What RSA Suspension Means in New Hampshire

An RSA suspension in New Hampshire refers to a license suspension under RSA 263:64, the state statute that suspends your license when you are convicted of reckless driving. This is not a points-based suspension — it is a mandatory, automatic suspension that takes effect when the court enters a reckless driving conviction, regardless of your driving record before that moment.

The suspension period depends on whether this is your first reckless driving conviction or a repeat offense. A first conviction results in a suspension of at least 30 days; a second or subsequent conviction within five years results in a suspension of at least one year. The court may also impose a longer suspension as part of your sentence.

Unlike suspensions for unpaid fines or medical reasons, you cannot straightforward wait out the calendar and have your license restored. You must take specific steps with the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles to regain driving privileges.

Key Takeaways

  • RSA 263:64 suspensions are mandatory when you are convicted of reckless driving, not based on points or violations.
  • First-time reckless driving convictions result in at least a 30-day suspension; repeat convictions within five years mean at least one year.
  • Your license suspension begins when the court enters the conviction, and you must stop driving when ready.
  • You cannot restore your license until you complete the suspension period and submit a Petition for Restoration to the DMV.
  • The court that convicted you may impose additional conditions, such as a substance abuse assessment or defensive driving course, before the DMV will restore your license.

When the Suspension Takes Effect

The suspension becomes effective on the date the court enters the conviction. You do not receive a separate notice from the DMV — the court notifies the DMV directly through the judicial system. Your physical license remains valid until the DMV processes the suspension, which typically happens within one to two weeks, but you are legally prohibited from driving the moment the conviction is entered.

If you are unsure whether your conviction has been processed, contact the New Hampshire DMV at 603-271-2371 or check your driving record online through the DMV website. Your record will show the suspension status and the date it began.

The Minimum Suspension Period

For a first reckless driving conviction, the minimum suspension is 30 days from the date the conviction was entered. You cannot request early restoration or a hardship license during this period — the law does not allow exceptions for work, medical appointments, or family emergencies.

For a second or subsequent reckless driving conviction within five years of the first, the minimum suspension is one year. If the court imposed a longer suspension as part of your sentence, that longer period applies instead. Check your court paperwork or contact the court clerk to confirm the exact suspension length the judge ordered.

Steps to Restore Your License After RSA Suspension

Once the minimum suspension period has passed, you must submit a Petition for Restoration of License to the DMV. This is not an automatic process — your license will not be restored straightforward because the calendar date has arrived.

The petition must be submitted to the DMV's Driver Control Bureau. You can obtain the form from the DMV website or by calling 603-271-2371. The form requires your name, license number, the date of the conviction, and the court that convicted you.

Before submitting the petition, confirm with the sentencing court whether any additional conditions must be met. Many judges require proof of completion of a defensive driving course, a substance abuse assessment, or counseling before they will sign off on restoration. If the court imposed such conditions, you must complete them and obtain documentation before the DMV will process your petition.

Court-Ordered Conditions Before Restoration

The judge who convicted you may have ordered conditions that must be satisfied before your license can be restored. Common conditions include completion of a Defensive Driving Course (sometimes called a Driver Improvement Program), a substance abuse assessment, or alcohol education classes if drugs or alcohol were involved in the reckless driving incident.

You are responsible for finding and paying for these programs yourself — the court will not refer you or cover the cost. The DMV maintains a list of approved defensive driving providers on its website. Once you complete the course or assessment, request a certificate of completion and keep it with your restoration petition.

If the court did not specify conditions in your sentence, you may still be required to pass a written knowledge test or vision test when you explore for restoration. Contact the DMV to confirm what is required in your case.

Submitting Your Restoration Petition

Mail your completed Petition for Restoration, along with any required documentation (court order, proof of course completion, assessment results), to the New Hampshire DMV, Driver Control Bureau, 23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305. Include a copy of your conviction paperwork if you have it.

The DMV typically responds within two to four weeks. If your petition is approved, you will receive a notice and your license will be restored. If additional information is needed, the DMV will contact you. If your petition is denied, the notice will explain why and what steps you can take next.

Do not attempt to drive before you receive written confirmation that your license has been restored. Driving with a suspended license carries serious penalties, including additional criminal charges, fines, and further license suspension.

What Happens If You Drive During Suspension

Driving with a suspended license in New Hampshire is a separate criminal offense. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $250 to $1,000 and up to one year in jail. A second or subsequent offense within five years is also a misdemeanor with a fine of $500 to $2,000 and up to two years in jail.

A conviction for driving with a suspended license will also result in an additional suspension of your license — typically for one year from the date of that conviction. This means your original RSA suspension period does not count toward the new suspension; the clock restarts.

If you are stopped by law enforcement during your suspension period, your vehicle may be impounded, and you will face criminal charges in addition to the suspension itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a hardship license while my RSA suspension is in effect?

No. New Hampshire law does not allow hardship or work licenses for RSA 263:64 suspensions. You must wait out the full minimum suspension period before you can petition for restoration. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, you must use alternative transportation during the suspension.

What if I did not receive notice that my license was suspended?

The court notifies the DMV directly, and the DMV processes the suspension without sending you a separate letter in most cases. Check your driving record online or call the DMV to confirm your suspension status. Lack of notice does not prevent the suspension from being in effect.

Can the court reduce my suspension period after I am convicted?

Only the judge who sentenced you can modify the suspension period. You would need to file a motion with the court requesting a reduction. This is rarely granted unless there are extraordinary circumstances or a legal error in the original sentence. Contact the court clerk or a lawyer for guidance on whether a motion is appropriate in your case.

Do I have to retake the written driving test to get my license back?

It depends on the court's sentence and the DMV's information. Some judges require a knowledge test as a condition of restoration; others do not. Contact the DMV Driver Control Bureau to confirm what is required for your specific case before you submit your petition.

What if I move out of New Hampshire while my license is suspended?

Your New Hampshire license suspension remains in effect regardless of where you live. If you move to another state, that state may recognize the suspension and refuse to issue you a license there. You must still complete the New Hampshire suspension period and petition for restoration with the New Hampshire DMV before you can legally drive in any state.