How To Access Your Driving Record
At some point in time, you may find yourself needing to access your driving record, in order to submit to a court, employer, or for any other purpose. Here are some helpful steps for requesting your driving record for some of our most popular states: California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Arizona.
California
You can request an online unofficial copy of your driving record directly from the California DMV website for a $2 fee. You would first need to be a certified user of the DMV website by registering online. You can do this through this link: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/FIM/sps/uscfed/usc/self/account/create . Once your California DMV user account is set up, you can go to this link https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/online/dr to request your unofficial online driving record. Please make sure that you have a printer ready and that it is in working order, so you can print out the driving record when it opens, as you will only have one opportunity to print out your record after the fee has been paid. If not, you will need to repay the fee to access the record again.
Please note that if you need an official driving record document, you will need to fill out an INF 1125 document (PDF accessible on the link provided above) and mail it in to the DMV Headquarters. The address is listed on the form.
New York
For New York, you can request an official certified DMV driving record (abstract) online, by mail, or in person at a DMV location. In order to request your driving record online, you must first register for a New York DMV account. You can sign up by going to this link: https://my.dmv.ny.gov/crm/?register=T . Please note that you must have your most recent driver’s license / learner’s permit / non-driver ID information available in order to register. Once your account is set up, you may request the driving record through the MyDMV site. The fee for the online driving record is $7. Once you order the driving record, you will be able to access it to download to your computer and print it up until 11:59 PM the following day.
If you would like to request your driving record by mail, you would need to fill out a MV-15 form “Request for DMV Records,” accessible through this link: https://dmv.ny.gov/dmv-records/get-my-own-driving-record-abstract and mail it, along with a photo copy of your proof of identity, and a personal check or money order for $10.00 payable to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles” and mail it to MV-15 Processing, NYS Department of Motor Vehicles, 6 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12228.
If you would like to request your driving record in-person at a DMV location, you would just need to fill out an MV-15 form “Request for DMV Records” (accessible through the above link) and bring proof of your identity and $10.00 for the fee.
Texas
For Texas, you can order a copy of your driving record online or through the mail. You can access it online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/driverrecords.htm . You will need the following information to access your driving record: your Texas driver’s license, your current DPS audit number, date of birth, last 4 digits of your social security number, credit card (for payment), adobe PDF reader, access to a working printer, and an understanding of the type of driving record that you need. Here are the different types of driving records available: Type 1 – Status Record, Type 2 – 3 year history, Type 2A – Certified 3 year history, Type 3 – List of all crashes and violations, Type 3A – Certified list of all crashes and violations, Type AR – Certified abstract of complete driving record.
If you would like to request your driving record by mail, follow the directions on the Driver Record Request Form (PDF), which is available on the link provided above.
Florida
For Florida, you have two options to request your driving record. You are able to request a copy of your driver’s license in person at a Driver License office, a tax collector, a court clerk, or from a private vendor or you can request it by mail.
In order to request a copy of your driving record by mail, you would need to fill out a Driver License Request Form, which can be accessed through this link: http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/abstract.html and provide the appropriate fee, which is $8 for a 3 year record and $10 for a 7 year record. You will need the following information, in order to request your driving record: full name, birth date, social security number, Florida Driver License number, and the address where to send the record. Send the form and payment to Bureau of Records, P.O. Box 5775, Tallahassee, Florida, 32314-5775. Please note that it may take up to two weeks for your request to be processed.
Arizona
For Arizona, requesting your driving record is very easy online. You would go to the following link: https://servicearizona.com/webapp/citizenMVR/begin.do Then, you would want to provide your personal information, pay the fee, and then download and print your Driver License Motor Vehicle Record results. You must have the following information available to access the record: Arizona driver’s license number, birth date, last four digits of your social security number, and a major credit card for payment. Please note that you should have your printer ready to print out the driving record.
Weirdest Traffic Laws from Each State
Even on the Federal Highway System, the Rules of The Road vary from state to state. Here we’ve collected and commented on some of the more arcane and unusual traffic laws you may want to remember if you live in, or travel in the United States. Read up! Ignorance of the law is no excuse, and if you break the law, you may have to take traffic school to dismiss the ticket.
Alabama – It’s illegal to drive a car while blindfolded.
Alaska – No driving with a dog tethered to your car.
