Can a Lawyer Clean Your Driving Record? Well, find out more in this article.
Your driving record is a reflection of your behavior behind the wheel.
It shows any violations, accidents, suspensions, or points that you have accumulated over the years.
Having a clean driving record can benefit you in many ways, such as lower insurance premiums, better job opportunities, and fewer legal troubles.
But what if you have made some mistakes in the past and want to clear your driving record?
Can a lawyer help you with that?
The answer is: it depends.
PHOTO Courtesy | Freepik
What is a clean driving record?
A pristine driving history pertains to a motor vehicle record (MVR) devoid of any infractions, accidents, or transgressions within a specified timeframe.
Your state maintains this record, accessible to entities such as insurers and potential employers, influencing decisions based on its contents.
Usually spanning three to seven years based on your state, a driving record includes various infractions, with some expiring after three years, like speeding tickets, and more severe violations, such as reckless driving or DUIs, persisting longer, or even indefinitely. Official citations are generally the only additions, excluding warnings from the MVR.
Beyond a source of pride, a clean driving record carries financial benefits.
Insurers utilize it to set car insurance premiums, indicating lower risk for individuals with clean records, leading to reduced rates.
Some insurers even grant good driver discounts for those with unblemished records, alongside lower rates.
Moreover, a clean driving record impacts other domains. Jobs necessitating driving can demand a clean record, while other roles might assess it for evaluating your responsibility.
Remember, what constitutes a clean record varies among insurers and employers, and minor infractions might not drastically impact insurance rates or job prospects.
How to Check Your Driving Record
Before you can clean your driving record, you need to know what is on it.
You can obtain a copy of your driving record from your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or from an online service.
Your driving record will include the following information:
- The type of driver’s license you have and any endorsements
- Any violations, convictions, or points that you have received
- Any suspensions, revocations, or cancellations of your license
- Any accidents or incidents that you were involved in
- Any fees or fines that you owe or have paid
How to Clean Your Driving Record
There are different ways to clean your driving record, depending on the type and severity of the violations or points that you have.
Some of the common methods are:
- Taking a driver safety course. Many states offer state-certified defensive driving courses that can help you reduce or remove points from your driving record. You may also qualify for an insurance discount or a traffic court leniency if you complete such a course.
- Contesting your ticket. If you believe that you were wrongly issued a ticket or that there were extenuating circumstances that justify your violation, you can challenge it in court. You may need to hire a lawyer to represent you and present evidence in your favor.
- Applying for expungement. Some states allow you to expunge or seal certain violations from your driving record if you meet certain criteria. For example, you may need to wait for a certain period of time, complete a driver improvement program, or maintain a clean driving record. You may also need to file a petition and pay a fee to request expungement.
- Hiring a lawyer. A lawyer can help you with any of the above methods, as well as advise you on the best course of action for your situation. A lawyer can also negotiate with the prosecutor, file motions, and represent you in court.
How does a driving record impact insurance?
Irrespective of the seriousness, any infraction might lead to a potential hike in your auto insurance rates.
According to research by The Zebra, a solitary driving violation can result in premium increments ranging from 2% to 70%, contingent upon the nature of the violation.
Moreover, if your driving history entails transgressions necessitating an insurance claim, such as being at fault in a car accident, your insurance provider will similarly raise your premium.
Most Expensive Traffic Violations
| Violation | Average Rate Increase (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| Hit and run | $1,077 |
| Racing | $1,001 |
| DUI | $946 |
| Refusing a breathalyzer | $927 |
| Reckless driving | $906 |
| Driving with a suspended license | $866 |
| At-fault accident > $2,000 | $665 |
| At-fault accident $1,000-$2,000 | $627 |
| Open container | $530 |
| Opening a vehicle without permission | $409 |
Conclusion
Having a clean driving record can make your life easier and safer.
However, if you have some blemishes on your record, don’t despair.
There are ways to clean your driving record, either by yourself or with the help of a lawyer.
The best way to avoid future problems is to drive carefully and responsibly and follow the traffic laws.
Remember, your driving record is more than just a piece of paper; it’s your reputation on the road.