Massachusetts Driving Records

Your driving story is written every time you hit the road , and Massachusetts driving records are the official book. These records track your driving history report over time, building a snapshot of your time behind the wheel.

Because each state manages its own motor vehicle records, access to driving records is shaped by unique state rules. Understanding your Massachusetts driving record can be essential, whether you're navigating a new opportunity, managing insurance, or simply staying informed.

What Is a Massachusetts Driving Record?

Massachusetts driving records are public documents that show the driving and traffic history of licensed residents in the state, including any traffic violations, accidents, and license suspensions. Across the U.S., these records may be known as driving history reports, motor vehicle records (MVRs), driver records, traffic records, driving abstracts, or DMV driving records.

In Massachusetts, they are simply called "driving records", which may be an unattested driving record or a true and attested driving record. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and the state court system create, maintain, and distribute these records.

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

In Massachusetts, official driving records are documents issued directly by the state, specifically through the RMV. These records are certified and include complete, verified information about a driver's history, such as traffic violations, accidents, and license actions.

On the other hand, public driving records offered by third-party services like RecordsFinder are expected to offer users a convenient and accessible way to review driving history information. While they may not carry the same official certification, RecordsFinder strives to provide a fast, user-friendly option for those who need a general overview without going through formal state procedures.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

You might need a driving record for several important reasons, such as:

• Insurance Rate Calculation: Insurance companies review your driving record to determine your premium rates.
• Employment Screening: Employers, especially for driving-related jobs, often request driving history reports during the hiring process.
• Court or Legal Requirements: Courts may require a driver's record for traffic cases or legal disputes.
• Personal Monitoring: Checking your driving record helps you stay aware of violations, suspensions, or errors that could affect your driving status.
• Professional Licensing: Certain careers, such as commercial driving or delivery services, require a clean or reviewed driving history.
• Rental Applications: Some rental car companies or landlords may request your driving report, especially for high-value leases.
• Reinstating a Suspended License: If your license has been suspended, you may need your motor vehicle record to prove eligibility for reinstatement.

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

The details included in Massachusetts driver reports may vary based on the source and type of report you request. However, a typical Massachusetts driver report may include:

• Driver's personal information (name, address, driver's license number, date of birth)
• Records of speeding tickets, moving violations, and other traffic offenses
• Details of at-fault accidents and any related legal or insurance proceedings
• History of suspensions, revocations, or any restrictions placed on the license
• Information about accumulated points due to violations
• Any driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenses and convictions
• Information on any court-ordered driving education or rehabilitation programs the driver has completed
• License issuance and expiration dates
• Reinstatements

Types of Driver Records Available in Massachusetts

Generally, there are two types of official driving records in Massachusetts:

• Unattested Driving Record: This record is typically used for personal or informational purposes. It provides a general overview of your driving history and may be accessed immediately after the request is processed.
• True and Attested Driving Record: This record is used for official and court-related purposes. It is certified with the Registrar's signature and comes with an explanatory cover letter. The Massachusetts RMV will mail this record to the address on file, directly to the record holder.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in Massachusetts

Massachusetts takes traffic violations seriously, and its regulations aim to ensure the safety and orderliness of its roadways. Governed by the "Law of the Road" (Part 1, Title XIV, Chapter 89) of the Massachusetts General Laws (MGL), these rules encompass everything from the proper registration and operation of vehicles to the penalties for violating traffic codes.

Depending on the severity, violations may range from minor infractions to more serious misdemeanors or even felony charges. Below are some of the common traffic violations and what you should do if you receive a ticket in Massachusetts.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

Traffic violations in Massachusetts are categorized into moving violations and non-moving violations, with each having different levels of severity and consequences. Below are the most common types of violations drivers may encounter:

Moving Violations

These violations occur while the vehicle is in motion and are often considered more serious, leading to heavier fines and potential license points. Some common moving violations include:

• Overspeeding
• Reckless driving
• Hit-and-run
• Failure to maintain lane
• Eluding an officer
• Racing
• Driving without lights
• Driving under the influence (DUI)

Non-Moving Violations

These violations typically occur when the vehicle is stationary or while parking and are often considered less severe than moving violations. Some examples include:

• Faulty vehicle equipment (e.g., broken headlights, taillights, defective brakes)
• Illegal parking (e.g., parking in a fire lane, handicap spots without a permit, expired meter)
• Excessive muffler noise
• Unregistered or expired documents (e.g., vehicle registration, insurance)
• Failure to wear a seatbelt

Massachusetts traffic violations are further classified based on their severity:

• Felonies are the most severe violations and may result in prison time. Examples include vehicular homicide and felony DUI.
• Misdemeanors are criminal offenses but generally carry penalties like probation or incarceration in a House of Correction rather than a state prison. Most moving violations fall under this category, including reckless driving and driving with an expired or invalid license.
• Infractions are less severe and typically result in fines rather than criminal charges. These include violations like running a red light, jaywalking, improper passing, and parking violations.

Each type of violation may lead to fines, points on your driving record, or more severe penalties, depending on the circumstances and frequency of offenses.

What To Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

If you receive a Massachusetts traffic ticket, it's essential to take appropriate action. In general, you may pay the fine or contest the ticket:

• Pay the Fine: Paying the fine means guilt, and you have several options for paying your traffic ticket in Massachusetts:
  • Online: Visit the myRMV Online Service Center and choose the "Pay a Citation" section to pay your traffic ticket online.

