Paying or Contesting a Traffic Ticket in New Hampshire

For most motor vehicle violations you can plead guilty, nolo contendere or not guilty by mail to the Division of Motor Vehicles within 30 days of the summons. With a guilty or nolo plea, return the summons with the fine and penalty assessment to the DMV director (credit cards may be accepted). With a not guilty plea, the DMV sends the plea to the circuit court, which schedules a trial. If you do not respond within 30 days or do not pay the fine, you are defaulted and your driving privileges are suspended, and an administrative processing fee may be added.

A driver with at least 3 points can have the most recent point total reduced by 3 points, for suspension purposes only, by completing an approved driver improvement course (at least 6 hours) or a driver attitude course within the period for which the points are being assessed. The points remain on the record; the ticket is not dismissed.

Grounds include demerit point accumulation; failing to appear at a scheduled court proceeding or hearing, failing to pay a fine, paying with a bad check, or failing to comply with a court or DMV order (suspension takes effect 30 days after notice); DWI convictions; and administrative license suspension after a test refusal or a test at or above the limit.