Pennsylvania Driving Records

Pennsylvania driving records offer a generally clear window into a driver's journey on the road. These official reports, also known as driving history reports or DMV driving records, typically track a driver's performance and responsibility behind the wheel.

Every state, including Pennsylvania, maintains its own set of motor vehicle records, and access is guided by unique state regulations. Whether you are a driver, employer, or insurer, understanding these records may be crucial. With Pennsylvania's system, what is on record matters, and staying informed may make all the difference.

What Is a Pennsylvania Driving Record?

In Pennsylvania, the official term for a document that tracks a person's driving history is "driving record" or "driver record", which is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

Although other states may use different names, such as motor vehicle record (MVR) or driving abstract, these documents serve the same purpose: providing a detailed account of a driver's history within the state.

What Is the Difference Between Official Driver Records and Public Driving Records

In Pennsylvania, official driver records are governed by state law. Under Title 75 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, PennDOT is responsible for maintaining documentation related to driver licensing, including convictions, suspensions, and revocations.

Alternatively, third-party platforms such as RecordsFinder generally offer an easy-to-use option for accessing details of driving history. Although these records are not officially certified, they provide a quick and convenient way for individuals to obtain a general driving summary without dealing directly with any government agency procedures.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

A Pennsylvania driving record is often needed for various important reasons, such as:

• Job Application for Driving-Related Roles: Employers hiring for roles that involve operating a vehicle may require a copy of your driver's record to evaluate your reliability and safety on the road.
• Responding to a Traffic Violation or Court Case: A driving report may be used in legal cases to evaluate a person's history, particularly for repeat violations or driving under the influence (DUI) offenses.
• Insurance Rate Review or Disputes: Auto insurers review your driving history to determine rates, and your PennDOT record may help correct any errors in reported violations.
• Applying to Reinstate a Suspended License: If your license was suspended or revoked, PennDOT may ask for your driver record to verify that you meet the requirements for reinstatement.
• Enrolling in a Driver Safety or Remedial Course: Some people take defensive driving courses by choice or court order, and course administrators may need driving records to check eligibility or past violations.

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

The information included in a Pennsylvania driver report typically differs based on the specific record requested, but it may generally contain the following details:

• Driver identification details (name, license number, residential address, date of birth, and class of license)
• License status (current license status, issuance, expiration, renewal, suspensions, or revocations)
• Driver history summary (record of traffic violations, convictions, departmental actions, and accident involvement)
• Commercial driver information (disqualifications, medical certification info, and serious offenses if the driver holds a commercial license)
• Out-of-state violations, if any

Types of Driver Records Available in Pennsylvania

Several types of Pennsylvania driver records are available, each providing different levels of information. These records typically include the following:

• 3-Year Driver History: This includes traffic violations and license-related incidents from the past three years, commonly used by employers and insurance agencies.
• Full Driver History: A detailed report showing the entire driving record on file, including all violations, suspensions, and license status updates.
• Certified Driver Record: An official version of any available driving record, stamped and certified for use in court cases or legal processes.
• Commercial Driver Record: Designed for commercial license holders, this record reflects both personal and commercial driving activity.
• 10-Year Employment Record: Provides a decade-long history of driving activity, often required for positions involving transportation or delivery services.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in Pennsylvania

Traffic violations in Pennsylvania are handled under Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Statutes and are taken seriously regardless of whether they result in injury or property damage. When a motorist, cyclist, or pedestrian disobeys traffic laws, they may receive a ticket or citation either at the scene or by mail.

These violations may be civil or criminal, with penalties ranging from fines and license points to possible imprisonment. Moreover, offenses are recorded in the violator's Pennsylvania traffic record and may require resolution through payment or a court appearance, depending on the severity.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

Pennsylvania traffic violations are classified as moving or non-moving offenses. Moving violations, like speeding, occur when a vehicle is in motion and involve risky behavior that may lead to accidents, higher insurance rates, and points on a license.

On the other hand, non-moving violations usually happen while a vehicle is stationary. These offenses are generally considered less severe and often result in fines or warnings. A common example is parking in a handicapped zone without proper authorization.

In addition to how they occur, traffic offenses may be classified based on severity. These may include infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies.

• Infractions are the least severe and often result in fines without jail time. These include violations like running a stop sign, with fines typically starting at $25, not including court costs.
• Misdemeanors, like reckless driving, are more serious offenses that may result in fines of $2,500 to $10,000, license suspension, or short-term jail time.
• Felony violations, such as a DUI causing injury, are the most serious and may result in fines of $15,000 to $50,000, long-term license suspension, and possible prison time.

What To Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

It is important to act quickly after receiving a Pennsylvania citation, as missing the listed deadline may lead to license suspension, extra court fees, and a default judgment.

If you receive a traffic ticket in Pennsylvania, here is the process you generally need to follow:

• Read the Ticket Details Thoroughly
  • Review all the details: violation type, deadline to respond, court contact information, and fine amount.
  • Confirm whether the offense is a moving violation, which may affect the driving record.
• Choose Your Response: Typically, there are two options:
  • Pay the ticket, which means you are pleading guilty.
    • Online: Use the PAePay system to pay by card.
    • By Mail: Send a check or money order with identifying details (citation number, name).
    • In-Person: Make payment at the courthouse; some locations accept cash, card, or check.
  • Dispute the ticket: If you feel the ticket was unjustified, you may plead not guilty and present your case before a judge.
    • The court will issue a date and time for a hearing
    • Individuals may present their case, bring witnesses, and show supporting evidence
    • A judge will decide whether to dismiss or uphold the ticket.

