Oklahoma Driving Records

Driving records generally contain information about an individual's history of driving violations, accidents, license suspensions, and other relevant details related to their performance as a driver. These records are crucial for various stakeholders, as they provide useful insights into an individual's driving behavior and overall risk profile.

Various regulations and requirements regarding access to driving records are set forth by each state. In Oklahoma, following these procedures is vital to assess your driving performance, analyze your driving habits, and potentially avoid complications on your driving privileges.

What Is an Oklahoma Driving Record?

In Oklahoma, driving records are officially called motor vehicle records (MVRs). These records are governed and maintained by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Although the official term is MVR, others, particularly those from out-of-state, may refer to this document differently, such as driving abstract, driver history, or driver report. These terms commonly describe the same information about a person's driving history, including violations, accidents, and license status.

What Is The Difference Between Official MVRs and Public Driving Records

Official Oklahoma MVRs and public driving records differ mainly in terms of access, content, and the purpose for which they are used:

Official MVRs

• These records are typically requested by the individual driver or entities with a legitimate reason.
• Generally contains the most detailed and up-to-date information about a driver's history, including traffic violations, accidents, points on the license, license status, and other legal actions.
• Access to these records is only from the DPS.
• The record is used for official matters, including court proceedings, employment, and insurance.

Public Driving Records

• These records are often less detailed and may be accessed by the general public.
• Typically contain basic information such as the driver's name, address, license number, and the status of the license (valid, expired, suspended) They do not typically include details about traffic violations or accidents unless they are part of public records (such as involving criminal convictions).
• Public driving records are available without consent and may be obtained from third-party services like RecordsFinder.
• Commonly used for personal matters like recordkeeping.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

You may need an Oklahoma MVR for various purposes, including the following:

• Employment Purposes: Employers in driving industries often require a driving record to assess the applicant's driving history and generally ensure they meet safety and insurance requirements.
• Insurance Determination: Oklahoma insurers utilize the driving report to determine if an individual is worthy of insurance and to determine premium rates
• License Renewal or Reinstatement: If your license has been suspended or revoked in Oklahoma, you may need a driver record to show that you are eligible for reinstatement or renewal.
• Court-Related Reasons: If you have been issued a citation or ticket, your driving record may be requested in court, especially when contesting a violation, seeking to reduce fines, or trying to avoid points on your license.
• Personal Information: People occasionally request their records to verify the accuracy of their driving history, especially if they believe errors may have been made in reporting tickets or violations.

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

Oklahoma MVRs or driver reports typically include the following information:

• Personal Information: This generally includes the driver's full name, date of birth, and address on record with the DPS.
• Driver's License Status: Information about whether the driver's license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired.
• Traffic Violations: A record of any traffic violations, including speeding tickets, moving violations, and any penalties associated with these offenses.
• Accidents: Details about any accidents the driver has been involved in, including whether they were at fault and the severity of the accidents.
• DUI/DWI Offenses: Information about any driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenses, including dates and outcomes.
• Points on Record: The number of points assessed against the driver's record for traffic violations.
• License Suspensions or Revocations: Specific details about periods when the driver's license was suspended or revoked, along with the reason for the action.
• Court Records: Any relevant court outcomes, including whether the driver was found guilty of violations and related penalties.

Types of Driver Records Available in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, two primary types of motor vehicle records are generally available: non-certified and certified motor vehicle records (MVRs).

Non-certified MVRs typically summarize an individual's driving history, including details about traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and points accumulated on the driver's license. It spans the most recent three years of driving activity. This record is typically used for personal reference or informal purposes, as it does not carry the official seal or signature from the DPS.

Meanwhile, certified MVRs typically contain information similar to non-certified versions, but with DPS official validation. This record may include a raised seal and an official signature, which makes it legally accepted.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in Oklahoma

As a licensed driver in Oklahoma, you are expected to follow all state traffic laws outlined in Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes. If you violate these traffic laws, law enforcement may issue you a traffic ticket, also known as a citation.

Violators may face a range of penalties depending on the severity of the offense, such as fines, points on their driving record, license suspension, or mandatory court appearances. All traffic-related cases are handled by the district court within the Oklahoma court system.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

Oklahoma traffic violations are generally categorized as moving violations (which occur while the vehicle is in motion) and non-moving violations (which usually relate to parking or vehicle condition). Below are some of the most common types of traffic violations in the state:

• Speeding
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Reckless or careless driving
• Driving without a valid license or insurance
• DUI
• Failure to yield right-of-way
• Expired tags or registration
• Seat belt and child restraint violations

The penalties for traffic violations vary depending on the nature and severity of the offense. Minor infractions carry modest monetary fines, while more severe violations, such as misdemeanors or felonies, may lead to suspension of driving privileges, mandatory driving courses, community service, or even jail time.

What To Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

To handle a traffic ticket in Oklahoma correctly, you may follow these steps:

• Read the Ticket Carefully: Check the citation for the following information:
  • Court date and time
  • Offense charged
  • Instructions for how to respond
  • Contact information for the court
• Choose a Course of Action: You have the following options:
  • Pay the Ticket: This response is an admission of guilt. If you choose to pay the ticket, you may receive points in your record. You may pay for the ticket in various ways, such as online, by mail, or in person; just consult your court about what's available.
  • Contest the Ticket: If you believe you are not guilty, you may notify the court to contest the charge. When doing so, you will receive a court date for a hearing. If you win, the ticket is dismissed. If not, you may pay the fine and the court costs.
  • Request Driving School: If eligible, you may complete an approved driving course to dismiss your violation. Check with your court regarding the condition of your violation, and if such an option is possible.
• Respond by the Deadline: Respond by the date listed on your ticket, no matter which option you choose. Failing to do so may result in additional fines or late fees, a warrant being issued for your arrest, or suspension of your driver's license.
• Check Your Driving Record: Check if the ticket has been appropriately processed, especially if it was dismissed or resolved. This will allow you to be aware of any long-term effects and correct errors that may become critical in future references.

