New York Driving Records

New York driving records are crucial documents that contain comprehensive information about a driver's history on the road. These records comprise essential details, such as the driver's license number, personal information, driving history, traffic violations, points accrued, accidents, and any license suspensions or revocations.

The New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) governs public access to the state's driving records. However, privacy protections are in place under the New York Privacy Protection Law and the federal Drivers Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) to confirm that sensitive information is appropriately redacted to safeguard personal privacy.

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the governing body overseeing the management and preservation of driving records. Its primary responsibility includes upholding the accuracy and security of driver information contained within these records.

Understanding New York's driving records is instrumental. By leveraging the insights provided in these documents, stakeholders can actively contribute to enhancing road safety and fostering accountability among drivers throughout the state.

Types of Driving Records Available in New York

The NY DMV issues three types of driving records: standard, lifetime, and commercial. Each type contains distinct information crucial for various purposes:

Standard Driving Record

A standard driving record in New York contains essential information that the DMV is mandated to keep. It includes personal details, a summary of driving status, accidents, and a record of driving activities. Additionally, it documents any suspensions, revocations, non-vehicular convictions, traffic-related convictions, or bail forfeitures for the past few years.

For detailed information regarding this type of driving record and guidance on interpreting it, refer to the Abstract of Driving Record provided by the DMV.

Lifetime Driving Record

A lifetime driving record provides a comprehensive view of all the information the DMV has on a driver, regardless of data retention requirements. While it may not capture data from when driving privileges were first granted, it reflects all available information about the driver.

This type of record contains information similar to the standard driving record. However, it goes beyond the standard as it also includes details like non-driver ID history, permit history, changes to class or driving privileges, and address history.

Refer to the Abstract of Lifetime Driving Record to learn more about this detailed record.

Commercial Driving Record

This type of driving record offers thorough details of the driver's history beyond those found in a standard driving record.

Along with the usual information, such as licensing actions and convictions, the commercial record includes crucial details like revocations and suspensions across all states and vehicle types, as well as self-certification and medical certification information.

In other words, this in-depth record thoroughly overviews a commercial driver's history, which offers valuable insights for employers and regulatory authorities.

How To Request a New York Driving History Report?

Drivers in the Empire State can request a driving history report online or in person. Details about these options are outlined below:

Online

When seeking a NY driving record online, individuals can choose between two options: utilizing the MyDMV platform or the Records Request Navigator.

The MyDMV service offers requesters an immediate downloadable copy of their driving records. To use this service, individuals must log in or create a MyDMV account and provide the necessary information on the platform. Additionally, a $7 fee is required to complete the transaction.

On the other hand, the Records Request Navigator allows the requester to request a certified copy be mailed to them without a MyDMV account.

To facilitate this process, visit the request navigator website and follow the steps on the screen, which include selecting the record type and providing personal information. Finally, pay the applicable fee to complete the request process.

Note that requests through the Navigator take about five business days to process.

In Person

To obtain a New York driving history report in person, individuals should visit a DMV office and submit a completed Request For Driving Record Information (Form MV-15C). Along with the form, a valid proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, New York driver's license, or U.S. citizenship certificate, must be presented.

Additionally, a $10 fee must be paid using cash, credit/debit card, or a check/money order payable to the “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles” to complete the transaction.

Uses of New York Driving Records

Individuals in New York can utilize the state’s driving records for the following purposes:

Renewing License

The driving record is crucial when renewing a driver's license in New York. It is examined for suspensions, revocations, and other potential impediments to renewal. Additionally, the record confirms the driver's identity, license class, and any restrictions or endorsements.

Insurance Premium Assessment

Insurance providers in the state utilize driving records to evaluate risk and set insurance premiums. Accidents, traffic violations, and license suspensions are considered when determining rates. Moreover, driving records can be critical to insurers' underwriting, rating, and anti-fraud efforts.

Employment Screening

With adequate consent, employers can obtain and utilize the driving records of potential employees. They can use the information in the records to enhance due diligence in hiring practices and verify a driver's license information.

Personal Purposes

Individuals can obtain their driving record abstract to review the information on file with the DMV. It can be helpful for personal reference or to identify and correct errors.

Understanding New York Driving Laws

New York has stringent driving laws. Motorists must obey these to be legally compliant and avoid potential legal repercussions.

Among the key driving regulations that drivers in the state must understand are the following:

New York Licensing Law

New York's Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) Section 509 mandates that no person shall operate or drive a motor vehicle on any public highway in the state unless they are duly licensed.

Driving without a valid driver's license can lead to penalties such as fines ranging from $75 to $300 and jail time of up to 15 days. If the violation involves aggravating factors, the fine rises to at least $200 up to $5,000 and at least 30 days of probation and imprisonment of up to four years.

New York Vehicle Registration Law

The requirement of vehicle registration in New York is outlined in VTL Section 401. This section mandates that all motor vehicles operated on public highways within the state must be properly registered with the DMV and that registration plates be displayed on the car.

Driving an unregistered vehicle leads to a fine of up to $500 and jail time of up to 15 days. Besides that, violators will be given points in their driving records.

New York Auto Insurance Law

According to VTL Section 319, no motor vehicle shall be registered or operated in New York without proof of financial responsibility. This means drivers must have a valid auto insurance policy when driving in the state.

The minimum auto insurance policy coverage in New York is as follows:

$25,000 for bodily injury per person and $50,000 per accident
$50,000 for death per person and $100,000 per accident
$10,000 for property damage per accident

Those caught driving without auto insurance in the state will face fines that increase per offense, civil penalties, suspension of license and registration, an SR-22 requirement, and potential criminal charges if involved in an accident.

New York Rules of the Road

New York’s rules of the road are outlined in VTL Title 7. This code covers many regulations drivers must follow when operating a motor vehicle on public roads.

