California Driving Records

California driving records provide a detailed driving history report for each licensed driver in the state. These records, officially known as DMV driving records or California motor vehicle records (MVRs), typically include information such as traffic violations, license status, suspensions, and accidents.

Driving history reports are crucial for various purposes. You can use them for personal reference of driving behavior or as documents in legal proceedings. Businesses can also use them to screen applicants for driving-related positions.

However, state-specific and federal laws that protect personal information govern access to California driving records. Typically, only authorized individuals, employers, insurance companies, and government agencies may request them.

What Is a California Driving Record?

A California driving record is an official document maintained by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (CA DMV). Officially referred to as a driver's record, this document generally serves as a narrative of an individual's driving activity.

What Is The Difference Between Official MVRs and Public Driving Records

In California, an official MVR and a public driving record contain driving history but differ significantly in content, access, and intended use. Below is the difference between both:

Official MVRs

An official MVR in California is a certified record of a driver's complete history that is obtained directly from the CA DMV. This record often includes a certification or seal, which makes it useful for formal and legal purposes.

This type of driving record is only available to the driver or authorized entities with a legal right to access.

Public Driving Records

A public driving record is a non-certified, limited version of a driver's history, often obtained through third-party providers like RecordsFinder. It may include basic information such as license validity, some types of driving violations, and possibly DUI convictions. However, it does not provide the same depth or accuracy as an official MVR.

These records are not accepted for legal use and may vary in content depending on the source.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

The following are some of the reasons you may need a driving record in California:

• Insurance Purposes: Insurance companies may request a person's driving record to assess risk and determine premiums. A clean driving record may earn someone lower insurance rates, while a driving record with a history of accidents and several violations may result in higher premiums.
• Court or Legal Matters: If you receive a traffic ticket or get involved in a legal dispute, a driving record may be used in court to determine past violations or accidents. This may have an impact on the case.
• Employment: Under Section 1808 of the California Vehicle Code (CVC), certain employers, especially those in industries requiring driving for their business, such as delivery services and trucking, are required to check applicants' driving records as part of their hiring process. This is generally done to promote safety on the roads.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Requirement: Per Section 15250 of the California Vehicle Code, a CDL applicant must provide their driving record to prove that they meet the qualifications set by the state's DMV and federal regulations.
• Personal Record Keeping: Interested individuals may wish to check their driving record for personal reasons. For instance, they may refer to such records to ascertain that no mistakes or fraudulent activities are present or verify that any old violations have been cleared.

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

A California driver report contains a comprehensive history of your driving activities. It typically includes the following:

• Personal information
• License status
• Driving violations
• Accidents
• Points on record
• Departmental actions
• CDL information (if applicable)
• Traffic school completion

Types of Driver Records Available in California

The CA DMV offers two main types of driver's records, namely, unofficial and certified driver's records.

Unofficial Driver's Records

An unofficial driver record is a document that provides a summary of your driving history. It typically contains details such as traffic convictions, which may be reported for up to 10 years, accident histories, and personal information.

Unofficial driver records are often used for personal review, allowing interested individuals to check their driving history or for informal purposes. They can be easily obtained online.

Certified Driver's Records

A certified driver record is an official document containing the same information as its unofficial counterpart. However, it is typically stamped and signed by the CA DMV, hence verifying its authenticity.

Certified driver's records in California may be used for formal purposes, such as court proceedings, employment background checks, and insurance claims, as well as in situations where proof of driving history is required.

Obtaining a certified driver's record in California requires submitting a specific form to the CA DMV by mail or in person.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in California

Traffic violations and tickets are subject to a wide range of rules and regulations in California. When a driver commits a violation, they may receive a traffic ticket. Depending on the severity of the infraction, this may result in fines, points on their driving record, or even a suspension of their driver's license.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

California traffic violations are generally categorized as moving violations and non-moving violations:

Moving Violations

In California, moving violations are infractions drivers commit while a vehicle is in motion. These violations typically involve breaking traffic laws that directly affect the safety of the driver, passengers, and other road users. Here are some of the common examples of moving violations in the state:

• Speeding: This violation occurs if you drive above the posted speed limit or way too fast for road conditions. In California, individuals caught for speeding violations face a fine of up to $100, depending on how much they exceed the allowable speed.
• Reckless Driving: CVC Section 23103 defines reckless driving as a willful disregard for the safety of persons or property. Those guilty of this violation generally risk misdemeanor charges, a jail term, and fines of up to $1,000.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that impairs driving ability is strictly prohibited under CVC Section 23152. DUI offenses are heavily penalized and may result in license suspension, fines, and even jail time.

Non-Moving Violations

Non-moving violations in California occur when a vehicle is stationary or when the violation does not involve a vehicle in motion. They may include the following:

• Broken or Missing License Plates: Failure to display license plates properly, such as not having both the front and rear plates or a damaged or unreadable license plate, may result in fines ranging from $25 to $200.
• Illegal Parking: Parking in areas not designated for parking may lead to fines and citations.
• Equipment Violations: Driving with broken taillights or tinted windows is considered a non-moving violation in California, and violators risk fines starting at $25.

