California State Center Wiki: Retention Of California Driver Record Information

Retention of California Driver Record Information

Introduction

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has modified the reporting period of certain driver record information in an effort to provide the same public record information to all entitled requesters.

DMV's statutory authority for retaining and reporting driver record information is in Vehicle Code (VC) 1807 and VC 1808.

Accidents

Accidents will be reported for 3 years from the accident date.

Abstracts of Conviction

Any violation designated as two points will be reported for 7 years from violation date.
All other convictions of traffic violations will be reported for 3 years from violation date.*
Violations occurring in a commercial vehicle which are the basis for an action under Vehicle Code Sections (VC ) 15300a, 15300b, 15302, 15304, and 15306 will be reported for 55 years from conviction date.

===Sealed, Dismissed, or FTA (Failure To Appear) Recall Abstracts

Abstract sealed - Reported to insurance companies who have DMV requester codes. A driver may also request this information.
Dismissal based on traffic school attendance (VC 1803.5 and 1808.7) Reports 2nd dismissal in 18-month period.
FTA [RecallReports]Create? for 18 months from the dismissal date.

Actions Against Certificates or License Endorsements

Actions against certificates or endorsements will be reported from 1 to 12 years. The reason for taking the action will determine the length of reporting.

Civil Judgment Actions

Civil judgment actions will report for 3 years from the proof termination date* or the reinstatement date*, whichever is earlier.

Commercial Disqualifications

Commercial disqualifications for the following Vehicle Code Sections will be reported up to 3 years from termination date or lifetime (55 years).

VC 15300a, 15300b, 15306, 15308, and 15311 will be reported for 3 years from the date the action is ended.
VC 15302 and 15304 will be reported up to 55 years (lifetime) from the effective date.

DUI Actions

An action taken against your driving privilege because of a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) conviction will be reported for 3 years from the proof termination date, thru date, action termination date, or the reinstatement date, whichever is earlier.

FR Actions

An action taken against your driving privilege because you failed to provide proof* of financial responsibility (FR) will be reported for 3 years from the proof termination date or the reinstatement date, whichever is earlier.

FTAs and FTPs

FTAs for DUI offenses will be reported for 10 years from the violation date. All other FTAs and FTPs (VC 12808c) will be reported for 5 years from the violation date.

Negligent Operator/Provisional Licensing Actions

Actions taken against your driving privilege because you are considered a negligent operator or while you hold a provisional license will be reported for:

3 years from proof termination date, if proof is required.
3 years from thru term date*, if no proof is required.

Physical or Mental Actions

An action taken against your driving privilege because of a physical or mental condition will be reported for the following periods:

If the action is still in effect, it will be reported for 10 years from last contact.
If the action has been ended, it will be reported for 3 years from the termination date.

Glossary of Terms

Abstract: Court document.
Action: Having your driving privilege, certificate, or endorsement cancelled, suspended, revoked, or restricted.
Conviction Date: The date the court adjudicated the case, as reflected on the abstract of conviction.
FTA: Failure to appear in court as promised.
FTP: Failure to pay fine.
Proof: Refers to proof of insurance filed with DMV by an owner and/or driver.
Proof Termination Date: The date the action and the insurance filing (proof) are ended. (VC 16480a2)
Reinstatement Date: The date the driving privilege is returned to its former status.
Thru Term Date: The date the action period is over.
Violation Date: The date the violation occurred, as reflected on the FTA, FTP, or abstract of conviction.

From California Driving Records

Fresh copy to be cached until 9:50:28 AM

Daily Fact

Interesting fact:
If you do not have space in your yard for a built-in earthen pond, consider a "tub" pond or large water bowls
- Where To Put A Backyard Water Garden Or Pond

Source: Louisiana State Center