How to Find Out if Someone Has Traffic Tickets

Getting a traffic ticket is no unusual phenomenon. According to MarketWatch, the average driver in the U.S. receives at least two speeding tickets during their lifetime.

For many people, running a red light, speeding, and parking violations are the most common offenses associated with a traffic citation. But it can signal far more serious offenses committed by a driver.

Based on the type and frequency of infractions and crimes involved, knowing whether someone has got any traffic tickets could be important for gaining deeper insights into their character and behaviors.

But is it possible to get traffic citation information related to another person? The answer is yes. In this article, we discuss proven tips to learn more about an individual’s driving history, specifically when it comes to tickets.

Traffic Tickets: What You Need to Know

Traffic violations are generally categorized into moving and non-moving offenses.

Moving violations are those committed while the vehicle is in motion. These include speeding, running a red light, illegal U-turns, ignoring stop signs, improper lane changes, and texting while driving.

Non-moving offenses, on the other hand, involve a stationary vehicle. Unlike moving violations, these don’t typically appear on a person’s driving record. The violation of parking laws by, for example, parking in front of a fire hydrant or in a no-parking area comes under these.

They also include broken taillights and similar maintenance and modification-related infractions. Law enforcement officers often issue a Notice to Correct Violation for these.

Penalties for Traffic Offenses

Most traffic tickets involve infractions, which are punishable with a fine and/or points on your license. Certain offenses, however, can have more serious repercussions. Fleeing the scene of an accident, for example, is a criminal offense that can result in jail time.

If the driver isn’t arrested but is required to appear in court, they’re given a court date in the Notice to Appear.

But how long does a traffic ticket stay on record? The answer depends on the local state regulations. In Alaska, for example, speeding tickets will often appear for one year. In Florida and Hawaii, the duration is five and ten years, respectively.

Why Find Out About a Person’s Traffic Violations and Traffic Ticket History?

Getting an idea about someone’s road safety track record is critical when issuing a motor insurance policy. It allows insurers to understand the level of risk involved with a driver so they can determine the premium.

The more offenses a driver has committed, the higher the risk and, therefore, the insurance. Studies show that the premium can go up by 26%, on average, due to a single speeding ticket.

In some cases, an insurer may also decide to refuse insurance if they find out the offenses are grave and frequent.

Knowing the status of a person’s driving record is also helpful when assessing candidates for employment.

Let’s say you’re planning on hiring someone to drive a commercial vehicle. While you may ignore a one-off parking ticket, you can’t overlook convicted traffic felonies, misdemeanors, and criminal offenses, like drunk driving and hit and runs.

Ways to Discover if Someone Has Traffic Tickets

So, how can you learn more about a person’s traffic violation history? Let’s take a look.

Check With the Court or County Clerk

You can often find traffic tickets and related court record information at the local court or county clerk’s office in the area where the traffic violation occurred and the ticket was issued.

Most places now use a digitized system for organizing public records. So, chances are you can check the offense information on the relevant court or county office web page.

However, conditions for accessing data can vary between counties. You’ll also need a case number or driver’s license details to search databases.

If you can’t find traffic data online, you may need to visit the relevant office in person and submit a request.

Search the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Records

The DMV of your state maintains driver records that contain information about accidents, convictions, revocations, suspensions, and similar details.

These can be accessed by third parties based on the purpose of their use as per the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). For example, using records for criminal and civil court proceedings, insurance claims investigations, anti-fraud activities, and providing notices to impounded vehicle owners are considered permissible uses under the DPPA.

You can often find driver records on your state’s DMV website. However, you would need to provide a government-issued ID and make a payment to access information.

Contact the Relevant Police Station

The local law enforcement agencies that issue traffic tickets keep records of the offenses committed under their jurisdiction for court proceedings and any other requirements in the future.

Sometimes, you can access this information to learn more about a person’s driving track record.

Since you’re looking to find another individual’s details, you’ll likely have to submit a formal request providing a legitimate reason for retrieving data. In most instances, you must also pay a processing fee. Call or visit the relevant police station to find out the exact cost and the process for getting hold of information.

Look Up Public Records on Nuwber

Nuwber is a people search directory that has information about millions of Americans sourced from public databases. This includes traffic tickets and related data.

You can search Nuwber’s database by first and last name, address, phone number, or even email.

And the reports generated for each search aren’t just limited to traffic offenses. Nuwber can provide a variety of additional information, from dates of birth and address histories to asset ownership details and criminal records.

However, please note that using this platform for credit and insurance decisions and employee background checks is prohibited.

To Recap

Traffic tickets and related offenses can provide useful insights about a person in various situations, whether you want to assess risks for a customers insurance policy or check someone’s road safety track record before hiring them for a driver’s position.

The local courthouse, county clerk’s office, Department of Motor Vehicles, and the police can all get you access to this information.

If you prefer to skip the legwork, Nuwber’s people search engine is an excellent option for finding traffic ticket details hassle-free.

Keep in mind that retrieving data using most of these methods will require paying a fee. Certain restrictions will also apply based on how you intend to use information.

FAQ

Is there a difference between a traffic citation and a ticket?

Traffic tickets and citations usually refer to the same thing — an official notice issued by law enforcement for some form of traffic law violation. They differ from a warning, which is more of a verbal notification for a minor offense that will often not appear on record.

However, in some instances, you can find that the exact definition of a traffic citation is different from that of a traffic ticket.

For example, according to the TexasCourtRecords.us website, a citation is issued for non-moving traffic offenses, while a ticket is given for moving violations.

How do I find my traffic ticket history?

The easiest way to get an idea about all your past traffic offenses is by reviewing records of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

A motor vehicle record (MVR) includes both moving and non-moving offenses — from illegal parking and broken taillights to driving without a license and speeding. You can check yours online or at the DMV office. In most cases, you must pay a fee and provide an ID, such as a driver’s license, to access information.

In addition to the DMV, you can also use a people search site to check what types of traffic records are attached to your name.

Can I contest a traffic ticket?

Yes, you don’t need to pay a traffic fine if you think it’s inaccurate or you haven’t broken any laws.

To contest a ticket, start by recording the relevant information that could support the dispute. For instance, write down and take pictures of details relating to the time and place you were stopped. If you have any witnesses, take their contact information and statements.

For the trial, hiring a traffic attorney to represent you is best. If you aren’t happy with the judgment, seek their advice on whether you can and should appeal the decision.

What is meant by traffic ticket deferral?

A deferral refers to putting a traffic ticket on hold so you could delay the fine or points on your license.

How long you could defer a ticket will depend on several factors, like the offense committed and the local laws.

Court officials can give you more information about deferral programs, the requesting process, the costs involved, and how you could make the payment.

In some instances, you can submit requests via mail, while in others, you may need to attend court, where a hearing will take place in front of a judge.

What happens if I ignore a traffic ticket?

Traffic tickets indicate a specific date before which you must pay the fine or contest the ticket.

If you don’t do either by this deadline, penalties will apply depending on the circumstances. You could end up facing extra fines, losing your license, or even jail time if found guilty of deliberately ignoring the ticket. 

Failure to pay could affect your future insurance premiums and job prospects, too.

Therefore, if you’re unable to pay the fine for legitimate reasons, it’s best to contact the officials indicated on the traffic ticket before the deadline and provide relevant proof to request an extension.

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