In California the CA Department of Motor Vehicles keeps a public record of all your traffic convictions and accidents. As you are likely aware, tickets and accidents are assigned points which go on your driving record (motor vehicle record). Each incident is assigned a point. Depending on the type of traffic ticket, you can get from 1 - 2 points for a traffic ticket and 1 point is assessed for an accident.

The length of time that the points remain on your MVR depends on the severity of the offense. Most points (illegal turn, not making a complete stop, driving over the speed limit, etc.) and/or accidents will stay on your driver record for 36 months (3 years). Points for more serious offenses, such as hit-and-run or a DUI, will stay on your record for up to 10 years.

In CA a motorist may be considered a negligent operator when their driving record shows any one of the following point count totals regardless of their license class:

• 4 points in 12 months
• 6 points in 24 months
• 8 points in 36 months

So depending upon the types of violations you have been convicted of the points will stay on your CA driving record for at least 3 years but can remain there for a longer period of time. Depending on the type of conviction and the severity of the offense the points may stay for up to 10 years.

To see how many points you have on your record get a copy of your driver's history from the Department of Motor Vehicles. According to the CA DMV your driving record is available to you during normal working hours. You may obtain a copy by:

• Visiting your local DMV office (make an appointment for faster service)
• Completing a Request for Driver Record Information form INF 1125 (available online at CA DMV site)
• Showing identification
• Paying the fee ($5 as of April 2008)

If going into a local DMV office is not convenient for you or you are out of state, you may request your record by mail. Complete the INF 1125 form or prepare a written request, including your name, date of birth, social security number, California driver license number, and your signature, along with a check or money order for $5, and mail to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Office of Information Services
Public Operations Unit G199
P. O. BOX 944247
Sacramento, California 94244-2470

DMV can also provide you a copy of your spouse or minor children's record as long as they are living at the same address. The INF 70D/70R Request form must be completed and submitted with the appropriate fee ($5 as of April 2008) for each request.

Contact the CA DMV directly should you have more questions about points and violations on your driving record and to request a copy of your MVR to see what it has listed.

Comment Update: Please see our related articles for a list of CA Vehicle Code Numbers.