One factor that determines your personal auto insurance rates is your driving record. Your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) keeps track of every traffic violation you receive, which is communicated to your insurance provider. When violations add up, you may ask yourself what you can do to improve your driving record. We’ll describe how infractions add up on your driving record and go over three ways to achieve a clean record.
How Is Your Driving Record Calculated?
The state of New York uses a point system to track moving violations. The more severe a driving offense, the more points you receive. These points go on your driving record when convicted of the offense, and you can calculate the total based on the date of the violation.
If you are convicted of a driving offense outside of New York, points will not be added to your record. If you accrue 11 points in an 18-month period, your driving license may be suspended. New York residents can contact the DMV office and request a copy of their driving record for a small fee.
How Long Do Traffic Violations Last on Your Record?
The points from a traffic violation will count toward your point total for 18 months following the date of the violation. Although the points go away, the offense remains on your driving record for three to five years. Serious convictions last on your record for more than 10 years or may never go away. Serious offenses on your record can negatively affect your future by complicating a job or housing application.
Defensive Driving Course
Drivers who have accrued points from various traffic violations may want to improve their record. The best way to deduct points from your driving record is to take a defensive driving course. New York offers a Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP) where drivers review state traffic regulations and driver safety tips.
Following PIRP completion, you may be eligible to subtract up to four points from your driving record. According to New York’s DMV, drivers who complete PIRP will also receive a minimum 10 percent deduction of their base auto insurance premium for the following three years.
Dismissing Tickets
When issued a ticket by law enforcement, you can potentially have it dismissed if you believe it’s undeserved. You must have evidence that the ticket was issued on questionable grounds or if there were extenuating circumstances. Contesting a traffic ticket requires pleading not guilty and showing up to a scheduled court hearing to present your evidence to a judge. These efforts can potentially prevent points from accruing on your driving record.
Avoid Further Traffic Citations
Drivers should follow all traffic laws to avoid infractions and maintain a clean driving record. Follow all posted road signs, and eliminate distractions while driving to prevent getting in an accident. It pays to be a safe driver! With time, minor driving infractions will leave your record as long as you don’t find yourself in trouble with the law.
The Other End of the Leash
The first thing winter reveals when it loosens its grip is not green grass. It is honesty.
