Many Santa Barbara County drivers are unfamiliar with the procedures and often ask: “How do I request a DMV NOTS hearing in Santa Barbara County?”
What’s more, timing is crucial to request and receive a DMV NOTS hearing and avoid a suspension. You may have as little as ten days after you receive the notice.
What Is the Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS)?
California uses the DMV’s NOTS to track accidents, convictions, and fines.
When a driver pays the fine or is convicted of a traffic infraction or has an at-fault accident that they are determined to be at least partially responsible for, the DMV assesses one NOTS point.
Major infractions, misdemeanors and felonies are assessed two NOTS points—too many points within a specific period can result in a license suspension.
Levels progress quickly. Two points in 12 months bring a warning, while four in 12 months result in a DMV Order of Suspension/Probation of your license, typically for six months with a concurrent 12-month probation period.
Commercial drivers face stricter standards—tickets or at-fault accidents in a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) are assessed 50% harsher penalties under NOTS.
How Do I Request a DMV NOTS Hearing in Santa Barbara County?
Drivers often ask, “What should I expect at a DMV NOTS hearing?” The hearing is administrative, not judicial. There’s no jury.
A DMV officer reviews your record, listens to evidence, and decides the outcome.
You can present records, witness statements, or medical reports. We help drivers prepare these materials and spot mistakes or inconsistencies in the state’s evidence.
Why Request a DMV Hearing?
The primary reason to request a DMV NOTS hearing is to avoid a driver’s license suspension of up to six months and a concurrent period of probation of 12 months.
Excessive points, DUIs, medical suspensions, or unpaid fines can all trigger a DMV notice of suspension.
You have only ten days from receipt of the notice or 15 days after the DMV mailing to request a hearing. Miss the deadline, and your suspension takes effect after 34 days.
Drivers on U.S. Route 101 or State Route 154 in Santa Barbara County need their license. Without it, daily life and employment can quickly fall apart. Many driver experience a decline in their quality of life without a license in many of these rural areas.
Possible Outcomes of a DMV NOTS Hearing
Drivers often ask, “What happens if the hearing officer rules against me?” Several outcomes are possible.
Suspension is common when no records of conviction can be removed from the driver’s motor vehicle driving record (MVR). Then, the driver must pay the reapplication fee and reapply after the suspension period is over.
License revocation can happen in severe cases.
If even one NOTS point can be removed from the driver’s MVR, the suspension can be avoided. However, if no points are removed, the attorney can petition for a restricted license for work and medical purposes.
How a DMV Hearing Attorney Can Help
You are not required to hire an attorney, but having a traffic attorney represent you during the preparation and at the hearing could make a world of difference.
We challenge incorrect convictions or outdated laws used against you. Traffic attorneys spend the majority of their working hours in traffic court. This knowledge can help them get a conviction removed from your record.
Our attorneys know how to ask for restricted driving privileges.
We’ve helped many Santa Barbara County drivers protect their licenses. Our team focuses exclusively on traffic matters when we go to court or to the DMV.
Why Consult a Lawyer Before the Hearing?
Traffic law is complex. DMV officers apply rules differently from courts.
An attorney can reopen cases—even old tickets you paid years ago may be challenged.
We listen, explain options, and guide you through every step, which can help reduce your stress and improve your chance of success.
Ask Bigger & Harman About a DMV NOTS Hearing in Santa Barbara County, CA
Timing is crucial to request and receive a DMV NOTS Hearing and avoid a suspension. Call Bigger & Harman today at (661) 349-9300. Or 349-9755—Se habla Español.
Call us today if you have received an Order of Suspension from the DMV. You may have as little as ten days after you receive the notice.
Additionally, use our handy online contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: How do I request a DMV NOTS hearing in Santa Barbara County?
A: You must request a DMV NOTS hearing within ten days of receiving your suspension notice. You cannot request this hearing online, and you must call (833) 543-7703 and provide your full name, license number, and date of birth. You can also call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300 to see about having us set up the hearing for you.
Q: What should I expect at a DMV NOTS hearing?
A: A DMV officer reviews your record and decides whether to suspend, revoke, or restrict your driver’s license. However, you or an attorney can present evidence and/or items of mitigation.
Q: Can old tickets be challenged at the hearing, even if I paid the fine or pled guilty?
A: Yes. Although you are not required to hire an attorney— an attorney can reopen cases and request the removal of some points from your MVR. These are often approved when the traffic law was amended or has changed since the conviction.
References:
CA VC Section 12810, Issuance and Renewal of Licenses.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025.
The CA DMV Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) Webpage.