafe driving. Minor offenses, like failing to register a vehicle, add one point, while more serious violations, such as speeding up to 24 mph over the limit, add three points. 

Severe offenses, like driving with a revoked license or driving under the influence (DUI), incur six points. These points remain on a driver’s record for three years and affect future penalties.

License Suspensions and Point Reduction Strategies

Accumulating too many demerit points can lead to a suspension of driving privileges, with suspension lengths varying by age and points accrued:

Under 18 years old:

• 6 points in 1 year: up to 3-month suspension
• 12 points in 2 years: up to 6-month suspension
• 18 points in 3 years: up to 1-year suspension

Under 21 years old:

• 9 points in 1 year: up to 3-month suspension
• 15 points in 2 years: up to 6-month suspension
• 21 points in 3 years: up to 1-year suspension

21 years and older:

• 12 points in 1 year: up to 3-month suspension
• 18 points in 2 years: up to 6-month suspension
• 24 points in 3 years: up to 1-year suspension

To avoid suspension, drivers can reduce their point total by three by completing a state-approved driver improvement course. The NH DMV must authorize the course, and participation may be mandated by court order or the Bureau of Hearings.

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in New Hampshire

Motorists in New Hampshire must be aware of the distinction between criminal and civil driving offenses and their associated penalties to fully understand the potential consequences of their actions on the road.

Criminal Driving Offenses and Their Penalties

In New Hampshire, criminal driving offenses are serious violations classified as felonies or misdemeanors. 

Felonies involve severe actions, often leading to fatalities or repeated violations. Class A felonies, such as vehicular homicide or a fourth DWI offense, carry penalties of at least seven and a half years in prison and fines up to $4,000. 

Class B felonies result in at least three and a half years in prison and fines of up to $2,000. Misdemeanors carry less severe penalties compared to felonies. 

Class A misdemeanors can result in a maximum of one year in jail and fines of up to $2,000. In contrast, Class B misdemeanors typically incur fines of up to $1,200 but do not involve jail time.

Civil Driving Offenses and Their Penalties

Civil driving offenses in New Hampshire, typically called infractions, are minor but still carry penalties such as fines, demerit points, and increased insurance premiums. Speeding over ten mph in a school zone can result in fines of up to $250. Meanwhile, running a red light incurs fines ranging from $100 to $300. 

Improper turning may lead to fines between $50 and $100, adding demerit points to a driver’s record. Accumulating too many points can result in license suspension. 

Even minor infractions, such as illegal parking or failing to signal, can result in fines and points, which can escalate if ignored.

New Hampshire Driving Statistics and Goals

New Hampshire faces significant challenges in traffic safety, with a 47% increase in road fatalities between 2018 and 2022.

This surge, from 101 to 148 deaths, far exceeds the national average increase of 18%. The state's Department of Safety has responded with targeted initiatives to address this concerning trend.

New Hampshire's Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) aims to reduce traffic fatalities by 50% by 2030. Key programs include the "Hands-Free" law enforcement campaign to combat distracted driving and the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" initiative targeting impaired driving.

The state has also implemented the "NH Driving Towards Zero" program, focusing on engineering improvements, enhanced law enforcement, and public education to achieve the ultimate goal of zero traffic deaths. 

Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire Driving Records

Here are some common questions about driving records in New Hampshire, covering how to request someone else’s record, correct errors, and expunge traffic violations.

Can an Individual Request Someone Else’s Driving Record?

In New Hampshire, requesting someone else’s driving record requires explicit consent from the individual whose record is being requested. This consent must be documented by submitting a notarized Form DSMV 505.

If the signature isn't notarized, the requester must clearly state the intended use of the information. Without proper consent or documentation, the request cannot be processed​.

How To Correct an Error on a Driving Record?

Drivers should contact the NH DMV to correct an error on their New Hampshire driving record. They can report errors by visiting an NH DMV office in person or submitting a written request with details and supporting documents. 

The NH DMV will investigate and correct verified mistakes. For court-related errors, contacting the reporting court is necessary. Drivers can also request a motor vehicle record review to dispute record inaccuracies.

Can Traffic Violations Be Expunged or Sealed from Driving Records?

Traffic violations can be expunged or sealed from New Hampshire driving records by filing a Petition to Annul Records. Expungement helps remove public access to records, though law enforcement retains access. 

Eligible misdemeanors, like speeding and DUI, can be annulled after completing a waiting period: seven years for speeding and ten years for DUI. 

The process requires sentence completion, dismissal, or proof of innocence. Filing fees apply, and if denied, a three-year wait is needed before reapplying.

Helpful Links and Resources

For those needing access to key driving-related information in New Hampshire, the following resources are essential:

• NH DMV driving records page:https://www.dmv.nh.gov/tickets-accidents-or-restorations/driving-records
• New Hampshire Motor Vehicles Code (NH RSA Title 21):https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/RSA/html/NHTOC/NHTOC-XXI.htm
• “NH Driving Towards Zero” initiative: https://www.dot.nh.gov/about-nh-dot/divisions-bureaus-districts/highway-design/nh-driving-toward-zero

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Counties in New Hampshire

• Belknap
• Carroll
• Cheshire
• Coos
• Grafton
• Hillsborough
• Merrimack
• Rockingham
• Strafford
• Sullivan