California Driving Records

Driving records, also known as motor vehicle reports (MVRs), provide a comprehensive history of an individual's driving activity. These records are essential to evaluate a driver’s reliability and adherence to traffic laws.

Effective March 20, 2019, driver’s records in California will include reportable information required by California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 1808: convictions for the past three, seven, or ten years, accidents, and departmental actions.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains and issues driving records in the state. This governing body ensures that all driving activities are accurately recorded and updated. It provides reliable information for various stakeholders who need access to this data.

For individuals, these records reflect their driving habits and can impact their auto insurance premiums and employment opportunities in roles that require driving. Meanwhile, companies rely on driving records to assess the suitability and safety of potential and current employees.

Types of Driving Records Available in California

California offers three types of driving records: unofficial, official, and certified.

Unofficial Driving Record

An unofficial driving record is a non-certified document accessible online via the California DMV website. It summarizes an individual's driving history, encompassing traffic violations, accidents, and license suspensions.

While it is not an official document, it is a valuable tool for personal reference. It allows drivers to review their records for inaccuracies or discrepancies.

This type of record is particularly beneficial for confirming that all information is up-to-date and correct before any official or legal processes requiring a certified driving history.

According to California Code of Regulations Section 350.44, obtaining an unofficial driving record costs $2.

Official Driving Record

An official driving record is essential for individuals seeking to showcase their driving record with verified certification from the DMV and meet the requirements of different entities that rely on accurate and authenticated driving information.

This official record is available only in person or by mail from the California DMV. It offers certified information similar to the unofficial record, is crucial for verifying a person's driving history, and can be a prerequisite in various professional and administrative contexts.

Employers, insurance firms, and other third parties typically request this formal document as evidence of an individual's driving background.

Obtaining an official driving record costs $5.

Certified Driving Record

A certified driving record is a legal document issued by the California DMV with an official signature and stamp. It includes the exact details the official driving record offers but is specifically intended for use in legal contexts.

This document is authoritative evidence of a driver’s history, including traffic violations and accidents. Its certification guarantees it is admissible in court, making it a crucial resource for legal proceedings requiring verified proof of driving history.

Similar to an official driving record, a certified driving record can only be obtained in person or by mail from the California DMV and costs $5.

How To Request a California Driving History Report?

In California, individuals can request a driving history report online, by mail, or in person:

Online

Individuals can request an unofficial California driving history report online. To do this, interested parties must visit the state's Online Driver Record Request page. Then, they must follow the website's instructions and provide the required information. They must pay the $2 fee to complete the process.

Credit or debit cards and bank accounts are the only acceptable payment methods for online requests. Card transactions incur an additional 1.95% processing fee.

Additionally, a printer is needed when requesting an unofficial driving history report online. Requesters must prepare it beforehand as they only have one opportunity to print the record after paying the fee.

Also, a CA DMV account is needed for online requests. If the requester does not have one, they must create an account by following the steps outlined on the CA DMV Account Registration page.

By Mail

Individuals seeking an official or certified driving record in California can conveniently request it by mail.

To initiate this process, fill out the Request for Own Driver License Information Record (Form INF 1125). Alternatively, applicants can submit a written request containing the following:

Full name
Birth date
Social Security Number
California driver's license number
Signature

Upon completion, the form or written request must be mailed along with a $5 check or money order to the address below:

Department of Motor Vehicles

Information Release Unit G199

P. O. BOX 944247

Sacramento, California 94244

In Person

In addition to mail, individuals seeking an official or certified driving record in California can request it in person.

To proceed with an in-person request, one should head to a nearby CA DMV location. It is advisable to schedule an appointment with the DMV for efficient service.

Upon arrival, individuals must fill out Form INF 1125, present valid identification, and submit the required $5 fee.

Cash, money orders, checks, and major debit cards are accepted payment methods for in-person requests (credit cards are not accepted in this scenario).

Uses of California Driving Records

California driving records serve various crucial purposes across different sectors:

Employers: Used in pre-employment screenings for driving-related jobs to evaluate driving history and safety.
Insurance Companies: Assess risk factors to determine insurance rates, coverage, and eligibility.
Government Agencies: Accessed for law enforcement, court proceedings, and vehicle safety initiatives.
Authorized Entities: Used by driving schools and traffic violator programs to verify license status and driving history.
Researchers: Anonymized data supports statistical analyses, traffic safety studies, and policy development.

Note that California DMV generally restricts public disclosure of personal information, except in specific legal circumstances.

Moreover, accessing driving records without a legitimate, authorized purpose is prohibited and may be considered a violation of the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), the California Information Practices Act of 1977, and other applicable sections in the CVC.

Understanding California Driving Laws

Understanding California driving laws is essential for all individuals operating vehicles. The CVC is the foundation of these laws as it outlines the requirements and regulations drivers must adhere to.

One essential aspect of driving laws in the state is the need to possess a valid driver's license, as CVC Section 12500 mandates.

To obtain a California driver's license, all citizens must submit necessary documents, pass the driver’s test, and pay licensing fees. As for new residents, they have ten days after establishing CA residency to obtain a state-issued license.

Furthermore, CVC Section 4000 mandates that all motor vehicles driven on state highways must be registered. Registering a car includes submitting essential documents, such as inspection certificates, and paying registration fees. New residents also follow this procedure but only have 20 days to complete it upon establishing residency.

In addition, all California drivers must possess auto insurance coverage for their vehicles. This coverage must meet the minimum liability requirements outlined in CVC Section 16056.

Moreover, drivers must always follow the rules of the road when driving a motor vehicle. This includes obeying traffic signs, signals, and enforcers. Drivers must also be aware of the state's speeding laws. They must not exceed the posted speed limit or drive at a certain speed that does not fit specific circumstances.

