Pennsylvania Driving Records

Driving records, managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), are essential for tracking and documenting a driver's history. These records contain detailed information such as traffic violations, license suspensions, and accidents that offer a clear view of a driver’s past.

A driving record is essential for determining insurance rates and legal driving status. For companies, particularly in the transportation industry, these records help conduct background checks and maintain compliance with Pennsylvania’s Vehicle Code and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs).

Pennsylvania driving records help employers manage risk, maintain safety standards, and reduce liability by providing accurate and up-to-date information. Therefore, the effective management of these records is critical for ensuring public safety and operational efficiency across multiple industries.

Types of Driving Records Available in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers various driving records through PennDOT, each designed to meet different needs. Access to these records is regulated by Pennsylvania law, which restricts availability to those with a legitimate purpose and, in many cases, requires the driver’s consent.

Basic Driver Record

The Basic Driver Record provides fundamental details about a driver, including their name, address, driver number, date of birth, and license class. This record is frequently used by individuals for personal reference.

Full Driver Record

The Full Driver Record is the most comprehensive report available and includes a complete history of all driving-related activities. It covers:

The entire driving history of an individual licensed in the state
All traffic violations and infractions
Detailed information on suspensions, revocations, reinstatements, and restrictions placed on the driver’s license
A full record of all accidents the driver has been in

This report is particularly useful for legal proceedings, official inquiries, or any situation requiring a complete and detailed driving history.

3-Year Driver Record

The 3-Year Driver Record focuses specifically on the past three years of a driver's history. It includes:

Any traffic violations that occurred within the last three years
Details of any accidents within the same period
The current status of the driver’s license

This record is often requested by employers during the hiring process, especially for positions that involve driving, as it provides insight into the driver's recent behavior and reliability.

10-Year Driver Record

The 10-Year Driver Record provides a decade-long view of a driver’s history, including:

All traffic violations and infractions over the past ten years
A detailed account of any accidents during this period
Information on any suspensions, revocations, and reinstatements within the last ten years

This record is valuable for conducting long-term background checks, especially for roles where consistent, safe driving over many years is crucial.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Driver Record

The CDL Driver Record is specifically designed for commercial drivers in Pennsylvania. This record includes:

Any violations specific to commercial driving
Details on the driver’s adherence to FMCSA regulations
Information on the driver’s medical certification
Non-commercial driving history

This record is needed by transportation industry employers to ensure their drivers meet state and federal safety standards.

Certified vs. Non-Certified Records

Certified records are endorsed with an official seal and signature from PennDOT, verifying their authenticity. These records are necessary for legal situations, such as court proceedings or official submissions to government agencies.

Meanwhile, non-certified records are meant solely for informational purposes and lack the official seal. They are generally used for personal reference or in contexts where formal verification is not required.

Driving Record Costs

The fees for obtaining Basic, Full, 3-year, 10-year, and CDL driving records are $14 each. Certified records are priced at $44. Prices are subject to change—always check PennDOT’s payment schedule for the latest fees.

How To Request a Pennsylvania Driving History Report?

Pennsylvania residents can request their driving history report online, by mail, or in person. Each method involves specific procedures and documentation.

Online Process

The simplest way to obtain a driving history report is via PennDOT's online portal. To use this service, drivers need to:

Create an account or log in.
Provide a Pennsylvania driver’s license or state ID number.
Pay the fee.

Online transactions must be completed with a credit or debit card.

Certified driver’s records cannot be requested online, only by mail or in person.

Mail-In Process

If an individual prefers to request their report by mail, they should complete the Request for Driver Information (Form DL-503). Along with the form, they need to include:

A check or money order made payable to "PennDOT" for the appropriate fee
A copy of the driver’s license or ID

The form, payment, and identification should be sent to PennDOT’s Bureau of Driver and Vehicle Services:

BUREAU OF DRIVER LICENSING

DRIVER RECORD SERVICES

P.O. BOX 68695

HARRISBURG, PA 17106-8695

In-Person Process

A driving history report can also be requested by visiting a PennDOT Driver License Center. Individuals should bring:

A valid Pennsylvania driver’s license or state-issued ID
Payment for the record

Payments can be made using payment cards, checks, or money orders, all of which should be made payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Drivers can find the nearest center through PennDOT’s Find a Location page.

