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

New York Driving Records

New York driving records generally serve as official documentation of an individual's conduct and responsibility on the road. These driving history reports are critical for promoting safety, accountability, and informed decision-making across various sectors.

As each state maintains its own motor vehicle records, access and usage are governed by state-specific provisions. Understanding the role of DMV driving records is essential for those navigating legal, professional, or personal matters tied to driving behavior.

What Is a New York Driving Record?

A New York driving record is an official report typically detailing a person's driving history, including violations, accidents, and license status.

States may use different terms for these records, such as motor vehicle records (MVRs), driving abstracts, or traffic records. In New York, however, the official term for the printed version is "abstract of driving record".

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) typically provides access to these records for authorized individuals or entities, such as the license holder, employers, or insurance companies, following state laws and privacy regulations.

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

Official driving records are issued directly by the New York DMV and are typically used to determine who is eligible to drive, assess insurance risk and premiums, and help employers verify identities and evaluate driving qualifications during background checks. These records are typically comprehensive and often require formal requests or identity verification.

In contrast, public driving records, such as those accessed through services like RecordsFinder, often offer a convenient way to view portions of a person's driving history. While not a substitute for official DMV records, RecordsFinder typically provides quick, user-friendly access to publicly available information, ideal for general reference or personal use.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

Below are common reasons why someone may need a New York driving record.

Employment background checks: Employers may review driving records to evaluate the qualifications and safety of potential drivers, especially for commercial or delivery positions.
Insurance rate assessments: Insurance companies use driver records to determine premiums based on a driver's safety history and risk level.
Legal or court requirements: Courts may request driving history reports for cases involving traffic violations or license suspensions.
Personal review: Individuals may check their own records to verify accuracy or monitor points and violations.
License renewal or reinstatement: State agencies may require a clean or reviewed driving record before renewing or reinstating a suspended license.
Commercial driver's license (CDL) applications: CDL applicants often need to provide a driving report as part of the qualification process.
Driving school or defensive driving course enrollment: Some programs require a driving record to assess eligibility or track improvement.

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

While the exact information may vary slightly depending on the source and type of record, a driver report may include the following:

Driver's personal information (name, address, date of birth, and license number)
License status and class
Traffic violations (citations for speeding, reckless driving, or other infractions)
Records of reported traffic accidents, including dates and outcomes
Points on license
Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenses
Past or current actions taken against driving privileges
Driving restrictions or endorsements

Types of Driver Records Available in New York

The New York DMV offers three main types of driver records:

Standard Driving Record (Abstract): A "standard" driving record typically provides a summary of a driver's history, including traffic violations, accidents, suspensions, and convictions. It typically covers recent years, with certain violations like DWI appearing for up to 15 years. This record may include the driver's license status, restrictions, endorsements, and non-vehicular convictions.
Lifetime Driving Record: The "lifetime" driving record offers a complete history, typically containing all available DMV information, including past suspensions, revocations, permits, and merges of records. It also typically includes detailed conviction and accident histories, along with status indicators like military service or organ donor status. This record generally provides a comprehensive view of a driver's full history.
Commercial Driver License (CDL) Abstract: The "CDL" abstract is tailored for commercial drivers. It shows a detailed history of violations, suspensions, and accidents for any vehicle type. It also typically includes medical certification details, such as certification status and any restrictions or variances. Employers use this record to ensure compliance with safety and medical standards.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in New York

In New York, traffic violations are governed by the Vehicle and Traffic Laws (VAT), which outline regulations for motor vehicles, traffic offenses, and penalties. These laws cover a wide range of topics, from vehicle registration to the consequences of breaking traffic rules.

Violations may lead to fines, points on your driving record, suspension or revocation of your driver's license, and even criminal charges in more severe cases. If you receive a traffic ticket, it is essential to understand how to handle it properly and avoid further penalties.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

Traffic violations are generally classified into moving violations and non-moving violations.

Moving violations occur while a vehicle is in motion and generally include offenses like running a red light, illegal turns, or texting while driving. These violations are more serious and may result in fines, license points, or suspension.

On the other hand, non-moving violations happen when a vehicle is stationary, such as parking in a no-parking zone or having expired registration. These offenses usually result in fines but do not impact driving records as severely.

Furthermore, traffic violations may be further classified based on severity, such as infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies.

Traffic infractions may result in fines up to $150 for a first offense, $300 for a second within 18 months, and $450 for a third or more. Violations of traffic signal lawsoutside large cities may incur fines ranging from $75 to $225 for a first offense, up to $675 for a third or subsequent offense.

Misdemeanors carry fines up to $300 for a first offense, $525 for a second, and $1,125 for third or subsequent violations. Disconnecting service brakes on certain vehicles may incur fines up to $2,250. Felony traffic violations are the most serious, with fines up to $10,000 or higher depending on the offense's severity.

What To Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

If you receive a traffic ticket in New York, there are several ways to handle it depending on where the violation occurred.

In New York City, you may pay a non-criminal traffic ticket online, by phone, by mail, or in person at the Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB). To pay online, you will need your ticket number, full name, gender, and DMV ID.

Traffic tickets issued outside New York City may be paid for by mail or online. Simply send the payment along with the ticket to the address provided. Payment methods accepted generally include money orders, checks, or credit cards. Paying a ticket is considered an admission of guilt and may lead to a conviction or suspension of your driver's license.

If you want to contest the ticket, you may plead "not guilty". In New York City, hearings may be scheduled by mail, online, or by phone. Outside the city, you must return the signed ticket to the local court within 48 hours or appear on the specified court date. You may also request a supporting deposition from the officer who issued the ticket.

