In California, most minor traffic violations or infractions do go on your driving record. An infraction is a violation of traffic laws that is typically punishable by a fine, but does not include jail time. Common infractions in California include speeding, failure to stop at a red light or stop sign, improper turning, and failure to yield to a pedestrian. While infractions are considered minor offenses, they can still negatively impact your driving privileges if you accumulate too many.
What types of violations go on your driving record?
In addition to infractions, other violations that will go on your California driving record include:
- Misdemeanors – Criminal traffic offenses punishable by up to 6 months in jail.
- Felonies – Serious criminal traffic offenses punishable by more than 6 months in jail.
- Accidents – At-fault accidents resulting in property damage, injuries, or fatalities.
- DMV Administrative Actions – License restrictions, suspensions, or revocations imposed by the DMV.
So essentially any violation of traffic laws, whether criminal or administrative, will end up as part of your permanent driving history in California.
How long do infractions stay on your record?
Infractions remain on your driving record for 3 years from the conviction date. After 3 years, the infraction will no longer appear on your public driving record, however it will still show up on background checks performed by certain agencies like law enforcement and insurance companies. Other more serious violations can stay on your record much longer:
- Reckless driving – 5 years
- DUIs – 10 years
- Felonies – Permanently
How many points do infractions add to your license?
The DMV assigns “negligent operator points” for infractions that show up on your driving record. Here’s how many points some common infractions add:
Infraction | Points |
---|---|
Speeding (15 mph over limit) | 1 point |
Running red light | 1 point |
Illegal passing | 2 points |
Driving without a license | 2 points |
If you accumulate 4 or more points in 12 months, 6 or more points in 24 months, or 8 or more points in 36 months, the DMV can suspend your license.
How infractions affect your car insurance
Infractions raise your risk profile with auto insurance companies. Just one minor violation can result in premium increases of 15-30% on average. Multiple infractions can increase your rates exponentially. Insurance companies will look at the following factors when evaluating your driving record:
- Number of infractions
- Severity of infractions
- Recency of infractions
- Frequency of infractions
To avoid rate hikes, maintain a clean driving record free of violations. Take online traffic school for minor moving violations to prevent insurance points on your record. Considering switching insurance companies after 3 years once the infraction falls off your public driving history.
How to remove infractions from your driving record
There are a few options for removing infractions from your driving record in California:
- Traffic school – Completing traffic school prevents insurance points for one infraction every 18 months.
- Record expungement – Certain convictions like speeding can be expunged after probation.
- Record sealing – Seals but does not destroy infractions from public record.
- Waiting – Minor infractions expire after 3 years.
However, keep in mind that completing traffic school or expunging your record will not erase the violation entirely. It will still show up on background checks by law enforcement and insurance companies.
Tips for keeping your record clean
Here are some tips to avoid getting infractions on your driving record in California:
- Obey all traffic laws and speed limits.
- Be alert and avoid distractions like cell phones.
- Don’t drive aggressively or make unsafe lane changes.
- Maintain your vehicle properly.
- Check your blind spots and use turn signals.
- Be extra cautious in school zones and residential areas.
- Brake early when stopping and allow extra distance.
- Drive defensively and watch for other motorists.
Conclusion
In summary, most infractions like speeding tickets, stop sign violations, illegal turns, etc. will appear on your California driving record for at least 3 years. They can lead to increased insurance rates, negligent operator points on your license, and even license suspension or revocation if allowed to accumulate. While options exist to remove minor infractions from your public driving history, the violations are still visible on background checks to insurance and law enforcement. The best strategy is to maintain a clean record by practicing safe driving habits at all times.