Washington, D.C. Driving Records
What Is a Washington, D.C. Driving Record?
Why Would You Need a Driving Record?
Types of Driver Records Available in Washington, D.C.
Traffic Violations and Tickets in Washington, D.C.
How Does the Washington, D.C. Point System Work?
How To Check Your Vehicle History
What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?
Who Can Access Your Washington, D.C. Driving History
FAQs About Washington, D.C. Driving Records

Washington, D.C. Driving Records

A Washington, D.C. driving record serves as a detailed account of a motorist's journey through the capital's historic and dynamic roadways. More than a mere list of infractions, it reflects an individual's overall driving behavior and responsibility behind the wheel.

This record may significantly impact various aspects of life, including insurance premiums, employment prospects, and one's ability to drive freely. While each driver's experience is distinct, so too are the driving records maintained by each state, governed by specific laws that determine their content, accessibility, and influence on how driving history is interpreted.

What Is a Washington, D.C. Driving Record?

A Washington, D.C. driving record, also known as a motor vehicle record (MVR), is an official document summarizing a driver's history within the District of Columbia.

It typically includes details about a motorist's driving behavior and legal compliance, which may influence driving privileges and insurance premiums. The record is maintained and issued by the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV).

What Is The Difference Between Official MVRs and Public Driving Records?

Official MVRs from the DC DMV are usually accurate, legally recognized, and sourced directly from the state's official databases, making them reliable for legal, insurance, and employment purposes.

In contrast, public driving records from third-party providers like RecordsFinder may include data from multiple public and private databases, such as criminal background checks, accident reports, insurance claims, and even previous employment history.

While official MVRs ensure data integrity and security, public driving records typically offer quicker turnaround times and enriched insights into a driver's background and behavior.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

Your Washington, D.C. driving record is required in certain circumstances, such as:

Traffic Adjudication: Drivers may contest traffic violations at the DC DMV Adjudication Services Center. If you have a clean record, you may argue that the violation is an isolated incident, potentially reducing penalties.
Professional License: Certain professions in Washington, D.C., such as commercial truck driving or operating a taxi, require a spotless driving record. D.C. regulations often dictate that drivers of these vehicles must maintain a clean history to qualify for the required permits and licenses.
Personal Liability Evaluation: If you have been in an accident, your driving history could be reviewed to assess personal liability For instance, repeated offenses like driving under the influence (DUI) or reckless driving could increase your legal responsibility, as courts and insurance companies will consider these factors when determining fault and assessing damages.

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

A typical Washington, D.C. driver report contains the following information:

License information (vehicle class, license type and status, issue, and expiration dates)
Withdrawals (suspensions, revocations, disqualifications, clearances, and restorations)
Violations and convictions
Points assessed for moving violations
Good points (earned when you go a full calendar year without a moving violation)

Types of Driver Records Available in Washington, D.C.

The following are the different types of driver records in Washington, D.C.:

3-Year Driving Record: Summarizes a driver's history over the past three years, including traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and revocations. Insurance companies often request this record when calculating premium rates.
5-Year Driving Record: Extends the review to five years, providing details on violations and incidents within that period. Employers commonly request this record when hiring for driving-related positions.
10-Year Driving Record: Offers a decade-long history of driving incidents, useful for proving long-term safe driving when applying for professional licenses.
Full Driving History Record: Provides a comprehensive account of the entire driving history in Washington, D.C., necessary for legal proceedings or extensive background checks.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in Washington, D.C.

Traffic violations and tickets in Washington, D.C., are civil and criminal offenses under Title 50 of the DC Code. Offenders cited for a traffic violation must appear in court, where a judge determines guilt. If convicted, penalties may include fines, jail time, or the suspension or revocation of the driver's license.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

In Washington, D.C., traffic offenses are categorized as moving or non-moving violations, each carrying specific penalties depending on the nature and severity of the offense.