Arizona – It’s against the law to drive a car in reverse on a public road.
Arkansas – in Little Rock it’s against the law to honk your car horn anywhere that serves cold drinks or sandwiches after 9 p.m.
California – In Glendale, it’s illegal to jump from a car going over 65 mph.
Colorado – It’s illegal to drive a black car on a Sunday in Denver.
Connecticut – it’s illegal to hunt from a car.
Delaware – “R” rated movies shall not be shown at drive-in theaters.
Florida – It is illegal to skateboard without a license.
Georgia – There’s no driving through playgrounds in Georgia.
Hawaii – It’s against the law for a vehicle in motion to use its hazard lights. People might think it’s a Luau.
Idaho – it’s forbidden for Senior Citizens over the age of 88 must lose all sense of balance, them to ride a motorcycle in Idaho Falls.
Illinois – It’s illegal to drive a car without a steering wheel. And, of course, impossible.
Indiana – It’s against the law to sell cars on Sundays. Try Maine.
Iowa – No vehicle may sell ice cream in Indianola, Iowa.
Kansas – No tire screeching in Derby, Kansas.
Kentucky – It’s illegal for your pet to molest a vehicle in Fort Thomas.
Louisiana – A woman’s husband is required by law to walk in front of the car waving a flag as she drives it.
Maine – It’s illegal to buy a car on a Sunday. Better move to Indiana.
Maryland – It’s a misdemeanor to swear from a vehicle while driving through Rockville.
Massachusetts – You cannot drive with a gorilla in your backseat. In the front seat is okay with the seat belt buckled.
Michigan – It’s against the law to sit in the middle of the street and read a newspaper. But in Detroit you may lie there and be covered by one.
Minnesota – You can be charged as a public nuisance if your truck leaves mud, dirt or sticky substances on the road in Minnetonka.
Mississippi – In Oxford, it’s illegal to honk your horn, even though it is an additional means of communication included in the price of your car.
Missouri – You can’t honk someone else’s car horn in University City, Missouri.
Montana – You can’t drive a herd of livestock numbering more than 10 on an interstate highway unless the herd is preceded and followed by flagmen.
Nebraska – By law, drivers on mountains should drive with caution near the right edge of the highway. Surprisingly, Bighorn Mountain rises to 4,731 feet.
Nevada – Even though it’s the desert, t’s illegal to ride a camel on the highway.
New Hampshire – It’s against the law to inhale bus fumes with the intent of inducing euphoria. If you want to kill yourself, that’s covered under a different law.
New Jersey – If you have been convicted of DUI, you can never apply for personalized license plates.
New Mexico – It may or may not be kidnapping, but it is illegal for cab drivers to reach out and pull potential customers into their taxis.
New York – It’s against the law to disrobe in your car in the beach town of Sag Harbor, Long Island.
North Carolina – In Dunn, North Carolina it’s illegal to play in traffic.
North Dakota – it’s illegal to lie down and fall asleep with your shoes on.
Ohio – It’s illegal to run out of gas in Youngstown.
Oklahoma –Cars must be tethered outside of public buildings. No guidance on to what.
Oregon – It is illegal to place a container filled with human fecal matter on the side of any highway. No containers!
Pennsylvania –Any motorist who sights a team of horses coming toward him must pull well off the road, cover his car with a blanket or canvas that blends with the countryside, and let the horses pass.
Rhode Island – One must make a loud noise before passing a car on the left. Preferably with your vehicle’s horn.
South Carolina – When approaching a four way or blind intersection in a non-horse driven vehicle you must stop 100 ft. from the intersection and discharge a firearm into the air to warn horse traffic.
South Dakota – No horses are allowed into Fountain Inn unless they are wearing pants.
Tennessee – It’s illegal to shoot game from a moving vehicle. But hitting it with your car is legal, and can be delicious.
Texas – You must have windshield wipers to register a car.
Utah – By law, birds have the right of way on all highways. Luckily, they don’t usually exercise it.
Vermont – It’s illegal for cars to backfire in Rutland.
Virginia – Radar detectors are illegal.
Washington – A motorist with criminal intentions must stop at the city limits and telephone the chief of police as he is entering the town.
West Virginia – It’s legal to eat road kill. No info on whether you can shoot it from your car.
