Do Traffic Tickets Show Up on Background Checks?
The short answer is: usually not. While a background check might reveal serious driving offenses like DUIs, reckless driving, or hit-and-run accidents, simple traffic tickets for speeding, running a red light, or failing to signal generally do not appear. This is because background checks primarily focus on criminal history and, in some cases, employment history, not minor traffic infractions.
However, there are some important nuances to consider. Let's delve into the details surrounding this common question.
What Kind of Background Checks Are We Talking About?
The type of background check significantly impacts whether a traffic ticket will appear. There are several types, each with different scopes and purposes:
- Employment Background Checks: These checks are typically the most limited. They primarily focus on criminal history and may include driving records, but usually only include serious offenses relevant to the job, such as those involving safety or trustworthiness. A speeding ticket is unlikely to show up.
- Tenant Background Checks: Landlords might pull a credit check and criminal history report, but rarely delve into the specifics of a driving record unless the job involves driving (e.g., a delivery driver). Minor traffic violations are usually not included.
- Professional License Background Checks: Depending on the profession, a more thorough driving record check might be conducted. For example, a trucking company or a rideshare service might be more interested in the complete driving history of an applicant.
What Information Is Typically Included in Background Checks?
Background checks generally focus on information considered more serious and relevant to risk assessment:
- Criminal History: This is the cornerstone of most background checks and includes felony and misdemeanor convictions, arrests, and sometimes even pending charges.
- Civil Judgments: Large debts or bankruptcies may appear.
- Credit History: This is frequently included, especially for employment and rental applications.
- Serious Driving Offenses: DUIs, reckless driving, and hit-and-runs are often flagged because they represent a higher level of risk.
Why Don't Minor Traffic Tickets Usually Appear?
The sheer volume of traffic violations makes including them impractical for most background checks. The databases used for these checks are primarily focused on more serious offenses that indicate a potential risk to public safety or reliability. Including every speeding ticket would make the process far too cumbersome and costly.
Are There Exceptions?
While rare, there are some situations where a traffic ticket might indirectly affect a background check:
- Multiple or Very Serious Violations: A pattern of repeated traffic violations, even if individually minor, could raise concerns for an employer or landlord.
- Suspended License: If your license has been suspended due to unpaid tickets or too many violations, this will likely appear on a background check.
- Specific Job Requirements: Certain jobs require exceptionally clean driving records, and employers may perform a more extensive review of your driving history.
How Can I Check My Own Driving Record?
You can typically access your own driving record through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website. This will provide the most accurate and complete information about your driving history.
In conclusion, while a simple speeding ticket or minor traffic infraction is unlikely to appear on a standard background check, maintaining a clean driving record is always advisable. Serious driving offenses, however, will almost certainly show up, so it's crucial to be mindful of your driving behavior. If you have specific concerns about your driving record and a particular application, contacting the relevant organization directly is always recommended.
