Does a Speeding Ticket Show Up on a Background Check?
If you’ve ever gotten a speeding ticket, you might wonder, “Will this show up on a background check?” It’s a common question, especially for people applying for jobs, renting a home, or going through a legal process. We’ll explain everything in simple terms so you can understand what to expect.
What Is a Speeding Ticket?
A speeding ticket is a type of traffic violation. It happens when you drive faster than the legal speed limit. Police officers can issue a ticket on the spot, and you may have to pay a fine or even go to traffic court.
Speeding tickets are usually considered minor offenses. But that doesn’t mean they have no effect. Depending on the situation, they can impact your driving record, insurance rates, and even your job prospects.
What Is a Background Check?
A background check is when someone looks into your personal history. This can include your:
- Criminal records
- Employment history
- Education
- Driving record
- Credit report (in some cases)
Employers, landlords, schools, and even banks can run background checks. The purpose is to make sure you are trustworthy and don’t have any serious legal issues.
Does a Speeding Ticket Count as a Criminal Record?
In most cases, a speeding ticket is not part of your criminal record. It is usually considered a civil offense or infraction, not a crime.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand:
| Type of Violation | Is It a Crime? | Shows on Criminal Record? | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding Ticket (Minor) | No | No | Going 10 mph over limit |
| Reckless Driving | Yes (sometimes) | Yes | Driving 40 mph over limit |
| DUI (Driving Under Influence) | Yes | Yes | Driving drunk |
As you can see, simple speeding tickets are different from serious driving offenses like reckless driving or DUI.
Will a Speeding Ticket Show Up on a Background Check?
The short answer: It depends on the type of background check.
There are different kinds of background checks, and not all of them include your driving history.
Let’s break it down:
1. Standard Criminal Background Check
- Will it show a speeding ticket?
No, a regular criminal background check does not show minor traffic tickets like speeding. - Why?
Because speeding is not a crime—it’s a civil infraction in most states.
2. Driving Record Check (MVR Check)
- Will it show a speeding ticket?
Yes, this type of check is specifically for your driving history. - Who uses it?
Employers hiring for driving jobs, car insurance companies, and some government agencies.
3. Employment Background Check
- Will it show a speeding ticket?
It depends on the job. If driving is part of the job, your employer may check your driving record too. - Examples of jobs that check driving records:
- Delivery drivers
- Truck drivers
- Taxi/Uber/Lyft drivers
- Bus drivers
How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Record?
This also depends on the state you live in. But in most states:
- A speeding ticket stays on your driving record for 3 to 5 years.
- After that, it usually drops off unless it was a serious offense.
Here’s a general idea:
| State | Average Time a Speeding Ticket Stays |
|---|---|
| California | 3 years |
| Texas | 3 years |
| Florida | 5 years |
| New York | 4 years |
| Illinois | 4 to 5 years |
Note: These times are only for the driving record. Speeding tickets usually do not stay on your criminal record.
Can a Speeding Ticket Affect a Job?
For most office jobs, a minor speeding ticket will not affect your chances of getting hired. Employers don’t usually care unless:
- You have many speeding tickets
- You’re applying for a driving-related job
- You had a serious violation (like reckless driving)
In jobs where safety is important, like school bus drivers or truck drivers, even a few speeding tickets may matter.
Do Employers Check Driving Records?
Not always. But if you’re applying for a job that involves driving, they probably will.
Some employers ask for what’s called an MVR Check (Motor Vehicle Report). This will show:
- Speeding tickets
- Accidents
- License suspensions
- DUIs
If the job involves a company car or transporting people/goods, they will want to know how safe you are behind the wheel.
What About Insurance Companies?
Insurance companies definitely look at your driving record. A speeding ticket can:
- Increase your insurance rates
- Make you a “high-risk driver”
- Lead to policy cancellation if you have too many violations
Even if it doesn’t show on a background check for jobs, it will matter to your insurance provider.
Can You Remove a Speeding Ticket from Your Record?
In some cases, yes. You might be able to:
- Attend traffic school
- Ask for expungement (rare for tickets)
- Contest the ticket in court
Check your local DMV or traffic court for options. In many states, traffic school can keep the ticket off your record if completed on time.
What Should You Do If You Have a Speeding Ticket?
Here are a few steps to protect your record:
- Pay the fine or contest it in court
- Avoid future violations
- Drive safely and responsibly
- Ask your DMV for a copy of your driving record to see what’s on it
- Be honest with employers if they ask about driving history
Also Read: Do Arrests Show on Background Checks?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do speeding tickets affect background checks?
In most cases, a speeding ticket will not appear on a regular criminal background check. It’s usually a civil offense, not a crime. But if the background check includes your driving history, like for a driving job, then it may show up on that report.
Will employers see my speeding tickets?
Most employers don’t see minor speeding tickets unless they check your driving record, which they usually do only if driving is part of the job. For example, delivery drivers or truck drivers often have their records checked, and speeding tickets can impact hiring decisions for these roles.
How long does a ticket stay on my record?
A speeding ticket usually stays on your driving record for 3 to 5 years, depending on your state. It does not stay on your criminal record. After this time, it normally drops off, especially if you maintain a clean driving history with no other violations.
Can a ticket make my insurance go higher?
Yes, even one speeding ticket can raise your car insurance rates. Insurance companies look at your driving record to see how risky you are. A ticket shows that you were speeding, which can make them think you’re more likely to have an accident and file a claim.
Can I remove a speeding ticket from my record?
In some states, you may be able to remove a speeding ticket by completing traffic school or defensive driving courses. This depends on the rules in your area and whether the court allows it. You should check with your DMV or traffic court to find out your options.
