PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
How long does it take to clear my driving record?
I’ve only been driving for two years and have already ruined my clean driving record. I’m so worried this will affect me long-term. How long do tickets stay on your driving record?
Macy Fouse · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Oh, no—I’m sorry! Don’t worry too much, though.
How long it takes to clear your driving record depends on the severity of the violation and the state laws where you live. For example, a speeding ticket will stay on your record for under five years in most states.
Nearly every state has its own point system they use to keep track of your record and offenses. Every infraction comes with a specific number of points and accumulating too many can lead to serious consequences. More serious infractions come with more points—and are likely to stay on your record longer.
Some states never clear your driving record, but the points may go away after a certain amount of time. Depending on your state and the infraction, there may be ways to proactively reduce or erase points from your record, such as:
- Taking a defensive driving course. Some states allow you to enroll in traffic school to reduce the consequences of your ticket.
- Contesting your ticket. If you think your ticket was unfair, or you just want to try to get a reduced penalty, you can contest the charge in court.
- Expunging your record. Several states will expunge your record after a period of time or if you meet certain criteria.
A spotty record can come with astronomical
car insurance
rates, too. When you use the Jerry
app, though, you can effortlessly shop for better-priced insurance. The average Jerry user saves $887 a year.View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
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.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies