Order from your nearest Department of Motor Vehicles. Stop in or look on the website. Many states let you order a copy of your driving history in person or online. You usually have to pay a fee. Order online. The website DMV. com has partnered with Backgroundchecks. com. They are not affiliated with your state government, but you can order a copy of your driving record from their website for a fee. Contact your auto insurer, who typically can provide you with a free copy.
In Washington, most convictions stay on your record for five years. However, alcohol-related convictions and vehicular assault/homicide convictions stay on your record for life. [3] X Research source Look on your state’s DMV website to see if you can find this information.
You may need to fulfill certain prerequisites in order to get your convictions removed, such as completing a state-approved driver improvement course and maintaining a clean driving record for a certain period of time. This varies by state. [4] X Research source
Three years without another conviction for a moving violation or criminal offense involving a motor vehicle. No license suspension or revocation. No conviction for DWI, DUI, or failing to remain at the scene of a crime that results in death or bodily injury.
full name address date of birth driver’s license number certification that you meet the requirements signature
Your request will be reviewed and you should receive a decision in writing. If you haven’t heard anything after a couple of weeks, contact the DMV.
If you’ve received a ticket, you can ask the judge in court whether you can take a driver safety course. Also check online. Your state’s DMV website should tell you whether you can use a driver safety course to clean up your record.
For example, states might give you a window of time to take the course. If you wait too long, then you can’t take it. [6] X Research source Other states might require that you elect to take the course when you pay the fine. If you don’t, then you can’t take the course.
Make sure the course works for your schedule. If you don’t attend, then you won’t clean up your record. Depending on your state, you may be able to take the course online or in a classroom. [8] X Research source Choose the best option that works for you. However, don’t assume an online class will be “easier. ” You might find it harder to focus when taking a class online.
Make sure to get a certificate or some other proof that you have completed the course. Present your certificate to the DMV and keep a copy for your records.
What were you doing? Where was the officer? What did the officer say? Did you consent to any search, including a breathalyzer test? Did the officer ask for consent or immediately start searching your vehicle?
You’ll have to pay for a lawyer, so calculate whether the money is worthwhile. If you are set to lose your license because of a DUI, then paying several thousand dollars might be worth it. However, paying that kind of money to fight a speeding ticket might not. Ask whether a lawyer will help coach you through the process. Most states let lawyers offer “unbundled” legal services. Under this arrangement, the lawyer will do discrete tasks, such as draft a discovery motion or give you advice about the strengths and weaknesses in your case. [10] X Trustworthy Source National Center for State Courts Non-profit organization dedicated to improving judicial administration in the United States and around the world through education and advocacy. Go to source You then do all other tasks.
Usually, you’ll have to file a motion with the court. Check to see if there is a form you need to fill out. If you don’t know how to request discovery, consult with a traffic attorney—or hire the attorney and let them handle the case for you. Note that few defendants make discovery motions in traffic court. Your request may be ignored.
Attack the officer’s observations. The officer might not have been in a good position to accurately see what you were doing. When possible, introduce doubt as to the officer’s vantage point. For example, if the officer was hidden behind a tree at night, then they might not be 100% sure your car was speeding. Question the validity of any speed reading. The officer might not have used the radar or laser properly. Question their training and whether they carefully calibrated the machine so that it would record speed accurately. Justify your actions as necessary. You might have swerved into another lane to avoid a pedestrian or an erratic vehicle.
The officer is lying. The judge won’t believe you unless you have proof. You claim everyone else was speeding. That won’t get you off the hook. You argue no one was hurt so you shouldn’t be held responsible. You’re being prosecuted to deter you from potentially harming someone in the future. You claim you don’t know what the law is. Ignorance of the law isn’t an excuse. It’s best to simply apologize and illustrate how your behavior has changed since the incident, if possible. Apologizing rather than getting defensive is likely to be most pleasing to the officer, which may result in the dismissal of the case.