Uses of Pennsylvania Driving Records

Driving records are documents subject to strict regulations to maintain proper use and confidentiality. They can be requested in the state for the following purposes:

Insurance assessments for evaluating risks
Employment screening for positions that require operating vehicles
Legal proceedings
Personal review to check accuracy and monitor discrepancies
Government agencies and law enforcement use

Driving records are NOT intended for the following:

Marketing
Public disclosure and dissemination
Unauthorized distribution
Data combination with data from another database

PennDOT retains exclusive ownership of all driver record information. Records cannot be sold, assigned, or transferred to any third parties other than the authorized end user.

Understanding Pennsylvania Driving Laws

Pennsylvania upholds a set of driving laws aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of all Pennsylvanians on its roads. The following are laws that every driver in the state should be familiar with:

Seat Belt Requirements

The state’s seat belt law requires drivers and front-seat passengers aged 18 and older to wear seat belts at all times. If a driver 18 or older is stopped for another traffic violation and either the driver or a front-seat passenger is not wearing a seat belt, an additional ticket will be issued.

Pennsylvania's child passenger restraint laws further mandate that children under four use an approved child safety seat. Furthermore, those under two need a rear-facing car seat until they exceed the manufacturer’s limits, and children aged four to eight must use a booster seat.

Speed Limits

State speed limits indicate the maximum safe speed under ideal circumstances, and they vary depending on the location and type of roadway.

Urban areas: 35 miles per hour (mph)
Freeways: 70 mph
Residential districts: 25 mph
Other roads: 55 mph
School zones: 15 mph

Drivers following posted speed limits may still receive a ticket if they drive too fast in conditions like bad weather or poor visibility. Pennsylvania enforces a scale of fines for speeding violations, with penalties increasing for more severe offenses.

Distracted Driving

Texting while driving is illegal for all drivers in Pennsylvania. State law specifically prohibits the use of any Interactive Wireless Communication Device (IWCD)—like smartphones—for texting, instant messaging, emailing, or internet browsing while the vehicle is in motion. The penalty includes a $50 fine plus court costs and additional fees.

Move Over Law

Pennsylvania's Move Over Law requires drivers to change lanes when approaching an emergency response area to create a safer space for first responders. If changing lanes isn’t possible, drivers must reduce their speed by at least 20 mph below the posted limit unless directed otherwise by emergency personnel.

First-time offenders who violate the Move Over Law can be fined up to $500. Moreover, fines for certain traffic violations are doubled when first responders are present.

Headlight/Windshield Wiper Law

Pennsylvania law requires drivers to turn on their headlights whenever they use their windshield wipers, whether continuously or intermittently, due to weather conditions. Failing to comply with this law can result in a $25 fine. With added fees, the total penalty can be close to $100.

Turn Signals

Using turn signals isn't just courteous—it's the law in Pennsylvania. Drivers are required to signal before turning, changing lanes, or merging into traffic from a parked position.

Drivers traveling at 35 mph or more are required to activate their turn signal at least 300 feet before making a turn. For speeds of 35 mph or less, the turn signal should be engaged at least 100 feet before the turn.

License Requirements for Residents and Foreign Nationals

New Pennsylvania residents must obtain a state driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. If they have an out-of-state license that qualifies, it can be transferred. Residents must also register their vehicles with PennDOT and provide proof of ownership and insurance.

Foreign nationals can drive in Pennsylvania with an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a valid foreign license for up to one year. Afterward, they may need to apply for a Pennsylvania license, providing valid ID, proof of residency, and legal status, and may need to pass written and driving tests.

State law requires all drivers to maintain minimum liability insurance, with proof kept in the vehicle.

The Points System in Pennsylvania

The point system in Pennsylvania is designed to promote safer driving by penalizing certain violations with points on a driver’s record. When a driver accumulates six or more points, PennDOT takes action to address unsafe driving.

For a first offense reaching six points, the driver must take a special point examination. If the driver accrues six points again, they must attend a departmental hearing. Further violations resulting in six or more points may lead to additional hearings or driving privilege suspensions.