Apart from that, California strictly prohibits DUI (driving under the influence), reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident.

The Points System in California

The California DMV utilizes a point system known as the Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) to manage driver behavior and penalize unsafe driving practices. Under this system, drivers are assigned points for traffic violations and collisions, with the severity of the infraction determining the number of points. Here are some traffic violation points:

Minor violations: 1 point (e.g., speeding, unsafe lane changes, running red lights)
More severe offenses: 2 points (e.g., DUI, hit-and-run, driving on the wrong side, racing)
Serious offenses (especially with commercial vehicles): 3 points

The DMV imposes a six-month license suspension if a driver accumulates four points within 12 months, six points within 24 months, or eight points within 36 months. In addition to suspension, excessive points can lead to hefty fines, potential jail time, and increased insurance rates.

Note that individuals can take measures to have points removed from their driving record. If they believe they received undeserved points, they can request court dismissal or correction. Alternatively, they can enroll in a traffic school and complete a defensive driving program.

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in California

Driving offenses in California are classified into criminal and civil categories.

Criminal Driving Offenses

In California, criminal driving offenses are categorized as felonies or misdemeanors.

Felony traffic violations represent the most severe infractions and can result in significant penalties, especially when they involve injury to individuals, property damage, or potential threats to safety.

Unlike many other states, California does not have a tiered classification system for felonies. Still, it employs a three-strikes law that mandates a 25-year to life sentence for those convicted of three serious felonies.

Penalties for felony traffic violations can include imprisonment, fines up to $10,000, or probation.

When incarceration is mandated, the sentencing options typically fall under California Penal Code Section 1170, which allows for terms of 16 months, two years, or three years. This decision is at the judge's discretion, considering the specifics of the case and any prior offenses.

Examples of felony traffic violations in California include:

Vehicular homicide
Multiple instances of driving without a valid license
Certain hit-and-run offenses
Repeated misdemeanor traffic crimes
Multiple DUI charges

On the other hand, traffic misdemeanors in California are less severe than felonies. However, they carry significant penalties and are determined by the judge. These penalties can include fines up to $5,000, incarceration for up to one year, or suspension of the driver's license.

Examples of misdemeanor traffic violations in California include:

Excessive speeding, such as driving over 100 miles per hour (mph)
Hit-and-run incidents
Fleeing from law enforcement
Driving without a valid license
Driving the wrong way on a divided highway
Reckless driving

Civil Driving Offenses

In California, civil driving offenses, known as traffic infractions, are the least severe type of traffic violations. These infractions typically do not result in jail time but may lead to fines and the accumulation of points on the state DMV point system. If these points accumulate, it could result in further penalties, including increased fines or even imprisonment.

The penalties for driving infractions in the state are outlined in CVC Section 42001, with the actual punishment left to the discretion of the judge. The basic penalties include fines of up to $100 for a first offense, up to $200 for a second offense within a year, and up to $250 for a third offense within a year.

Examples of traffic infractions in California include:

Using a cell phone while driving
Failing to wear a seatbelt
Making an unsafe lane change or turn
Driving with an expired license
Failing to observe speed limits on designated roads
Disregarding traffic signals or signs
Illegal parking

California Driving Statistics and Goals

Recent data from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reveals a concerning rise in traffic fatalities. Traffic fatalities increased from 3,980 in 2020 to 4,285 in 2021 (7.6% rise). Specifically, the statistics report the following:

Alcohol-Impaired Fatalities: Up 16% (1,370 in 2021 from 1,180 in 2020)
Unrestrained Passengers: Fatalities rose by 12.4% (878 in 2021 from 782 in 2020)
Drug-Impaired Driving: 52.9% of fatal crashes in 2021, down 5.5% from 2020
Teen Drivers (15-20): Fatal crashes up 14.8% (474 in 2021 from 413 in 2020)
Motorcycle Fatalities: Increased by 3% (565 in 2021 from 549 in 2020)
Bicycle Fatalities: Decreased by 8% (125 in 2021 from 136 in 2020)
Pedestrian Fatalities: Increased 9.4% (1,108 in 2021 from 1,013 in 2020)

Through its Road Safety Action Plan, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has set an ambitious goal to eliminate all fatal and serious injury crashes on the state highway system by 2050.

Frequently Asked Questions About California Driving Records

Interested individuals can explore more information on California driving records through the following frequently asked questions:

Who Can Request a Driving Record in California?

Individuals can request their driving records in California online, by mail, or in person.

Those wishing to obtain another person's driving record may also do so by making a formal request. This involves completing and submitting the Request for Record Information (Form INF 70) to the CA DMV.

How Long Do Points From Different Types of Violations Stay on a California Driving Record?

Points on a California driving record can remain for varying durations. Minor violations typically stay on the record for three years, while major offenses, such as DUI or hit-and-run, can persist for up to ten years.

How To Address Incorrect Information in California Driving Record?

Individuals encountering inaccuracies in their California driving record can proactively address the issue by taking specific steps.

They can fill out and submit the Report of Incorrect Record Form (DL 207) to the CA DMV, initiating the error rectification process. Alternatively, presenting an Abstract/Document Error Form (DL 157) or relevant documentation from the court or law enforcement agency can strengthen their case.

Contacting the CA DMV helpline at 1-800-777-0133 is also advisable to seek additional guidance and support.

Helpful Links and Resources

The following resources can prove valuable for California drivers:

For more information regarding requesting a driver's record in California: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/customer-service/request-vehicle-or-driver-records/online-driver-record-request/
For comprehensive knowledge of CVC: https://casetext.com/statute/california-codes/california-vehicle-code
To access California's latest traffic safety statistics: https://www.ots.ca.gov/ots-and-traffic-safety/score-card/
To learn more about the services of the CA DMV: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/

List of Content