Moving Violations

Moving violations are traffic offenses involving risky or unlawful driving behaviors. The following are common examples:

Speeding: In Washington, D.C., drivers must follow the basic speed rule and posted limits, with most areas set at 25 mph and 15 mph near schools or alleys, as outlined in the District of Columbia Code Annotated (D.C. Code Ann.) Section 38-3107. Speeding fines range from $50 to $500, with violations over 30 mph potentially leading to jail, license suspension, and up to five points on the driving record.
Impaired Driving: Washington, D.C. defines impaired driving as operating while impaired (OWI), driving under the influence (DUI), and driving while intoxicated (DWI). OWI involves noticeable impairment; DUI refers to reduced ability due to substances; DWI applies with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher. First-time DUI or DWI offenders face up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, while OWI carries lighter penalties. Aggravating factors like high alcohol levels, drugs, or child passengers result in additional mandatory jail time and longer license suspensions.

Non-Moving Violations

Non-moving violations do not involve how a driver operates a vehicle but rather constitute breaches of traffic laws related to vehicle conditions or documentation. Such offenses may include:

Unlicensed Driving: If you drive without ever having a license, you face up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. If you have a license but do not carry it, you may be fined $10 to $50.
Parking Violations: These violations are civil infractions with fines ranging from $20 to $1,100, depending on the offense. Common parking violations include parking in a bus zone ($100), double parking ($50), and parking within 20 feet of a bus stop ($50). Failure to pay within 30 days may result in penalties doubling.

What To Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

When responding to a traffic citation in Washington, D.C., it is essential to take action within 30 calendar days. The following are the available options for resolution:

Pay the Fine: You may pay for a speeding ticket in Washington, D.C., using the DC DMV's online ticket payment system or mobile app, or mailing a check or money order to the DC Treasurer. Also, you may visit the Adjudication Services Center to settle the fine.
Challenge the Citation: Individuals cited for minor traffic violations may request a hearing from the DC DMV within 30 to 60 calendar days to contest the citation. For major traffic offenses, however, they must plead not guilty in the District of Columbia Misdemeanor and Traffic Community Court (DCMTCC) and request a trial.
Choose a Diversion Program: During the hearing at the traffic court, you may opt for a diversion program if the Office of the Attorney General determines your eligibility. A diversion program is an alternative to traditional prosecution, allowing you to complete requirements, such as community service or educational courses, to avoid a conviction. If the case is deemed too serious for diversion or you fail to complete the program, the case proceeds to trial.

If you have misplaced or lost your traffic ticket, you may contact the DC DMV for assistance. You may also use the DC Superior Court Online Case Search System to retrieve details related to outstanding or resolved traffic tickets.

How Does the Washington, D.C. Point System Work?

The DC DMV uses a point system to track traffic violations and address unsafe driving. Points are typically added to your record if you are found responsible by paying a ticket, admitting fault, or failing to respond on time.

Each offense carries a specific point value. Driving with an improper license class results in 2 points. Speeding by 21 mph or more over the limit adds 5 points. Serious violations such as aggravated reckless driving, fleeing police, or DUI each result in 12 points.

If you earn 8 to 11 points, your license may be suspended for up to 90 days. Reaching 12 or more points may lead to revocation, requiring a minimum six-month suspension before reinstatement.

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History?

Washington, D.C. points for moving violations stay on your driving record for two years from the date of disposition. After this period, they are usually removed.

However, you may reduce points earlier by completing traffic school or an approved online defensive driving course. Keep in mind, though, the violation itself will still appear on your record, even if the points are removed.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

The Criminal Record Sealing Act of 2006 allows the sealing of certain traffic violation records in Washington, D.C., meaning they are hidden from public view but remain accessible for legal purposes.

However, records of minor traffic violations and misdemeanor offenses, including DUI, OWI, DWI, operating without a valid commercial driver's license, and driving without an operator's permit (2nd or subsequent offense), cannot be sealed.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

Obtain your official motor vehicle history report in Washington, D.C., by choosing from the following options:

Online: The DC DMV's Driver Record Request online services let you quickly and conveniently request a certified or uncertified driver record. You may access your record using supported browsers, and payment is required via credit card.
By Mail: To secure a copy of a Washington, D.C. driving record by mail, send a written request along with the required fees to the following address:

DC DMV

Attn: Driver Records

P.O. Box 90120

Washington, DC 20090
In-Person: Another way to get your driving history is by visiting a nearby DC DMV Service Center. Bring valid identification and provide your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and driver's license number.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driving Record in Washington, D.C.?

