Who has access to my driving record? And how long do violations stay on a driving record?

Your driving record is immediately accessible and can be viewed by the Department of Motor Vehicles and by law enforcement officials such as police officers during a traffic stop.

Others may access your driving record if they have good legal cause or your permission to do so. Anyone conducting a background check on you, for example, may view your driving record. These people include prospective employees, landlords, and bank lenders.

Your insurance company may also have access to your driving record, especially if and when you apply for a policy. These situations are considered “good cause” and the person making your policy determination has a right to the information.

How will violations affect my driving record?

Because it is possible for employers, insurers and the police to view your driving record, a large number of violations can be detrimental. Your violations can disqualify you from some jobs, and may make your insurance more expensive. This means it is important to know how long a violation will remain on your record.

After you’re convicted of a traffic violation, the amount of time the violation stays on your driving record will depend on the nature of the violation and the state in which you’re located.

How long will violations remain on my driving record?

Most general moving violations will stay on a driving record for a length of time between 3 and 10 years. The more minor violations, such as rolling through stop signs, will likely stay for just a few years, while larger violations and those that resulted in accidents will have greater durations.

In some extremely serious cases, infractions can remain on your driving record for time periods long enough to be considered permanent. In Florida, for example, vehicular manslaughter and certain DUIs may remain on your record for up to 75 years.

Any criminal charges will also remain on your record unless or until they are expunged.

If you are concerned about the state of your driving record, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer. Your attorney can help you do anything possible to clear your record so you can lower your insurance rates and get the other benefits available to good drivers.

Case Studies: Understanding the Impact of Driving Record Violations

Case Study 1: Repercussions of Multiple Moving Violations

John, a skilled professional driver, accumulated multiple moving violations over a period of five years. These violations included speeding tickets, failure to yield, and reckless driving. As a result, John’s driving record became heavily tarnished.

When he applied for a new job as a commercial truck driver, potential employers conducted a background check and discovered his extensive history of violations. Despite his experience, John was denied employment due to concerns about his driving behavior. This case illustrates how a series of violations can negatively impact job prospects, especially in industries that prioritize safe driving records.

Case Study 2: The Lasting Consequences of Vehicular Manslaughter

Sarah was involved in a tragic accident where her intoxicated driving led to the death of another driver. She was charged with vehicular manslaughter and convicted. As a consequence, this severe violation remained on her driving record for up to 75 years in the state of Florida.

Sarah faced not only legal consequences but also long-lasting effects on her personal and professional life. Potential employers, landlords, and even loan providers accessed her driving record, which significantly limited her opportunities. This case highlights how certain violations can have a profound and enduring impact on an individual’s record.

Case Study 3: Clearing the Record for Insurance Benefits

Michael had a history of traffic violations, including several speeding tickets and a minor accident. Concerned about the increasing cost of his insurance premiums, he sought legal assistance to clear his driving record. His lawyer helped him navigate the process of expungement and provided guidance on improving his driving habits.

By successfully clearing his record, Michael was able to demonstrate his commitment to responsible driving and subsequently secured lower insurance rates. This case exemplifies how legal intervention and proactive measures can help individuals mitigate the adverse effects of past violations.