Reader’s Question:

I received a DUI and increased my insurance. I want to know what other offenses are considered a major offense in DMV?

Ben

Thank you for asking Ben.

Insurance providers differ on what they consider to be a major traffic violation on your driving record. Generally there are several infractions that states’ DMV and insurance companies consider to be major when you are convicted of them.

Some of the offenses that may be considered as major offenses are the following

* Operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol or narcotics (DUI or DWI)
* Reckless driving or negligent driving
* Driving with a suspended, revoked or invalid license
* Drag racing
* Use of a vehicle to commit a felony
* Hit and run, leaving the scene of an accident
* Refusing to stop or fleeing from a law enforcement officer
* Vehicular homicide or manslaughter

You may contact your insurance company or you state’s Department of Motor Vehicle to get more information what falls on the category for major offenses.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

Im looking at my MVR to review my DUI convictions and Im having a hard time understanding it. Can you tell me what’s included on the MVR?

Richard

Thank you for asking Richard.

Basically, a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) is a driving record kept by a state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV). The DMV records a person’s driving history, depending upon state laws.

Typically, an individual’s driving contains a record of moving violations and convictions, collisions (accidents), and departmental actions incurred by the motorist over a period of time. Departmental actions may include major convictions and arrest for driving related cases such as a DUI.

This information for a motor vehicle history is provided by the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) where you are licensed. Each state differ on the system of listing violations and/or coding violations. I would suggest that you contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) to get information on what specific violations on your MVR or driving history mean.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

Does it go to your criminal record if you have conviction of driving without insurance in your DMV record?

Tom

Thank you for asking Tom.

When you are cited by a police officer for a traffic violation and you are not able to provide proof of car insurance, the penalties usually range from suspension or revocation of your driver’s license and possibly even fines. Typically this type of infraction is added to your driving history and it usually remain on your driving record between 7-10 years depending on the state where you are licensed.

Some states however consider major and serious moving violations to be a criminal violation at the same time. Cases where DUI leads to a fatal or reckless driving in states, this can be considered a criminal offense. If you got involved in an accident or any serious violation and you are unable to provide proof of auto insurance, it could be considered a criminal offense. Usually criminal offenses incur severe penalties and these infractions remain on your criminal record permanently.

You may contact your state Department of Motor Vehicle to get more information about about moving violations and the penalties you can get for driving without insurance.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

How many years does crashes stay on my DMV record?

Jenny

Thank you for asking Jenny.

The amount of time that an accident stay on your driving record depends upon the state in which you are licensed and reside in. Every state has its own laws and guidelines regarding the amount of time accidents and moving violations stay on the individual’s motor vehicle record, so check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicle.

The Texas Department of Public Safety for instance keeps traffic violations and accidents on a driver’s record for a period of 5 years, with the exception of major offenses such as DUI and no liability insurance which stay indefinitely.

All TX accidents that are investigated by a police officer are recorded on the person’s driving record. The record does not show fault but shows the date and location of the crash.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

I just want to know how how points are assigned to DMV driving record and how long does it stay there?

Danna

Thank you for asking Danna.

Every state has points system in which they assign points to a individual’s driver’s license and record when they are convicted of a traffic violation. However, not all states have a points system for violations. States vary regarding the points assigned on each violations.

The following are some of the moving violations where points are assigned:

* Reckless driving
* speeding
* Leaving the scene of an accident
* Passing a stopped school bus
* DUI
* Improper passing
* Failure to stop or yield

The amount of time for the points to remain on a driver’s record depends upon the state’s laws. Some states allow points to “fall off” after a certain amount of time while others leave the points on there indefinitely.

To get more information regarding your specific state’s points system and what violations have points assigned to them, you may check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

Hi. I just want to know if there are some states that do not mandate sr22? Thanks.

June

Thank you for asking June.

SR-22s guidelines varies in different state, which means the requirements in one state may not apply in another state. However you can expect an SR-22 or financial responsibility in every state except for these states:

1. Delaware
2. Kentucky
3. Minnesota
4. New Mexico
5. Oklahoma
6. Pennsylvania

These states do not require SR-22s, but if you have an SR-22 and then move to one of these states, you still have to continue to meet the requirements of the SR-22 state where the violation was committed.

North Carolina and New York do not require SR-22 filings. Most cariers do not offer out-of-state SR-22 filings for insurance policies in these states.

To get more information about a specific state and their financial responsibility laws or rules regarding a SR-22, you contact that state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or insurance regulatory body.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

What happens if I cancel the sr22 before the required period?

Peter

Thank you for asking Peter.

State laws differ so I would sugges that you check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or other state agency that is mandating you to obtain an SR-22 to get more information on what will happen if you terminate it before the end of your required time period.

In most states if you have your SR-22 cancelled, terminated or just decided to not carry it for the full period of time you were supposed to have it, your license will be suspended or revoked.

Acquiring and maintaining an sr-22 is required in many states to have your license reinstated. If you do not keep up the SR22 then your driving privileges will be suspended or taken away.

Since the penalty for canceling a SR-22 before the time period varies by state your DMV will be able to give you the the information that you need.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

How do I remove the sr22 from my policy?

Betty

Thank you for asking Betty.

State’s procedures differ but generally if your time period required by the state to carry your SR-22 is completed you should notify your insurance company so that it can be remove from your policy.

Before you contact your insurance cmpany to get the SR22 removed from your policy you may want to contact the department of motor vehicles (DMV) first, to make sure it is okay to cancel your SR-22 insurance. The DMV might need to send you documentation which you would need to show your insurance provider so that they would know that it is now okay to take off this sr22 or financial responsibility certificate/form from your insurance policy.

In most states the insurance provider will send the state a SR-26 when you cancel your SR-22 coverage. This form shows the cancellation of SR-22 or financial responsibility certificate insurance.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

Can you give me the reasons for the DMV to require drivers to carry an sr22?

Jean

Thank you for asking Jean.

The reasons that an SR-22 may be mandated by the state vary depending upon the laws and statutes of the state. In most states the sr22 is required to restore your license after a DWI or DUI conviction.

The SR22 is a form that shows that an individual has financial responsibility on his/her vehicle through car insurance. Generally, it is required by the DMV for drivers who are high risk. Other states have their own reasons that require drivers to acquire and carry the SR-22. Some general reasons a state might require you to file an SR-22 form:

* DUI or DWI (drunk driving or under the influence of drugs)
* serious moving violations such as reckless driving
* compiling too many DMV points in a short period of time
* being termed a habitual traffic offender
* causing an accident while uninsured
* reinstating your license after a suspension or revocation

To get more information under what circumstances your specific state requires the SR-22 contact your local Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV).

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

I just want to know how long does the DMV requires me to carry the sr22 after conviction of DUI? I live in VA.

Dan

Thank you for asking Dan.

In Virginia, the time one must carry a SR-22 may vary in but usually it must be held for 3 years after a DUI/DWI convictions.

According to the VA Department of Motor Vehicles site when three years have elapsed from the effective date of the suspension or revocation, the DMV relieves the owner of the vehicle of the requirement of furnishing proof of financial responsibility or sr22. To verify this information regarding your specific case you may contact the contact the VA DMV.

I most states, being convicted of driving while intoxicated, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or driving while intoxicated and maiming are all kept on your driving record for 11 years.

Goodluck!

MariCAR