The DC DMV charges the following fees for driving record services:

3-Year and 5-Year Driving Record: $7
10-Year and Full-History Driving Record: $13

If you request your driver report online, you will receive it instantly by email. In-person requests also provide immediate access to your record. However, if you choose to request it by mail, expect processing to take about 7–10 business days from receipt.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free

The DC DMV does not offer a free driver record lookup service. However, you may use the DC Superior Court Online Case Search System to access electronic records of your previous traffic cases remotely at no cost.

Alternatively, you may visit the appropriate courthouse handling the traffic cases to view paper records and related documents.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

A bad driving record typically stems from accumulating too many points on a driver's license due to moving violations or traffic accidents. In Washington, D.C., criminal traffic felonies are severe offenses with substantial penalties. Depending on the circumstances, convictions often result in hefty fines, lengthy prison sentences, and possible supervised probation.

According to D.C. Code Ann. Section 50-2203.01, negligent vehicle homicide is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. A conviction also results in 12 points on the driving record, potentially leading to license revocation.

Traffic misdemeanors, while less severe than felonies, still carry significant consequences. Penalties may include fines of up to $1,000 and possible jail time. These offenses appear on both the criminal record and the driving history.

Unlike criminal offenses, traffic infractions, such as parking tickets, are non-criminal violations managed by the DC DMV. While they do not lead to jail time, these infractions may involve fines and may appear on a driver's record if not addressed.

If a police officer gives you a warning during a traffic stop, it will not affect your driving record, as warnings are a caution, not an official record of misconduct.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

Your driving record significantly impacts how insurers calculate rates. Insurance companies consider drivers with incidents like speeding tickets, DUI charges, or at-fault accidents as higher risk, making them more likely to file a claim.

D.C. drivers with clean records typically pay about $287 per month for liability coverage, while those with a DUI conviction pay around $363 per month.

A poor driving record may also affect your career, potentially preventing you from getting a job or qualifying for a promotion. In addition, it may lead to job loss. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA) encourages companies and businesses in Washington, D.C., to adopt policies that reduce risks associated with vehicle use.

These policies include conducting regular employee driving record reviews, clearly defining the number of violations that may result in losing driving privileges for work, and providing comprehensive safety training.

Who Can Access Your Washington, D.C. Driving History

The DC DMV strictly adheres to the Federal Driver Privacy Protection Act and D.C. Code Ann. Section 50–1401.01b, which prohibits disclosing personal information from motor vehicle records.

Restricted information typically includes photos, names, addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, medical or disability information, and emergency contact details. Your driving history and personal data may only be released to authorized requesters, such as:

Authorized representative (e.g., spouse) with written consent and the driver's ID
Law enforcement officers, with documentation of the driver's involvement in an investigation
Government agencies needing records for official purposes like security clearances and investigations
Attorneys with written client permission to obtain records
Insurance agents, with the driver's written consent for an active investigation

FAQs About Washington, D.C. Driving Records

Explore the following answers to common questions about Washington, D.C. driving records:

Can I Request My Vehicle Record in Washington, D.C. for Free?

No, you must pay either $7 or $13, depending on the type of official motor vehicle record you are requesting.

Can Employers See My Driving History?

Yes, employers may access your driving history, but only under specific circumstances and with your consent.

Does a Traffic Ticket in Another State Affect My Washington, D.C. Driving Report?

Yes, a traffic ticket from another state may impact your Washington, D.C. driving record. Through the Driver's License Compact (DLC), most states, including D.C., share violation details. A ticket received elsewhere may be reported to the D.C. DMV, leading to points, possible suspension, or higher insurance premiums.