Getting a traffic citation—whether it’s for speeding, running a red light, or not wearing your seatbelt—can leave you with questions. One of the most common is: “Does a traffic citation go on your record?” If you’re applying for a job, renewing your car insurance, or just trying to keep your driving history clean, this question matters.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about traffic citations, how they affect your driving record, criminal record, insurance rates, and even background checks. We’ll also explain the difference between civil citations and criminal violations, and how long they stick around.
What Is a Traffic Citation?
A traffic citation, also known as a traffic ticket, is a notice issued by a law enforcement officer when you violate traffic laws. Common examples include:
- Speeding
- Running a stop sign
- Driving without a seatbelt
- Illegal turns
- Expired registration or inspection
A citation usually requires you to pay a fine or appear in court. But what you may not realize is that a citation can create different types of records, and each has its own impact and timeline.
Does a Traffic Citation Go on Your Driving Record?
Yes, in most cases, a traffic citation does go on your driving record. When you’re convicted—either by paying the fine or going to court and losing—the violation is typically reported to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) they keep includes:
- The date of the citation
- Type of violation
- Points added to your license (if applicable)
- Any license suspensions or revocations
How Long Does It Stay?
This depends on your state and the severity of the violation. Here’s a general guideline:
- Minor violations (like going 10 mph over the speed limit): 2–5 years
- Major violations (like reckless driving or DUI): 5–10 years or more
- Some states like Nevada, New Jersey, and Ohio keep violations permanently on your MVR.
Always check with your state’s DMV for exact retention rules.
Does a Traffic Citation Go on Your Criminal Record?
In most cases, no, a routine traffic citation does not go on your criminal record.
Most traffic tickets are civil infractions, not crimes. That means:
- No arrest
- No criminal charges
- No criminal conviction
When Does It Show Up on a Criminal Record?
There are exceptions. Some traffic violations are considered misdemeanors or even felonies, such as:
- Driving under the influence (DUI or DWI)
- Driving on a suspended or revoked license
- Reckless driving (in some states)
- Leaving the scene of an accident
If you are convicted of one of these, it will show up on a criminal background check.
Will a Traffic Citation Show Up on a Background Check?
For most jobs, a basic traffic citation will not show up on a criminal background check, because it’s not a criminal offense.
However, there are situations where a citation can show up:
- If the citation led to a misdemeanor or felony conviction
- If the employer also checks your driving record (MVR)—which is common for jobs involving driving
- If you are applying for a job with the government, law enforcement, or security clearance, they may look at everything
So while the average employer may not see a minor ticket, it depends on the type of background check being done.
Do Traffic Citations Affect Your Insurance Rates?
Yes—insurance companies care a lot about traffic citations. Even if a ticket doesn’t go on your criminal record, it can still hurt your wallet through higher auto insurance premiums.
Here’s how:
- Insurers check your driving record regularly.
- Citations = risky behavior in the eyes of insurance companies.
- Even a minor speeding ticket can cause your premiums to go up for 3–5 years.
How Much Does It Cost?
The exact increase depends on your insurer and driving history. On average:
- 1 minor ticket: $200–$500/year increase
- 2 or more tickets: $500–$1,500/year increase
That’s thousands of dollars over a few years—all because of one citation.
How Long Does a Traffic Citation Stay on Your Record?
There’s not a single answer, because a citation affects three types of records, each with its own timeline:
DMV Driving Record
- Duration: 1 year to permanently, depending on the state
- Used by: Law enforcement, courts, employers (if they check your MVR)
Points on License
- Duration: Usually 1–3 years
- Used by: DMV to track high-risk drivers and suspend licenses if needed
- Not all states use point systems
Insurance Company Records
- Duration: Typically 3–5 years
- Used by: Auto insurers for setting premium rates
Each system operates separately, which means a ticket can drop off your license points, but still affect your insurance rates or remain visible on your driving history.
Do All Traffic Citations Add Points to Your License?
No. Whether or not a ticket adds points to your license depends on:
- The type of violation
- Your state’s point system
For example:
- In California, a basic speeding ticket adds 1 point and stays for 39 months
- In New York, speeding 11–20 mph over the limit adds 4 points
- In states without a point system, violations are still tracked and can lead to suspension for repeat offenses
Too many points in a short time can result in:
- License suspension
- Mandatory driving courses
- Higher insurance rates
Can You Remove a Traffic Citation from Your Record?
Sometimes, yes. Here are a few ways you may be able to reduce or remove the impact of a citation:
Defensive Driving Courses
- Many states let you take an approved class to dismiss the ticket
- Usually allowed once every 12–18 months
- Must be completed within a certain time
- May also reduce insurance premiums
Fight the Ticket in Court
- If you weren’t guilty, it may be worth contesting
- A dismissed case = no conviction = nothing on your record
- May require hiring a traffic attorney
Expungement (Rare)
- In cases of criminal traffic violations, expungement may be possible after a waiting period
- Rules vary widely by state and type of violation
Do Employers Care About Traffic Citations?
It depends on the job.
Jobs That Don’t Usually Care:
- Office/desk jobs
- Retail and customer service
- Most remote work positions
Jobs That Do Care:
- Commercial driving (CDL holders, delivery drivers, etc.)
- School bus drivers
- Ride-share and gig driving jobs (Uber, Lyft, etc.)
- Positions requiring company vehicle use
Employers in these fields may pull your MVR and disqualify applicants with recent or serious citations.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay a Traffic Citation?
Ignoring a traffic ticket is a big mistake. Here’s what might happen:
- Additional fines and late fees
- License suspension
- Bench warrant for arrest
- Ineligibility to renew registration or license
- Credit score damage (in some states if sent to collections)
Always respond to a citation—either pay it, contest it, or explore alternative options.
How to Check If a Traffic Citation Is on Your Record
You can check all three record types to see if a citation is still affecting you:
- Driving Record (MVR): Order it through your state’s DMV
- Points on License: Check DMV or call customer service
- Insurance Record: Contact your insurance agent or request a report
Some third-party background check services also let you see your full driving and criminal history.
Final Thoughts: Know What’s on Your Record
So, does a traffic citation go on your record?
Yes, but how it affects you depends on the type of citation and the record in question.
- A civil infraction will appear on your driving record, not your criminal record
- It may cause points on your license and raise your insurance premiums
- It’s unlikely to show up on a criminal background check, unless it was a serious violation
- Most citations affect you for 1 to 5 years, but some stay longer depending on your state
Understanding these differences gives you the power to take control—whether that means driving more carefully, attending a defensive driving course, or fighting a ticket in court.