Missing a court date may lead to license suspension and additional fines. You have 30 days to reschedule, but if you fail to do so, a $70 fee will be charged to lift the suspension. If you miss a court date, it is best to contact the court at least 10 days before the scheduled date to reschedule.

How Does the New York Point System Work?

The New York State DMV uses a point system to identify and penalize high-risk drivers. Points are added based on the date of the violation, not the conviction.

Common traffic violations carry different point values. For example, speeding 1–10 mph over the limit adds 3 points, while going over 40 mph adds 11 points. Reckless driving and failure to stop for a school bus each result in 5 points. Minor violations, like failing to signal or improper turns, usually add 2 points. Non-moving violations, like not wearing a seatbelt, carry zero points.

Drivers who earn six or more points in 18 months must pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment fee. Those who accumulate 11 points within 18 months may result in a license suspension. Even though points stop counting toward suspension after 18 months, they remain on your record and may still affect insurance premiums.

Fortunately, you may reduce your risk of suspension by taking a DMV-approved Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP) course. This course subtracts up to 4 points from your total for suspension purposes and may reduce your car insurance premiums by 10% for three years.

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History?

Traffic violations in New York may stay on your driving record for up to 15 years, depending on the severity of the offense.

Minor violations usually remain on your active record for around four years from the date of conviction. More severe offenses, especially those involving drugs or alcohol, may stay on record for 10 to 15 years. Although points linked to violations become inactive after about four years, the conviction itself stays on your record and may still affect your insurance rates.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

New York traffic violations cannot be expunged but may be sealed under certain conditions. Sealing makes the records confidential, though they are not destroyed and remain accessible to authorized parties.

According to Criminal Procedure Law (CPL) Section 160.55, some traffic violations are sealed automatically, no court petition needed. Sealing typically becomes possible ten years after the conviction, release, or completion of the sentence. However, Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) is not eligible for automatic sealing.

While police and criminal justice documents are sealed, court files remain public, meaning traffic convictions could still be found through court record searches.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

You may check your motor vehicle driving history in New York online or in person.

For online requests, you may use either the MyDMV platform or the Records Request Navigator. MyDMV allows users to log in or create an account to access a downloadable copy of their driving record. The Records Request Navigator, on the other hand, lets users request a certified copy by mail without needing a MyDMV account.

To request a record in person, visit a local DMV office and submit a completed Form MV-15C (Request for Driving Record Information). You will also need to present valid proof of identity, such as a New York driver's license or birth certificate.

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

In New York, obtaining a driving record costs $7 through the MyDMV online service. Meanwhile, in-person requests at a DMV office cost $10. Accepted payment methods generally include cash, credit/debit cards, checks, or money orders payable to the "Commissioner of Motor Vehicles".

Processing times vary. MyDMV offers an immediate download, while requests via the Navigator take about five business days, and in-person requests are processed on-site.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free

If you have a MyDMV account, you may use the "My License, Permit, or ID" service for free to check:

The status of your driving privilege (valid, revoked, or suspended)
If your license, permit, or ID is valid, expired, or due for renewal
The number of violation points on your record (after purchasing your driving record)
Your address on DMV records
The mailing status of any documents you have recently ordered
Your document type (Enhanced, REAL ID, or Standard)
Your CDL medical certification status

If you are interested in checking traffic violations in New York City, you may also use the PVO search at no cost to look up parking and camera violations by Notice of Liability (NOL) number, plate number, or ticket number.

For criminal traffic violations, the New York State Unified Court System's eCourts service allows you to search for case information using the defendant's name or case number. You may also track cases and receive updates.

Alternatively, you may contact the county clerk in the county where the traffic ticket was issued or the case was heard. Public records are accessible for free at the courthouse, though fees may apply for copies. Use the court locator to find the relevant court.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

A bad driving record typically means accumulating multiple traffic violations, especially moving violations like speeding, reckless driving, or DUI. These may lead to points on your record, higher insurance premiums, and license suspension if points exceed limits.

Non-moving violations, such as parking tickets, usually do not affect your driving record. Similarly, warnings generally do not appear on your record unless they are followed by an actual violation.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

A bad driving record may significantly impact both insurance rates and employment opportunities.

Insurance premiums typically rise after traffic violations, especially moving offenses like speeding, reckless driving, or DUI. For example, full coverage rates may increase from $3,697 to $4,036 after a speeding ticket in New York.

In terms of employment, certain jobs, particularly in law enforcement, emergency services, or positions involving children, may require a clean driving record. While most traffic violations are minor infractions, serious offenses like DUIs are treated as criminal offenses and may disqualify candidates from these roles.

Who Can Access Your New York Driving History?

Your driving history in New York is protected under the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

You may access your own records, but others may access your driving records only if they meet specific criteria outlined by the DPPA, such as for employment purposes or legal matters. Unauthorized access is prohibited and could result in legal penalties.

FAQs About New York Driving Records

Below are some key answers to common inquiries about New York driving records.

Can I Request My Vehicle Record in New York for Free?

No, requesting your official motor vehicle record in New York requires a fee, typically $7 or $10.

Can Employers See My Driving History?

Yes, employers may access your driving history with your consent, especially for driving-related positions or insurance purposes.

Does a Traffic Ticket in Another State Affect My New York Driving Report?

If you are convicted of a traffic offense in another state or country, points won't be added to your New York State driving record unless the offense occurred in Ontario or Quebec.