  • By Mail: Make a check or money order payable to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). Mail the ticket and payment to:

    Citation Processing Center

    P.O. Box 55890

    Boston, MA 02205-5890

  • By Phone: Call the Massachusetts RMV's Contact Center:
    • For area codes 339, 617, 781, and 857, or outside Massachusetts: (857) 368-8000
    • For other Massachusetts area codes: (800) 858-3926
    • For deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals: TTY: (877) 768-8833
  • In-Person: Visit an RMV office with your ticket and payment. Some locations accept cash, while others accept checks or money orders. For parking tickets, pay to the city or town where the ticket was issued.
• Contest the Ticket (Plead Not Guilty): If you believe the citation is incorrect, you may contest it in court:
  • For Civil Citations:
    • Check Box 2 on the ticket to request a hearing.
    • Include a $25 check or money order payable to MassDOT.

    • Mail the ticket, fee, and request to:

      Citation Processing Center

      P.O. Box 55890

      Boston, MA 02205

  • For Criminal Citations:
    • Sign and date the ticket.
    • Submit it to the appropriate court in person for timely processing.

If you don't pay or contest the ticket within 20 days, you may face late fees, risk suspension of your driver's license, and the court could issue a warrant for your arrest.

How Does the Massachusetts Point System Work?

The Massachusetts point system is managed through the Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP), which links traffic violations to insurance premiums.

The Merit Rating Board (MRB) assigns points to violations. Minor offenses like speeding or using a cellphone result in two points, while serious violations like DUI or hit-and-run carry five points. At-fault accidents are typically assigned three or four points, depending on severity.

These points remain on a driver's record for six years and may significantly impact insurance rates, as the SDIP adjusts premiums based on a driver's history.

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History?

In Massachusetts, most criminal traffic violations typically stay on a driver's record for ten years from the date of conviction. However, these convictions may also remain on the individual's criminal record indefinitely.

As for points assigned due to traffic violations, they generally stay on your driving history for six years. However, points may be reduced if a driver avoids accumulating new points for at least three years.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

In Massachusetts, traffic violations are part of your public driving record and typically cannot be removed unless they qualify under specific legal processes. Criminal traffic offenses, such as DUI convictions, may be eligible for sealing or expungement under certain conditions. Sealing limits who may view the record, while expungement permanently removes it.

However, sealing or expungement is only available for criminal offenses , civil traffic violations, like speeding tickets, cannot be sealed, expunged, or removed from your driving history. Civil traffic records generally stay accessible to the RMV, insurers, and sometimes third-party data brokers.

Additionally, even sealed or expunged criminal violations may still appear on certain RMV driving records. If you believe there's an error in your record, you may request a correction through the Massachusetts RMV. Always consult an attorney if you are seeking to seal or expunge a criminal traffic offense.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

You may request a copy of your official Massachusetts driving history either online or by mail.

• Online Request: Visit the myRMV Online Service Center and select "Request a Driving Record" under the "Reports" tab. You will need to provide:
  • First and last name
  • Driver's license/learner's permit number
  • Social Security number (SSN)
  • Date of birth
  • Email address
  • Applicable fee

You may choose between an unattested or a true and attested driving record through this service.

• By Mail: To request your driving history by mail:
  • Complete a Driving Record Request Form.
  • Include a photocopy of your driver's license or ID.
  • Authorized recipients must submit the completed form signed by the license holder, a certification form, and copies of both parties' IDs.
  • DPPA (Driver's Privacy Protection Act) requestors must submit a completed Request for Personal Information RMV Records, and a copy of their ID.

  • Mail your request to:

    Registry of Motor Vehicles

    Court Records Department

    P.O. Box 55896

    Boston, MA 02205

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

In Massachusetts, an unattested driving record costs $8, while a true and attested driving record costs $20. You may pay online using a debit/credit card or by mail with a check or money order made payable to MassDOT.

Online requests are typically processed immediately, allowing you to download the record right away. Mail-in requests take longer, usually 2 weeks, for processing and mailing.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free

If you are unsure about your driver's license status, you may check it for free through the Massachusetts RMV online tool. You will need your driver's license or Mass ID number, name, date of birth, and SSN. There is no fee to check your status, and you can view your license or ID expiration date, renewal options (online or in-person), and any outstanding obligations.

Additionally, you can access traffic case information through Masscourts.org, the Massachusetts judiciary's case management system. Searches may be done by a defendant's name, case number, or calendar date. While basic case information is available online, recent records and actual case documents may require visiting the court clerk's office.

Public access computers located in the District and Boston Municipal trial courts also allow free searches using the eAccess program, although there may be a fee for printed copies.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

A bad driving record in Massachusetts generally means you have multiple or serious violations on your driving history. This could include a high number of moving violations like speeding, running red lights, reckless driving, or major offenses such as DUI. Insurance companies and the RMV view these records as signs of higher risk.

Moving violations, like speeding or failing to yield, will typically be recorded on your official driving record and can lead to points under the Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP). Non-moving violations, like parking tickets, usually do not affect your driving record unless they are unpaid, which could eventually lead to license suspension.

Warnings issued by police officers do not appear on your official driving record. They are meant to alert you without formal penalties.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

In Massachusetts, a bad driving record may lead to higher insurance premiums. For example, after a speeding ticket, drivers may see their rates rise by $302 annually, bringing the average yearly premium to $1,504.

For employment, particularly jobs requiring driving, a poor driving record may be detrimental. Employers may review traffic histories and may disqualify applicants with serious violations like DUIs or reckless driving. Minor violations may not have a significant impact, but repeated offenses or severe incidents can raise concerns about reliability and safety.

Who Can Access Your Massachusetts Driving History?

Massachusetts driving history reports are mostly accessible under the Massachusetts Public Records Law, but certain personal information is protected by the federal Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). This law restricts the release of sensitive details like your photo, contact information, and medical data.

Authorized parties such as you, insurance companies, employers (for driving-related jobs), law enforcement, and government agencies can only access this restricted record. However, you must provide consent for others to view it.

FAQs About Massachusetts Driving Records

Find answers to typical questions about Massachusetts driving records below.

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