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How long does careless driving stay on your record?
I got into a small accident recently and was charged with careless driving. If I get convicted, how long will it stay on my criminal record? I’m really worried that it will hurt my job prospects in the future.
Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
We have good news for you—since careless driving is a traffic infraction rather than a criminal offense, it actually won’t go on your criminal record at all. You will, however, likely get two to three points on your driver’s license if you’re convicted of careless driving. These points will expire within one to five years in most states, but you’ll need to check your state laws for a more exact timeframe.
That’s not to say that careless driving isn’t a serious offense, though. You’ll still have to pay a hefty fine if you’re convicted, and the charge will go on your insurance record for three years. To fight the charge, it’s a good idea to find a
lawyer
who specializes in traffic court to help you out.To counteract the increase in your insurance rates, check out the
Jerry
app. Jerry can help you find the best rates on the coverage you need in a matter of minutes. After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to.
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- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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