What Is a Clean Driving Record?
A clean driving record means you have no recent moving violations or incidents on the road.
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Past violations on your driving record could mean higher insurance rates and fewer job prospects if an employer runs a motor vehicle record check during the hiring process. If you rack up enough violations, your license may be suspended. By contrast, a clean driving record could mean lower insurance premiums and more employment opportunities.1
It often takes three years for infractions to drop off your driving record, but it depends on the incident and your state’s laws. Learn about which violations go on your record, how they affect your car insurance rates, and the best insurance companies for drivers with a clean record.
What types of violations go on a driving record?
Several types of violations go on your driving record, and each may affect your insurance rates in a different way. Many states also operate on a points system, and you receive points on your license if you commit an infraction on the road. If you get too many points, your license could be suspended.2
Here are some examples of incidents that might appear on your record:
Minor moving violations: These types of violations include things like speeding tickets for driving slightly over the speed limit, running a red light, and rolling through a stop sign.
Mechanical violations: You can get ticketed for things like broken taillights, headlights, or brake lights; cracked windshields or mirrors; and problems with your license plates.
Major moving violations: Serious violations include DUI/DWI, reckless driving convictions, and accidents that cause injury or death. These incidents generally stay on your driving record for longer and may have a bigger effect on your insurance rates.
How your driving record affects car insurance rates
Your driving record can either reduce or increase your insurance rates. If you have a clean driving record, your insurer will typically reward you with lower insurance premiums. But if you have incidents on your record, you might see your rates increase. In this case, raising your car insurance deductible or researching available discounts might help lower your insurance costs.
Drivers with a clean record pay an average of $184 per month for full-coverage car insurance, according to Insurify data, but drivers with major violations pay much higher rates — $218 per month, on average.
Best car insurance for a clean driving record
The following insurance companies are Insurify’s top picks for people with a clean driving history.
Erie: Best for customer satisfaction
Nationwide: Best for low-mileage drivers
Auto-Owners: Best for low rates
6 tips for maintaining a clean driving record
If you want to keep your insurance rates low, here are the best ways to maintain a clean driving record.
How to check your driving record
You can get a copy of your driving record fairly easily if you’re curious about what’s on it. While the process to check your driving record varies from state to state, you’ll typically do the following:
Head to the DMV or BMV. Visit your state’s DMV or BMV in person or go online. You may also be able to request a copy of your driving record by mail.
Complete the request form. Most states require you to fill out a form to release your motor vehicle records. Be prepared to provide your driver’s license number and other personal information.
Pay a fee. Record costs vary by state and the type of record you order. For instance, a three-year standard driving record may cost less than a three-year certified record.