How Does the Oklahoma Point System Work?

Oklahoma has a mandatory point system to monitor and penalize drivers who commit traffic violations. The system assigns points to a driver's record for each qualifying offense:

• Speeding 1–10 miles per hour (mph) over the limit: 2 points
• Speeding 11–25 mph over: 3 points
• Speeding over 25 mph: 4 points
• Failure to stop at stop sign/red light: 2 points
• Reckless driving: 4 points
• Improper passing: 2 points
• Following too closely (tailgating): 2 points

If a driver accumulates 10 or more points within 5 years, the Oklahoma DPS suspends their license. The length of suspension periods increases with repeated offenses:

• 1st suspension: 1 month
• 2nd suspension: 3 months
• 3rd suspension: 6 months
• 4th or more suspension: 1 year

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History?

Traffic violations in Oklahoma stay on your record for three years from the date of the offense. However, some serious violations, like DUI or reckless driving, may remain for a longer period, potentially up to ten years.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

Points from Oklahoma traffic violations may be removed from your record through a few methods:

• Defensive Driving Course: You may remove 2 points by completing a state-approved defensive driving course once every 24 months.
• Clean Driving Record: You may have 2 points removed if you maintain a clean driving record for 12 months.

For violations that are part of your criminal record, you may expunge them if you meet specific criteria, such as:

• The violation is a misdemeanor.
• You have completed all terms of your sentence.
• You have maintained a clean record since the violation.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you must file a petition in the district court where the violation occurred.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

Oklahoma motor vehicle history reports may be requested online, in person, or by mail:

• Online: Visit the Service Oklahoma Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) Application page. Follow the on-screen procedures and provide the required details like personal information and driver's license number. Pay the required fee and receive your Oklahoma MVR.

• Mail: Mail-in requests require downloading and filling out the Motor Vehicle Request for Records Form. Upon completion, mail the form along with the necessary payment to the address below:

  Service Oklahoma

  ATTN: Business Support Services/Records

  P.O. Box 11415, Oklahoma City, OK 73136-0415

• In-Person: To request an MVR in person, visit any Service Oklahoma office. Submit a completed Motor Vehicle Request for Records Form and pay the necessary fee to complete the request.

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

You may obtain an uncertified Oklahoma MVR for $25. If you want to get it certified, a $3 certification fee applies. If you request it online, an additional online transaction fee of $2.50 is charged to requesters. Individuals aged 65 and older are exempt from these fees when requesting their MVR.

Expect also varying processing times for each MVR request. Most online requests are processed immediately upon payment. Mail requests may take a few weeks, while personal requests are processed the same day.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free?

As mentioned, a fee is associated with requesting an Oklahoma MVR. However, there are ways to obtain driving history information for free.

According to Oklahoma Statutes Title 47, Section 6-117 D, the standard fee for MVR requests is waived if the requester is 65 and older and is requesting their record.

In addition, individuals may check with other sources such as courts, insurance providers, and local law enforcement officers for driving history information. While these sources may not provide the comprehensive details available in an official MVR, they may still offer specific information regarding violations, cases, or incidents.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

In Oklahoma, a bad driving record generally includes a history of traffic violations, accidents, and serious offenses. Specifically, it involves repeated moving violations, like DUI or reckless driving. Committing too many of these offenses may lead to numerous points under the state's point system, which may lead to having your license suspended or revoked.

However, not all incidents impact your driving record. For instance, parking tickets do not appear on your Oklahoma driving record, since they are not considered moving violations. Similarly, verbal or written warnings issued by law enforcement officers do not go on your driving record either, as they are not formal citations and are not reported to DPS.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

A bad driving record may negatively impact both your auto insurance and employment opportunities.

From an insurance standpoint, drivers with multiple traffic violations, at-fault accidents, or serious offenses like DUI are considered high-risk. As a result, insurance companies often charge higher premiums to offset the increased risk of a claim. In severe cases, insurers may even cancel a policy or refuse to renew it.

If traditional insurance companies decline coverage, the driver may have to turn to the Oklahoma Automobile Insurance Plan (OK AIP), which provides coverage for high-risk drivers but at a much higher cost.

In terms of employment, a poor driving record may be a serious liability, especially in professions that require driving company vehicles or holding a commercial driver's license (CDL). Employers in these fields often review driving records during background checks, and a bad driving record may disqualify a candidate or lead to termination.

Even for non-driving roles, some employers may view a bad driving record as a sign of poor judgment or irresponsibility, which could influence hiring decisions.

Who Can Access Your Oklahoma Driving History?

Only selected individuals may access your Oklahoma driving history. These typically include:

• You (the driver or record holder)
• Employers (for employment-related purposes)
• Insurance companies (for underwriting or claims purposes)
• Government agencies (for official use)
• Law enforcement personnel (in the course of their duties)
• Other parties with your written consent

Access to these records is governed by federal law, particularly the Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), as well as various Oklahoma state statutes. Unauthorized sharing of your driving record may constitute a legal violation, and anyone who discloses or obtains your MVR without proper authorization may be liable for damages in a civil lawsuit.

FAQs About Oklahoma Driving Records

Refer to the common inquiries below for additional information about Oklahoma driving records:

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