California driving records can be a little confusing. You may wonder, for example, what a vehicle code violation is on your record or what it means to your insurance rates. You have a right to see your California driver history report. The good news is that you can access your California MVR report (motor vehicle record) online and in person.
- Your California driving record is a comprehensive account of your driving history.
- Points are tallied on your California DMV record whenever you receive a citation for speeding or engaging in other prohibited actions while driving.
- Accumulating a certain number of points on your DMV record can lead to the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.
What is a California driving record?
Your driving record in California serves as a comprehensive account of your driving history, including any traffic violations or accidents, DUI convictions and other infractions.
“Your California driving record is a meticulous document listing all accidents, traffic violations, suspensions, etc.,” attorney Jonathan Feniak says. “To understand this record, you also need to know what every abbreviated code listed in your record means.”
Your record also shows any corresponding points accumulated. Points are tallied on your California DMV record whenever you receive a citation for speeding or engaging in other prohibited actions while driving. Accumulating a certain number of points on your DMV record can lead to the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.
The severity of the offense determines the points assigned; for instance, a speeding ticket may warrant only one point, whereas a DUI conviction could result in six points.
According to Janet Ruiz, director of strategic communications for the Insurance Information Institute, it’s smart to check your California driving record when in doubt.
“It may be important when applying for a job. Your driving record will also be considered when you apply for auto insurance and the carrier determines your premium,” Ruiz says.
How do you check your California driving record online?
To access your California driving record, complete an online driver’s record request form and print it out if you want a hard copy. Here’s what to do:
- Ensure that your printer is powered on and prepared; you will have a single chance to print your record after completing the payment.
- Establish an online account if you haven’t done so.
- Pay the required fee.
- All credit/debit card transactions incur a payment processing fee. However, no additional fees apply if you pay directly from your bank account.
How can you get your California driving record in person?
Alternatively, you can retrieve your California driving record in person at your local DMV office. Here’s closer look at what’s involved:
- Fill out the following form: Request for Your Own Driver’s License/Identification Card (DL/ID) or Vehicle/ Vessel Registration (VR) Information Record (INF 1125) (you can print this out and complete it ahead of visiting the DMV). Note that requests for your driver’s or vehicle record processed in person at a DMV field office are handled on the spot, and you’ll receive the hard copy records during your visit.
- If you’re requesting someone else’s record(s), complete a Request for Record Information (INF 70) form. Be aware that requests for someone else’s driver’s or vehicle record made in person at a DMV field office are sent to DMV headquarters for processing. Upon approval, DMV will dispatch the record(s) to you.
- Pay a mandatory $5 fee for an in-person record request.
You can also request your driving record by phoning (916) 657-8098. Or, you can request it via mail by following the same three steps above and then mailing your completed form and $5 to:
- DMV Information Release Unit
MS G199
PO Box 944247
Sacramento, CA 94244-2470
California DMV driving record codes
Your insurance rates may be affected by violations your insurance company sees on your driving record. To find out the meaning of each code, see the charts below, organized by the number of points they add to your record.
Below are some common abbreviations and driving record codes in California.
- COURT – Courthouse Number
- DL/NO – Driver’s License Number
- B/D – Birth Date
- RES ADD – Residential Address
- HT – Height
- WT – Weight
- LIC/ISS – License Issued
- EXP – Expires
- VIOL/DT – Violation Date
- SEC/VIOL – Section Violated
- DKT/NO – Docket Number
- VEH/LIC – Vehicle License
One-point California vehicle code violations
The chart below shows one-point vehicle code violations in California.
| Code and Section | Violation |
|---|---|
| VEH 2800 | Disobedience to a traffic officer |
| VEH 2800.1 | Evading peace officer |
| VEH 2801 | Disobedience to a fire official |
| VEH 2803, 2803a, 2803b, 2803c | Unsafe vehicle load |
| VEH 2815 | Disregarding non-student crossing guard |
| VEH 2816 | Youth bus/children crossing highway |
| VEH 2817 | Disregarding funeral escort officer |
| VEH 2818 | Crossing safety flares/cones |
| VEH 14601.5 | Driving, suspended/revoked for refusing a test |
| VEH 14603 | Violation of license restrictions |
Two-point California vehicle code violations
The chart below shows two-point vehicle code violations in California.
| Code and section | Violation |
|---|---|
| VEH 2800.2, 2800.3 | Evading peace officer/reckless driving |
| VEH 14601, 14601a,14601 b, 14601.1- 14601.4 | Driving with a suspended/revoked license |
| VEH 20001, 20001a 20002, 20002a, 20002b | Hit and run/injury/property damage |
| VEH 21651b | Driving wrong side/divided highway |
| VEH 22348b | Speed over 100 MPH |
| VEH 23103, 23103a,23103 b | Reckless driving |
| VEH 23104, 23104a | Reckless driving/causing bodily injury |
| VEH 23109a, 23109c | Speed contest /exhibition of speed |
| VEH 23140, 23140a, 23140b | Minor driving with a BAC of 0.05% or more |
| VEH 23152, 23152a-d | DUI/alcoholic beverage or drugs |
Other common California traffic violations
The chart below shows other common vehicle code violations in California.
| Section | Code | Violation | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49307 or 12059 | Education | Disobedience to school safety patrol | 1 |
| 191.5a, 192c1-192c4, 192.3c, 192.3d | Penal | Vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence | 2 |
| 192c, 192.3, 192.3a, 192.3b | Penal | Vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence | 1 |
| 27176 | Streets and highways | Speeding on Golden Gate Bridge | 1 |
How do you determine if you have a clean driving history in California?
“A clean driving record in California is one without any accidents, moving violations or application of points as assigned in the California driver’s record system,” says Ruiz.
Per Ruiz, characteristics of a clean driving record in California include:
- 3 to 5 years without any points assigned to your license
- 3 to 5 years without any accidents
- 3 years without any traffic tickets or moving violations
- 10 or more years without any major violations such as DUIs or hit-and-runs
You can confirm if you have a clean driving record by checking your California driving record online, in person at the DMV, by phone or by mail.
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