There are plenty of reasons to protect your driving record and make sure it is accurate. If your Pennsylvania driving record shows a history of moving violations, speeding tickets and other issues, you could find yourself spending thousands of dollars in extra car insurance premiums. Worse yet, a poor driving record could cost you the job you need, especially if that job requires the use of a company vehicle. Whether you want to get a job as an over-the-road truck driver or just deliver pizzas in your spare time, a black mark on your driving record could cost you the job and reduce your future earning potential.
New Residents
If you have recently moved to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it is a good idea to pull a copy of your driving record as soon as you can. Mistakes can follow you from state to state, and fixing them now will help you avoid problems later on. You do not want to wait until you are denied car insurance or lose out on a great courier job to find out why – knowing what is in your driving record is the best way to protect yourself.
Visiting the Pennsylvania DMV
If you need to obtain a copy of your Pennsylvania driving record in person, you can do so at a number of different DMV offices throughout the state. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a large and well-staffed DMV facility in the capital city of Harrisburg, as well as satellite offices in just about every major city. No matter where you live, you are probably less than an hour from a DMV office where you can order a copy of your driving record and review what it says.
Getting Your Pennsylvania Driving Record Online
The bad news is you cannot currently request a copy of your Pennsylvania driving record via the Internet. The Commonwealth has not yet discovered that it is now the 21st century.
The good news is that you can obtain the form you need to get your driving record by going online and visiting this page on the DMV website.
You can print and complete the form, then mail it to the address listed on the front or take it to one of many DMV offices throughout the state.
Review Your Driving Record Carefully
No matter how you obtain a copy of your Pennsylvania driving record, you need to check the document carefully. Whether you review the driving record online or get a copy in person or through the mail, you should read what it says and question any discrepancies.
If you know you did not receive a speeding ticket but the state says you did, you need to make your voice heard. The state might think it is always right, but DMV workers can and do make mistakes. Those mistakes could cost you both money and opportunity, so it is up to you to question them when they arise.
To ensure you are able to check your record for any inaccurate details, I’ve included the following section to provide a brief overview of the Points System in Pennsylvania.
The PA Points System
It’s the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s job to monitor the points being added to your driving record. To give you an idea, I’ve listed some of the most common traffic violations in the state and their corresponding points:
- Five points for failure to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and for exceeding the maximum speed of 31 or more mph over the speed limit
- Four points improper passing on a hill
- Three points for failure to stop at a red light
- Two points for failure to obey an authorized person directing traffic
These are just a few examples. Check here if you want to view the complete list.
Meanwhile, the PennDOT is also responsible for taking corrective action when you accumulate a certain number of points.
For example, if you reach 6 points, they will send a written notice to take a written special point exam. The next time you get another 6 points, you will be required to attend a Departmental hearing. You’ll face additional hearings or possible license suspension if you receive another point after that. And the third time you reach 6 points, your license will be suspended.
The good news is that you can dismiss the ticket (and prevent points from being added to your driving record) by attending a traffic school.
Just make sure to seek approval from your court handler to dismiss your ticket through a traffic school before you register. If you prefer to take the course online, we highly recommend GoToTrafficSchool.
Who Can See Your Record
Your Pennsylvania driving record is a very personal thing, but it is also a matter of public record for those with a need to know. The good news is that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania does place restrictions on who can access your driving record. If your neighbor wants to know how many tickets you have gotten, the state will not satisfy their curiosity without your express approval. If, on the other hand, you apply for a driving position, your would-be employer can obtain a copy of your driving record. This helps ensure that only safe drivers are allowed on the road. It also protects the company from liability in the event of an accident.
Driving Jobs
If you are applying for a position as a courier, delivery driver or similar position, the job application may include a release that entitles the company to access your driving record and make their hiring decision accordingly. That is just one more reason why you need to review your driving record carefully and notify the state of any errors you find. Getting a copy of your driving record is just the first step. The real reason for obtaining this vital document is to check it for errors.