A DMV NOTS hearing is crucial if you’ve accumulated too many points on your driving record.
If you received a DMV “Order of Suspension/Probation,” you have 15 days from the DMV mailing date to request a DMV NOTS Hearing. DO NOT put it off.
Then, request a copy of your motor vehicle driving record (MVR).
This hearing can prevent suspension or probation, but preparation is essential. For California drivers with a history of traffic violations, understanding the DMV’s Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) is vital.
What Is NOTS?
The negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) is authorized by California law under Vehicle Code (VC) Section 12810, Issuance and Renewal of Licenses.
This section of the traffic code categorizes infractions as one or two points on your record:
Minor violations, such as speeding under 100 mph, red-light and stop sign tickets, etc. and at-fault accidents are one-point entries and remain for three years.
Major infractions, such as speeding over 100 mph, are two points and stay for seven years.
Misdemeanors and felonies add two points and will remain on your MVR for seven to ten years or until legally removed.
What Is a DMV NOTS Hearing?
The DMV maintains a record of each CA driver’s points and violations.
When you accumulate four or more points in one year, six in two years, or eight in three years, the DMV will issue a suspension/probation order.
You can respond by requesting a DMV NOTS hearing to present any evidence to correct or update your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).
Request your hearing within 10 days of the DMV mailing the notification by phone or in writing. This timeline is critical to avoid a default suspension that will begin after 34 days if the DMV does not receive a request for a hearing.
Do You Need Legal Representation?
A DMV NOTS hearing does not legally require an attorney, but the stakes are high. Typically, a driver’s license suspension leads to a downward spiral of job loss and financial difficulties.
Experienced legal representation, especially from a traffic attorney, can be a game-changer.
Traffic attorneys frequently handle similar cases, making them well-suited to argue on your behalf to remove or adjust your record entries.
Further, they can request a private investigation when an accident report seems biased or inaccurate.
A knowledgeable attorney can identify entries that qualify for removal, such as successfully appealed convictions, errors, or when there was a favorable change to the traffic code—even when you plead guilty and paid the fine.
Why You Need a Tulare County Traffic Attorney’s Assistance
For drivers facing suspension, a traffic attorney offers valuable courtroom experience in DMV NOTS hearing cases.
With the right representation, you gain a chance to dispute or adjust entries on your MVR.
Retaining an attorney increases your chances of keeping your license and avoiding restrictions.
For further reading on this subject consider, “Navigating a CA DMV NOTS Hearing,” or consult Bigger & Harman after requesting a DMV NOTS Hearing.
Consult with Bigger & Harman About a DMV NOTS Hearing
When you’re threatened with a driver’s license suspension/probation because of too many NOTS points, call Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300 for a consultation—Se habla Español 349-9755. But first, request a DMV NOTS Hearing immediately.
Use the convenient online contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
The CA DMV Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) Webpage.
CA VC 12810, Issuance and Renewal of Licenses.