What to Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

Individuals who get traffic tickets in California may respond by following the process below:

• Review the Ticket: Make sure all the information on the ticket is correct, including your name, vehicle details, and violation details. Also, check the date, time, and location of the alleged violation.
• Decide How to Respond: Generally, there are three ways to respond to a California traffic ticket:
• Pay the Fine: If you agree with the violation and want to resolve the ticket quickly, you may pay the fine. Payment may be made at the county courthouse where the violation occurred.
• Contest the Ticket: If you believe you are not guilty or want to dispute the ticket, you may plead not guilty and request a court date.
• Request Traffic School: If eligible, you may attend traffic school to avoid having the violation points added to your driving record.
• Respond by the Deadline: The ticket will specify a due date by which you must respond. Missing the deadline may result in additional penalties, including a potential bench warrant for failure to appear.
• Check Your Driver's Record: After resolving the ticket, check your driver's record to ensure the violation has been adequately recorded or dismissed.

How Does the California Point System Work?

The California Point System, officially known as the Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS), is a program managed by the California DMV that monitors and penalizes unsafe driving behaviors. It applies to all licensed drivers in the state, including those under 18, subject to provisional license rules.

Under the NOTS, points are added to a driver's record when they are at fault in an accident or commit a traffic violation.

Minor violations, such as failing to stop at a red light or making an unsafe lane change, typically result in one point. More serious offenses, like DUI or reckless driving, carry two points. In certain commercial vehicle cases or serious convictions, a driver may be assigned three points.

Generally, the DMV tracks these points over time. If a driver accumulates four points in 12 months, six points in 24 months, or eight points in 36 months, they face an automatic six-month license suspension. Beyond the suspension, consequences may include steep fines, the possibility of jail time, and increased insurance premiums.

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History?

In California, how long violations remain on your driving history varies based on the severity of the offense:

• Minor Violations (1-point offenses): Typically, these violations remain on your record for 3 years.
• Serious Violations (e.g., DUI, hit-and-run): These offenses typically stay on your record for at least 10 years.
• Failure to Appear in Court (FTA): An FTA for any traffic violation will remain on your record for 5 years, while an FTA related to a DUI will stay for 10 years.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

In California, you cannot seal or expunge violations from your driver's record. However, there are several ways in which you may remove or reduce the impact of certain violations on your record. They include the following:

Attend Traffic School (for Eligible Infractions)

You may be eligible if you get a minor moving violation and have not attended traffic school in the past 18 months for a previous violation. While completing the traffic school course will not remove the violation from your driver's record, insurers will mask such a violation.

Correct Errors

If you believe a violation is wrongly added to your driver's record, you may contact the CA DMV and request a correction. However, be prepared to provide court documents to prove the error.

Wait for Violations to Drop Off Automatically

If none of the previous options apply, you may need to wait for the points to expire naturally. Most points will eventually drop off your record after the designated period, provided you do not incur additional violations.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

A California driver's vehicle history may be requested through any of the following options:

• Online Request: To obtain an unofficial driving record in California online, start by creating an account through the CA DMV Account Registration page. Once your account is set up, launch the Online Driver Record Request page, enter the required details, and pay the applicable fee to finalize your request.
• Mail-In Request: For mail requests of certified driver's records, fill out the Request for Own Driver License Information Record (Form INF 1125). Upon completion, mail it along with the payment to the address specified on the form.
• In-Person Request: Visit a local California DMV office and complete Form INF 1125. Afterward, provide a valid ID, pay the necessary fee, and submit the request.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driving Record in California?

Online requests for California driver's records typically cost $2 plus a 1.95% payment processing fee. Upon successful payment, the records are available immediately.

For mail or in-person requests, the cost is $5 per record. In-person requests are typically processed on the same day during your DMV visit. However, mail-in requests may take weeks for processing and delivery.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free

Typically, the CA DMV charges a fee for a complete driver's record. However, individuals may gain insight into their driving history for free in a few ways.

You may consult local law enforcement or traffic court to inquire about records of past tickets, fines, or court hearings. Also, you may request a report on your driving history from your insurance company, which may include traffic violations reported to your insurer, accidents, and claim history.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

Multiple moving and non-moving violations may constitute a bad driving record in California.

Moving violations affect your driving record and insurance rates, while non-moving violations, like parking tickets, do not appear on your driving record and generally do not impact insurance premiums.

Warnings do not go on your California driving record, but repeated violations may lead to stricter penalties.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

A bad driving record in California may result in higher insurance premiums, as insurers consider you a high-risk client. If you accumulate too many points, your policy costs could increase significantly.

A poor driving record may also disqualify you from certain employment positions, especially jobs involving driving, like trucking or commercial driving. Employers may assess your driving history, making you ineligible for roles requiring a clean driving record. In some cases, employers may also terminate employees for ongoing driving-related issues.

Who Can Access Your California Driving History?

A California driving history is not considered public. It is protected by the federal Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and several California privacy laws. As a result, a driving history in California may only be accessed by authorized individuals or organizations with proper consent.

The following may access a driving history in the state:

• You, the record holder, may request your driving history.
• Authorized entities like employers (with your consent), insurance companies (with your permission), law enforcement, and government agencies may access your driving history. However, they must have a legitimate reason for requesting it.
• Any third party may request your driving record provided they have your written consent.

FAQs About California Driving Records

Here are answers to commonly asked questions about California driving records.

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