According to the state's road rules, drivers must keep to the right side of the road except when overtaking, turning left, or avoiding an obstacle. They must also yield to pedestrians and obey traffic signals and signs.

Besides that, the rules of the road mandate that drivers adhere to speed limits posted by traffic signs. Even if no specific speed limit is posted, drivers must stay within a reasonable and prudent speed under conditions such as weather and traffic.

This code also restricts driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, and using mobile devices when the vehicle is in motion.

Depending on the severity of a violation, those found violating any of the state's road rules may face significant penalties. Generally, violators may face fines, points on driving records, license suspension or revocation, increased insurance premiums, and jail time or imprisonment.

The Points System in New York

The NY DMV employs a point system to monitor and address higher-risk drivers. Under this system, points are allocated for specific traffic infractions drivers commit.

Below are the common examples of driving violations and their associated points in New York:

Disobeying traffic control device: 2 points
Leaving the scene of an accident causing property damage: 3 points
Reckless driving: 5 points
Speeding: 3 to 11 points depending on the extent the driver exceeded the speed limit

Points are only added to a driver's record in New York after a conviction, and those accumulated within 18 months are totaled. After 18 months, points from past violations are excluded from the total but remain on the record, potentially impacting insurance premiums.

If drivers accumulate six points within 18 months, they must pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment fee. If they reach 11 points, the DMV can suspend their license.

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in New York

Traffic violations in New York are categorized as criminal and civil driving offenses. Drivers must know the distinction between these offenses and their associated penalties to avoid committing them.

Criminal Driving Offenses

Criminal driving offenses in New York represent the most severe category of traffic violations and are classified as felonies or misdemeanors.

Felony traffic violations are the most serious and usually involve causing injury, harm, or even death to others. These offenses are punishable by significant fines and prison terms exceeding one year.

On the other hand, traffic misdemeanors are generally less severe. Still, they carry significant penalties, including fines, license suspension, and jail time of at most one year.

Examples of criminal driving offenses in New York include:

DUI or repeat DUI offenses
Reckless driving
Unauthorized speed contests
Leaving the scene of an accident with personal injury
Aggravated vehicular assault
Vehicular manslaughter
Aggravated vehicular homicide

Civil Driving Offenses

Civil driving offenses in New York, categorized as traffic infractions, are considered the least severe driving violations. Typically, those guilty of traffic infractions face penalties in the form of fines and points in their driving records. However, in some instances, especially when aggravated circumstances are involved, jail time may be a consequence.

Some examples of civil driving offenses in New York include:

Failure to obey police officers or flag persons
Disregarding malfunctioning traffic lights
Obstructing traffic at intersections
Leaving an unattended running vehicle
Coasting
Placing hazardous substances on the highway
Driving through safety zones

New York Driving Statistics and Goals

Traffic crashes stand out as the primary cause of injury-related fatalities among New York State residents. In fact, the state has recorded an average of 1,098 deaths, 12,093 hospitalizations, and 136,913 emergency department visits annually from 2012 to 2014.

The period from 2019 to 2022 witnessed a 25.8% increase in traffic fatalities. This trend peaked in 2022 despite declining overall traffic accidents, licensed drivers, and vehicle miles traveled.

Factors such as speeding, impaired driving, and lack of seatbelt usage contribute significantly to the escalating fatality rates. Specifically, speeding and impaired driving accounted for around one-third of crashes each, while seatbelt non-compliance was linked to 64% of fatalities.

Federal and state authorities have launched various safety initiatives to combat this alarming trend.

New York State, for instance, received a budget for over five years from the federal government for the Highway Safety Improvement Program, designed to enhance safety measures at high-crash locations and road segments.

Additionally, local governments, like New York City with its Vision Zero program, are implementing targeted strategies encompassing street redesign, speed limit reductions, rigorous traffic enforcement, and robust public awareness campaigns to curb traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions About New York Driving Records

Drivers in New York are encouraged to review the following commonly asked questions regarding driving records in the state:

How To Correct Errors in New York Driving Records?

Inaccuracies in New York driving records can hinder job opportunities and raise insurance costs. To address errors, individuals should contact the NY DMV customer service from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) on weekdays (excluding state holidays).

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay in New York Driving Records?

The duration in which traffic violations stay on an individual's driving records in New York varies depending on the nature or severity of the offense. Typically, violations remain on record for up to four years post-conviction. However, severe violations, like those involving alcohol, may persist on records for ten to 15 years.

Can Individuals Remove Points in New York Driving Records?

Individuals in New York can eliminate points from their driving records by successfully finishing a Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP) course. However, only four active points can be removed, and completion of the program does not erase any violations or convictions from the individual's driving history.

Helpful Links and Resources

Motorists in New York can explore the resources below for more information regarding the state’s driving records:

Visit this page to learn more about the content of each type of the state’s driving records: https://dmv.ny.gov/records/get-my-own-driving-record-abstract.
For a complete list of common traffic violations in the state and their associated points in driving records, navigate this link: https://dmv.ny.gov/points-and-penalties/the-new-york-state-driver-point-system#:~:text=The%20DMV%20assigns%20points%20for,(see%20Suspensions%20and%20Revocations).
Refer to this page for a list of all NY DMV office locations: https://dmv.ny.gov/contact-us/office-locations?address=null&radius=10&county=null&city=null.

Counties in New York

List of Content

Types of Driving Records Available in New York
How To Request a New York Driving History Report?
1. Online
2. In Person
Uses of New York Driving Records
Understanding New York Driving Laws
The Points System in New York
Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in New York
1. Criminal Driving Offenses
2. Civil Driving Offenses
New York Driving Statistics and Goals
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Driving Records
Helpful Links and Resources