Do Traffic Violations Show Up on a Criminal Background Check?
When applying for a job, renting an apartment, or seeking to adopt a child, many individuals undergo a criminal background check. The purpose of this check is to ensure that the individual has a clean criminal record and is not a threat to others. But what happens when a person has committed traffic violations? Do these violations show up on a criminal background check?
What is a Criminal Background Check?
A criminal background check is a process that involves reviewing an individual’s criminal history to identify any prior convictions, arrests, or charges. The check typically includes information from law enforcement agencies, court records, and other government databases. The purpose of the check is to provide employers, landlords, and other organizations with information about an individual’s criminal history.
Do Traffic Violations Show Up on a Criminal Background Check?
In General: Traffic violations do not typically show up on a criminal background check. Traffic violations are considered civil infractions, not criminal offenses. As such, they are not included in a criminal background check.
Exceptions: However, there are some exceptions where traffic violations may show up on a criminal background check:
- DUI or DWI: If an individual has been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), this information may be included in a criminal background check. DUI and DWI are considered criminal offenses and are typically reported to law enforcement agencies.
- Reckless Driving: In some cases, reckless driving may be considered a criminal offense and may be included in a criminal background check.
- Hit-and-Run: If an individual has been charged with hit-and-run, this information may also be included in a criminal background check.
Why Do Traffic Violations Not Typically Show Up on a Criminal Background Check?
Traffic violations are considered civil infractions because they are not considered serious enough to warrant criminal charges. In most cases, traffic violations are handled through the civil justice system, where the violator is fined and may receive points on their driver’s license.
Criminal Background Check Results:
Here is an example of what a criminal background check might show:
| Offense | Date | Disposition |
|---|---|---|
| DUI | 2015 | Convicted |
| Reckless Driving | 2010 | Nolle Prosequi |
| Traffic Violation | 2018 | Fined |
In this example, the individual has a DUI conviction and a reckless driving charge that was nolle prosequi (dismissed). The traffic violation is listed as a fine, indicating that it was handled through the civil justice system.
Conclusion:
In general, traffic violations do not show up on a criminal background check. However, there are some exceptions where traffic violations may be included in a criminal background check, such as DUI, reckless driving, or hit-and-run. It’s important to understand that criminal background checks are used to identify criminal offenses, not civil infractions like traffic violations.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the difference between a criminal background check and a traffic violation report? A criminal background check is a review of an individual’s criminal history, while a traffic violation report is a review of an individual’s traffic history.
- Can I get a copy of my criminal background check? In most states, individuals can request a copy of their criminal background check, but this may require a fee and proof of identity.
- Will a traffic violation affect my ability to get a job or rent an apartment? In most cases, a traffic violation will not affect your ability to get a job or rent an apartment. However, multiple traffic violations or serious traffic offenses may raise concerns about your ability to safely operate a vehicle.
Additional Resources:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Background Checks
- National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS): What is a Background Check?
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): Criminal Background Checks
By understanding what information is included in a criminal background check and how traffic violations are handled, individuals can better prepare for these checks and make informed decisions about their personal and professional lives.