If you lose or misplace a traffic ticket in Pennsylvania, find it by visiting the Unified Judicial System (UJS) and searching using your name or, if you have it, your case number.

How Does the Pennsylvania Point System Work?

Pennsylvania's point system monitors drivers' records to promote safe driving. Points are assigned for moving violations; for instance, speeding 6–10 mph over the limit adds 2 points. Accumulating 6 points generally triggers the following corrective measures:

• First occurrence: The driver must pass a written exam within 30 days to avoid suspension; passing removes 2 points.
• Second occurrence: A departmental hearing determines possible sanctions, such as a 15-day suspension or a special on-road exam.
• Third or subsequent occurrences: Further hearings may lead to a 30-day license suspension.

In addition, drivers under 18 face a 90-day suspension for accumulating 6 points or a single violation of driving 26 mph over the speed limit.

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History?

Pennsylvania traffic violations typically stay on a driving record for at least three years. The state uses a point system to track driving behavior, and if a driver goes 12 months without violations or revocations, three points are automatically removed from the record.

The point reduction is based on the more recent date between the last violation and the restoration of the driver's license. When a record reaches zero points and stays that way for 12 months, any future point accumulation is considered a first offense.

While most violations are cleared after a few years, some, such as a DUI conviction, typically stay on a Pennsylvania driving history for at least 10 years as mandated by PennDOT's legal requirements.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

It is generally not possible to remove traffic violations from your official Pennsylvania driving record. Traffic violations, such as speeding tickets or running a red light, typically remain on your record permanently.

Pennsylvania law does not allow the expungement of traffic violations from your record. However, expungement for criminal records, such as a DUI, may be possible under certain conditions, like completing a rehabilitation program or after a set period.

Even if a DUI is expunged from your criminal record, it may still appear on your PennDOT driver record. This means serious violations like a DUI may remain on your driving record indefinitely.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

To check your official driving history report or motor vehicle history in Pennsylvania, request it through the following methods:

• Online: Visit the PennDOT Individual Driver Records portal to request and download your record. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
• By Mail: Complete the Request for Driver Information Form (DL-503), and mail it along with the appropriate fee to the address specified on the form. Certified driving records must be requested using this method.
• In-Person: At a local PennDOT Driver License Center, you may request a vehicle history report by completing the required forms and paying the applicable fee in person. Staff are available to assist with the process.

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

Obtaining a driving record in Pennsylvania requires payment of specific fees, which vary based on the type of record requested. The cost for a 3-year, 10-year, or full driving history report is $14 each, while a certified driving record is available for $44.

Payment is made using major credit or debit cards for online requests. For mail requests, payments must be made by check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. For in-person requests, payment options typically include cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card, depending on the location.

Online records are usually available right after payment and verification. Mail requests may take several weeks, depending on delivery times and volume, and in-person requests at PennDOT centers are typically processed immediately.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free

In Pennsylvania, accessing a complete driving history typically involves a fee. However, you may check PennDOT's official website for any free online services that may verify your driving status.

The website may allow you to check basic details like license status and class using your license number and other ID information. However, a formal request and payment are needed for a full driving history with violations and points.

Moreover, in line with the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, courts may provide public access to traffic case records through the UJS web portal.

This system allows users to view and print case details for free, including docket numbers, case status, defendant information, and incident numbers. To access such information, visit the system and search using the citation ID, case number, or the name of the individual involved.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

A bad driving record in Pennsylvania is typically characterized by a history of frequent moving violations, such as speeding, reckless driving, and DUI offenses, which may result in the accumulation of points on your record and eventually a license suspension.

Non-moving violations like parking tickets, as well as verbal or written warnings from law enforcement, do not appear on your driving record and do not contribute to having a bad record.

In cases where you accumulate too many points from moving violations, PennDOT may require you to complete a driver improvement course. However, serious or repeated offenses may restrict access to certain programs or result in harsher penalties.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

A poor driving record in Pennsylvania may significantly raise insurance costs and limit employment opportunities that require driving.

For example, a DUI offense may often push annual insurance premiums to over $2,022, increasing from the standard rate of $1,475, which represents a 37% increase.

Additionally, note that even a single speeding ticket may lead to a noticeable increase in rates, as insurers assess driving history to gauge risk, and any violation may make a driver seem more likely to file a claim.

For job seekers, employers often request driver records from PennDOT when the role involves operating a vehicle. A history of frequent offenses or serious incidents may lower the chances of getting hired for delivery, transportation, or similar jobs.

Who Can Access Your Pennsylvania Driving History?

Access to Pennsylvania driving history reports is governed by both state and federal privacy protections. While certain details may be available under public access laws, the release of personal information is restricted by the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA).

Under these regulations, access to full driving history information is permitted for specific individuals and entities under certain conditions:

• The Driver: You may request a copy of your own complete driving record at any time through online services, by mail, or in person.
• Employers: With your written consent, employers, particularly those hiring for driving-related positions, may obtain your driving history.
• Insurance Companies: Insurers may access your record to determine coverage and rates, but only with your authorization.
• Law Enforcement and Government Agencies: These entities may access driving records without your consent for official and authorized purposes.

FAQs About Pennsylvania Driving Records

Below are details answering common questions related to driving records in Pennsylvania.

Related Articles

When Your Driving License Can Be Revoked and What You Can Do About It?

Is Drunk Driving a Felony, What’s the Punishment, and How Many People Die From It?

What Is a Clean Driving Record, How It Affects Insurance and How to Keep It Clean

What is an Ignition Interlock Device?