Receiving an Order of Suspension or Probation can be alarming, but a DMV NOTS hearing is often the driver's best defense.
Consulting a qualified traffic attorney early in the process is essential. We understand the stress that comes with potential license loss in Kern and Fresno County.
Acting quickly is key, as the driver has only ten days after receipt or 15 days after the DMV mailing to request a hearing. If not, their license will be suspended on the 34th day after the DMV mailing.
Regional DSO Contact Information for Bakersfield & Fresno
Although we represent drivers in other municipalities, in this blog post, we will concentrate on Bakersfield and Fresno.
The DMV’s Driver Safety Office (DSO) is the enforcement branch of the CA DMV tasked with suspending or revoking licenses. These offices do not handle standard license renewals or vehicle registrations.
If the driver has received an Order of Suspension/Probation from the DMV, they should request a DMV NOTS hearing immediately:
- Bakersfield DSO: 5800 District Blvd, Suite 100-B, Bakersfield, CA 93313. Phone: (661) 833-2103—Fax: (661) 833-2102.
- Fresno DSO: 2510 S. East Ave, Suite 310, Fresno, CA 93706. Phone: (559) 445-6399—Fax: (559) 445-6396.
- Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (8 am–5 pm); Wednesday (9 am–5 pm).
Understanding the Point System and Driver Safety
The Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) tracks traffic convictions and accidents.
Every paid fine or conviction for a traffic ticket or at-fault accident can add points to the driver’s record. Minor infractions, such as speeding less than 100 mph, running a red light or stop sign, and others, are assessed one NOTS point, as are at-fault accidents, which stay on the driver’s driving record for up to three years.
Speeding over 100 mph, misdemeanors and felonies are assessed two NOTS points that stay on the driver’s record for seven to ten years.
Since 22 December 2025, the DMV DSO has taken significant steps to suspend or revoke driver’s licenses of those accused of speeding over 100 mph, even before proven guilt.
The DMV then monitors these points over 12, 24, or 36-month windows. When the points reach a specific threshold, the DMV issues a notice of intent to suspend.
The consequences for the driver include:
- Level 1—Warning: An official letter is sent when the driver accumulates two points within twelve months, three points within twenty-four months, or six points within thirty-six months.
- Level 2—Intent to Suspend: A clear warning that driving privileges are at risk. A notice of intent to suspend for three points within twelve months, five points within twenty-four months, or seven points within thirty-six months.
- Level 3—Suspension: A formal Order of Suspension/Probation, typically for six and twelve months (served concurrently) of the driver's license.
- Level 4—Additional Penalties: Another six months’ suspension and probation are imposed when the driver under suspension or probation is issued another traffic ticket or is involved in an accident, regardless of fault. Driving with a suspended license is typically charged as a misdemeanor.
The Role of the DMV’s DSO
The Driver Safety Office (DSO) acts as the DMV’s enforcement branch.
These offices do not handle standard license renewals or vehicle registrations. Instead, they are tasked with holding administrative hearings to suspend or revoke licenses.
A traffic attorney can help the driver navigate these complex administrative procedures.
The DSO’s primary function is to process the suspension or revocation of driving privileges. Contacting a traffic attorney helps the driver ensure their side of the story is heard.
Legal counsel can evaluate whether all NOTS points were applied correctly to the record, or are no longer required. Sometimes, the DMV panel could remove points for accidents or where court error occurred.
Why Legal Representation Matters at a DMV NOTS Hearing
While not mandatory, having a traffic attorney at a DMV NOTS hearing provides a distinct advantage.
Our firm has spent years observing traffic ticket trials and DMV proceedings. We use this knowledge to provide legal precedent for removing points from the driver’s record. This proactive step is often the difference between a suspension and a dismissal.
“Precedent refers to a court decision that is considered an authority for deciding subsequent cases involving identical or similar facts, or similar legal issues.”—Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute (LII) WEX definition, Precedent.
We focus on protecting the driver's ability to commute, work, and manage daily life.
A suspension often negatively impacts the driver's quality of life and earning potential. Our team guides the driver through the nuances of the DMV NOTS hearing process.
We work to secure the best possible outcome for every client we represent.
For more information about the DMV NOTS hearing process, read our more thorough article here, and then give us a call.
Consult Bigger & Harman About a DMV NOTS Hearing in Bakersfield or Fresno, Today
If you have received an “Order of Suspension/Probation” from the CA DMV, act now, call Bigger & Harman, APC. Give us a call at (661) 349-9300. Se habla Español 859-1177.
If you received a notice about an impending action by the DMV, it is crucial that you contact our office today.
CA drivers who have had their driver’s license suspended rarely get it back without considerable expense, and it negatively impacts their quality of life. In the rare case where there is a suspension, we could help you secure a restricted driver’s license for work and school at the hearing. Don’t go it alone.
We offer free consultations to help you understand your rights.
Use our secure website contact form to arrange a consultation, or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: What is a DMV NOTS hearing, and how can a traffic attorney help?
A: A DMV NOTS hearing is an administrative review of your driving record. A traffic attorney helps by presenting evidence to prevent a license suspension or revocation.
Q: Should I go to the inconvenience and expense of scheduling a DMV NOTS hearing?
A: Yes, several outcomes would not be possible without requesting and attending a hearing. If you don’t request a hearing, there is only one probable outcome: license suspension.
Q: What happens if I miss the deadline to request a hearing?
A: Typically, the DMV will automatically suspend or revoke your license after 34 days of mailing the notice to you. Sometimes the DMV will grant a late request, but this has become exceedingly rare.
References:
The DMV Driver Safety Case Management page.
The CA DMV Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) Webpage.
The Cornell Law School’s LII WEX definition, Precedent.