Additionally, drivers under 18 who accumulate six points or are caught speeding 26 mph or more over the limit will face a 90-day suspension for the first offense, with subsequent violations leading to a 120-day suspension.

The following are some of the most common traffic violations in Pennsylvania and their associated points:

Speeding (6-10 mph over the limit): 2 points
Speeding (11-15 mph over the limit): 3 points
Speeding (16-25 mph over the limit): 4 points
Speeding (26-30 mph over the limit): 5 points
Speeding (31-50 mph over the limit): 5 points
Careless driving: 3 points
Failure to yield: 3 points

Drivers can view the complete point schedule in the Pennsylvania Point System Fact Sheet.

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Pennsylvania

Driving offenses are categorized into criminal and civil, each with distinct penalties. The following are some driving offenses classified as criminal in Pennsylvania:

Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Penalties include fines, license suspension, and possible jail time
Reckless Driving: Results in fines, potential jail time, and license suspension
Hit and Run: Consequences vary based on damage or injuries but can include fines and imprisonment

Some examples of civil driving offenses include:

Speeding: Results in fines based on speed and location
Improper Turns: Incurs a fine and points on the license
Failing to Yield: Typically results in a fine and points on the license

Criminal offenses can lead to a permanent record, while civil violations primarily affect fines and driving points. Accumulating too many points from civil offenses can lead to further penalties, such as license suspension.

Pennsylvania Driving Statistics and Goals

Here are key driving statistics in the state as detailed in the 2023 Pennsylvania Crash Facts & Statistics:

In 2023, Pennsylvania experienced 110,382 reportable traffic crashes, resulting in 1,209 fatalities and 66,563 injuries.
The fatality rate was 1.21 fatalities per hundred million vehicle miles, lower than the projected U.S. fatality rate of 1.25.
On average, there were 302 reportable traffic crashes each day in 2023, which equates to about 13 crashes every hour.
Three people were fatally injured daily, translating to one fatality every seven hours.
One hundred eighty-two people were injured daily, which is about eight injuries per hour.
One in 53 residents was involved in a reportable traffic crash.
One in 10,721 residents was fatally injured.
One in 195 residents sustained injuries in reportable crashes.

PennDOT has set ambitious road safety goals for the upcoming five-year period. Their primary objective is to achieve a 2% annual reduction in fatalities while maintaining current levels of suspected serious injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Driving Records

The following are some common questions concerning drivers in the state:

Who Can Request a Driving Record?

Drivers can request their own records, while employers, insurance companies, and law enforcement can also request them for specific purposes. Authorized third parties may obtain records with proper consent.

How Can Drivers Reduce Points From Their Records?

Drivers can reduce points by completing an approved driver improvement program, maintaining a clean record for 12 months, or passing a special point examination.

How To Remove a Violation on Pennsylvania Driving Records?

Pennsylvania generally does not expunge points or suspensions from driving records.

Exceptions include underage drinking suspensions removed if the individual is over 21 and has completed their sentence, and DUI suspensions removed after ten years if the driver was in Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD), did not have a CDL, and had no license revocations during that time.

Helpful Links and Resources

Here are some useful links for Pennsylvania drivers and accessing driving records:

Official site for license renewals, vehicle registration, and driving records: https://www.dmv.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Essential resource for learning traffic laws and safe driving practices: https://www.dmv.pa.gov/Driver-Services/Driver-Licensing/Pages/Pennsylvania-Driver's-Manual.aspx
Guide to understanding auto insurance requirements in Pennsylvania: https://www.insurance.pa.gov/Coverage/Auto/Pages/Auto.aspx
Information on programs for improving driving skills and addressing point accumulations: https://www.dmv.pa.gov/Information-Centers/Suspensions/Pages/Driver-Improvement-School.aspx

Counties in Pennsylvania

List of Content

Types of Driving Records Available in Pennsylvania
How To Request a Pennsylvania Driving History Report?
Uses of Pennsylvania Driving Records
Understanding Pennsylvania Driving Laws
The Points System in Pennsylvania
Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Driving Statistics and Goals
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Driving Records
Helpful Links and Resources