Even the best drivers make mistakes. It doesn’t matter how much of a law-abiding citizen you are. If you’re constantly behind the wheel, chances are that you’ll probably make a mistake or two on the road – mistakes that will inevitably end up in your driving record.
Even more concerning is that the record remains a matter of public scrutiny. This means that an insurance company will use your driving record when determining rates. The same notion applies to potential employers and the court. Simply put, having a bad driving record is never a good idea.
Fortunately, there’s a way to expunge it, start again on a clean slate, and enjoy the privileges of a clean driving record. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to check your current status and expunge any violations keeping you away from low insurance premiums.
What Is a Clean Driving Record?
A clean driving record refers to a motor vehicle record (MVR) without incidents, moving violations, driving-related convictions, or points. In most states, any traffic violation resulting in criminal charges will add points to your driving record. These points are generally awarded based on the violation. Minor violations have fewer points, while major violations have higher points.
You may have to retake your driver’s test in order to keep your license if you get too many points. In some situations, you may have to report to an administrative hearing or even have your license revoked.
On the bright side, a driving record is not necessarily permanent. In most states, a driving record covers between three and seven years. However, serious violations like DUIs may remain on the record longer.
What Types of Driving Infractions Go On a Driving Record?
States generally handle driving records in one of two ways: a list of infractions on your record or points. Since your driving record only reflects violations resulting in criminal charges, you shouldn’t expect to see a parking ticket on your record – unless your state considers it a crime.
Here’s what you’ll find on a driving record.
Moving Violations
A moving violation is any traffic violation committed in a moving vehicle. This can range from speeding and running a red light to failing to use a turn signal. Distracted driving also counts as a moving violation. In fact, insurance companies have recently started cracking down on distracted driving, with drivers receiving up to a 23% markup on their insurance premiums in some states.
Major Violations
Major violations are the more serious traffic violations like driving under the influence, reckless driving, and hit-and-runs. Most major violations attract hefty fines or jail terms. They also stay on your record longer than your average minor traffic offense.
Mechanical Violation
A mechanical violation occurs when a driver operates a vehicle with faulty or damaged equipment. This includes broken taillights, worn-out brakes and tires, and missing windshield wipers.
Driving Without a Valid License
Driving without a license or an expired license is illegal in every state. It doesn’t matter if you forgot it at home. If a traffic cop pulls you over and you can’t present a valid license, you could face hefty penalties, including fines and a permanent record on your MVR.
How to Check Your Driving Record
The process of checking your driving record comes down to your state. Some states allow you to get a free copy of your driving record online, while others require you to pay a small amount. That said, the actual process of getting your record is relatively the same.
In most states, you need to:
- Determine the type of driving record you’d like to receive
- Complete an application
- Provide proof of identity, including your social security number
- Pay any applicable fees
How to Clean up Your Driving Record
Although quite feasible, cleaning your driving record requires tremendous time and money. But if you’re up for it, here’s what you should do.
Check Your Record for Accuracy
After requesting your driving record, check for any inaccuracies. This may be infractions you didn’t commit, points that shouldn’t be there, or anything else out of place.
Dispute any Errors on Your Driving Record
If your driving record displays something you disagree with, like a speeding ticket you contested and won, you should be able to dispute it through your state’s DMV or insurance company. While at it, you must provide details like your name, vehicle registration, license number, and any relevant details about your dispute.
Contest a Ticket
If you have outstanding tickets for speeding or other moving violations, you should review them carefully to ensure accuracy. At this point, you can either pay the fine (technically, you admit to the offense) or request a hearing.
If you choose to go with the latter, you must gather evidence to support your claim. This can be in the form of GPS records, photos, and witness statements. Depending on how your case goes, you can have the ticket dropped or changed to a lower penalty.
Take a Defensive Driving Course
Taking a defensive driving course or driver improvement class can help clean up your driving record in most states. This typically involves deducting points from your driving record. You could also request your insurer to review your ratings once you finish the course.
Expunge Your Driving Record
Whether or not you can expunge your driving record comes down to your state. Most states only allow you to expunge criminal violations, so you may have to check with your state’s DMV to find out their permits and requirements.
Even if you’re successful, you still have to take a driver safety course and wait for a certain period before having your record expunged. You should also avoid committing moving violations during that period, as any mishap could eliminate your chances of coming out with a clean record.
Start Over on a Clean Slate
Having a bad driving record is not only costly (in terms of fines and insurance premiums) but could also affect your employment prospects. Fortunately, with much time and effort, you could have your record expunged, allowing you to start over on a relatively clean slate. However, the extent to which you can expunge your record ultimately comes down to your state’s laws and regulations.
