Maintaining a Clean Driving Record

[We are a Personal Injury Law Firm representing injured victims and do not handle traffic ticket cases]

A clean driving record not only prevents drivers from putting their driving privileges at risk, but can also save money on car insurance premiums. This article answers the question of how to get a driving record cleared and prevent having additional points added to your driving record in the first place.

How to Get Points off Your License

Each state varies when it comes to how points are applied and removed from your driving record. The DMV frequently receives calls from drivers wanting to know how to get a driving record cleared. California uses a point system that assigns a certain number of points to different types of violations.

The points system used in the state assigns a different number of points according to the specific infraction. Examples of common infractions include speeding, failing to have auto insurance, or running a traffic light. The number of points you receive can result in having your driver’s license revoked or suspended.

The best way to keep a clean driving record is not to incur any penalties in the first place. Once the points are there, you have a few options to get them cleared and keep your driving license in good standing. It’s always in your best interest to keep a clean driving record even if it takes some effort on your part.

Step 1: Schedule an Appointment with Your Local DMV Office

Your local DMV is a valuable resource for learning how to get a driving record cleared. California offers a number of options to clear a driving record unless the points incurred resulted from certain types of infractions. For example, points for serious violations such as hit-and-run accidents or DUI must remain on your driving record for a minimum of 10 years.

The DMV can explain the type of points on your driving record and your options for having them removed. It’s also a good idea to order a driving record report and check your driving record even if you aren’t aware of any infractions on your part. If points are mistakenly added to your record, you want to have the points removed. You don’t have to be aware of points on your driving record for them to put your driving privileges at risk.

Step 3: Ask About Eligibility Requirements

Again, states differ in how they apply and remove points and also in the number of times they allow you to have points removed. Find out if you are eligible to take advantage of any of the options offered in California before you take any additional steps.

Ask for a list of California-approved defensive driving schools or courses and learn how many points completing a course will remove from your driving record. If points will remain following your point removal efforts, ask how long they will stay there.

Step 2: Sign Up for a Defensive Driving Course

Check with the DMV to make sure there are no restrictions on the points on your driving record. If you got them from minor traffic infractions, you may be able to have them removed by completing a state-approved defensive driving course. You can choose between an in-class course or take one online from home.

Drivers typically sign up for defensive driving courses for one of three reasons. Taking a course is the primary advice given to anyone wanting to know how to get a driving record cleared. Some drivers want to earn a discount on their insurance premiums while others want to have a ticket dismissed and prevent adding the corresponding points to their driving record. Even though your primary reason isn’t to save money, you can still potentially save on premiums with the successful completion of your course.

*And if you or a loved has been injured in a vehicle, contact our Car Accident Lawyers today. 

Step 3: Wait for Time to Resolve the Issue

All violations have a time limit after which they are usually removed from your driving record. For minor infractions that result in the addition of one point, most are automatically cleared after 39 months. More serious violations have longer minimums and may take five or ten years or longer to be removed from your driving record.

Most of the offenses committed by California drivers result in the addition of 1 point to their driving record. These points are the easiest to remove and they have the least impact on your driving record and insurance premiums. Still, it’s important to realize that these points add up with additional violations and they can lead to more severe penalties.

Step 4: Keep a Clean Driving Record

Unlike some other states that remove points after a specified time without receiving additional points, California does not give credit for good behavior. You still benefit by keeping your driving record clean and not adding any additional points. You can incur more severe penalties for adding points to those that already exist.

Your driving privileges may be restricted if you receive 2 points within a 12-month period or suspended for receiving 3 points in a 12-month period. Some violations such as a DUI conviction or not having insurance when you are in an accident can result in automatic suspension. Whether you choose to get the points removed from your record or wait for time to erase the points, it is in your best interests to always strive to keep a clean driving record.

What is a Clean Driving Record?

A clean driving record is one without any accidents, moving violations, or application of points as assigned in the California driver’s record system. Not only does a clean driving record matter to your insurance company, but it could also be of interest to a new employer. This is especially true for a job position that requires you to drive as part of your job description. Employers prefer employees with a clear driving record to protect their vehicles, their business, and their reputation.

Even employers who do not require you to drive on-the-job may look for new hires with a clean driving record. This tells them a lot about the person and their commitment to following the rules. In their place, who would you hire: The employee with a clean driving record or one with two previous DUIs? Many employers make their decision based on the candidate’s driving record as a record of dependability.

Another reason to take a defensive driving course is to learn how to be a better driver. The statistics show that these courses prevent accidents and save lives. These courses cover vehicle maintenance, accident prevention, and maintaining awareness of the road. Preventing accidents from happening will help keep you from adding more points to your driving record. It will also help keep you, other drivers, and pedestrians safer when you are on the road.

Preventing accidents helps you keep a clean driving record by taking a more proactive approach to driving. Defensive driving teaches drivers how to avoid distractions and keep their mind on the road. Knowledge of the laws and knowing the techniques for driving in all kinds of weather are just some of the ways defensive driving prevents accidents from happening.

The more serious offenses that lead to longer-lasting points on your driving record are also the ones that are more likely to result in serious accidents and injuries. Driving in a manner that is in contrast to the law goes beyond points on your driving record. Even a minor accident that is your fault could cost you a lot more in every way.

It isn’t unusual for drivers to ask how to get a driving record cleared from points received due to minor traffic violations. When those points are difficult or impossible to remove, it’s usually due to a serious violation on your part. Sometimes drivers receive points due to their actions or inactions in an auto accident. When they do, the resulting personal injury claim is a much greater concern than the one or two points a minor violation adds to their driving record.

You should make maintaining a clear driving record a priority. It is always in your best interest to keep your driving record free of points by driving defensively and learning to avoid accidents. No matter how good a driver you think you are, there is always room for improvement. A defensive driving course is a simple way to learn the techniques you need to prevent being at fault for a car accident.

If you become injured in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation. All drivers need to be held accountable for their actions or inactions. If an accident caused by another driver results in your injury, this includes financial compensation to cover your medical bills, lost income, and other expenses.

(We are a Personal Injury Law Firm representing injured victims and do not handle traffic ticket cases)

If your car accident injuries were caused by another driver, you need a qualified California personal injury attorney to defend your rights. Contact Batta Fulkerson to schedule your free initial consultation and discuss your case. You’ve taken every measure to maintain a clean driving record and observe the laws of the highway. You shouldn’t have to pay the consequences of another driver’s negligence.