Wisconsin – One may not camp in a wagon on any public highway.
Wyoming – If you open a gate over a road, river, stream or ditch, you’d must close it behind you.
How to Get a Traffic Ticket Reduced
To put it bluntly, traffic tickets are hell. You wind up paying exorbitant fines because some municipalities are increasing the amounts to raise revenue. Moreover, the police are more vigilant than ever about catching motorists in the wrong. If all of this is not bad enough, never forget about the cameras that photograph your car speeding and send the pictures to you in the mail, along with a large bill.
So what can the average driver, such as yourself, do to survive in this age when “Big Brother” is watching their every move on the roads? Well, the answer is to enroll now for a defensive driving course. Not only will you receive pertinent information on how to remain safe behind the wheel but also a possible reduction of license points and having your ticket reduced or dismissed.
The Driving School of Today
You might at first be a bit wary of the advice to attend driving school. After all, you are probably a busy person. When do you have time to sit in a classroom?
Well, scheduling classes is no longer an issue. The driving school of today can take place either in a traditional brick and mortar building or online. You can have online class wherever and whenever convenient. In fact, many families and coworkers enroll in group classes to motivate each other to complete the courses.
Ticket Reduction
Most states allow those who completed a defensive driving course to have their traffic tickets dismissed.
The school should be recognized by the state. Moreover, the instructor must be certified by the authorities and the course most be for a certain number of hours. Check with your driving school to ascertain the specific requirements in your jurisdiction.
Upon completion of the course, motorists may receive ticket dismissal, license point reduction and automobile insurance discounts.
Defensive Driving vs. Traffic School
Be careful when enrolling. Some states define the two kinds of schools differently. In New York and Florida, you will be taking a defensive driving course to have your traffic ticket points reduced.
Arizona dismisses certain traffic violations after a motorist completes an approved defensive driving course. In contrast, traffic school is for serious violators ordered to take classes by the courts.
Meanwhile, California uses the two names interchangeably.
Going to Court
Americans have the right to defend themselves in a court of law. Some choose to do so when presented with a traffic ticket. They want to fight it out with the city to get the infraction removed from the record.
In certain cases, these challengers are successful. A California physicist was able to use scientific principles to win. He demonstrated that a police officer, situated at a certain angle, perceived his car to have run a stop sign when in fact it had stopped. In other instances, an alleged violator can win by default when the officer who presented the ticket does not show up in court.
Nevertheless, these victories are few and far between. Motorists usually wind up having to pay the fine and possibly some court costs.
Defensive driving school is the easier route without a doubt. Just enroll, finish the course and the violation disappears.
Enroll and Get on With Life
Everyone wants to save money. One way you can do so today is by enrolling in a state approved defensive driving school. You can have your ticket dismissed, removing the fine. Better yet, your driving record will be wiped clean, leading to a reduction in your insurance premium rate.
Perhaps best of all, you will learn some driving skills that can help you avoid getting tickets in the future.
The Basic Mechanics of a Car
If you’re looking up an article called “Basic Mechanics of a Car” then we’re gonna go ahead and bet that you have absolutely no ideal what the heck is going on under the hood of your car. The basics are often explained during a traffic school course, (usually necessary when getting a traffic ticket), but we’ll also explain here.
THE ENGINE
The engine is basically a box that’s built to house explosions. Your car runs on explosions. Here’s how:
1. You press the gas.
2. Gasoline is fed from your fuel tank to the pistons, where the petrol mist mixes with air
3. The spark plug hits the piston and a small explosion takes place
4. The explosion is contained in the chamber, pushing the piston, which pushes the gears and racks and this and that in order to turn your wheels
The truth is that it’s not exactly space travel. The physics at work are incredibly simple. Building an efficient car engine, a durable car engine, a clean-running car engine, that’s a little more complicated. But the basics are just explosions captured in small chambers, pushing pistons to spin the rear axle.
THE BRAKES
Most cars use disc brakes. The mechanics at play here are so simple that we don’t even need to write a numbered list for it! You push the brake pedal, and it pushes fluid through a tube leading to a set of padded, grippy discs. The discs extend and grip the wheel, slowing it down.
Most brakes are attached to the front of the car. This is because, when the car stops, the weight is thrown to the front. Rear brakes are more likely to result in dragging than front brakes.
When you ride a bicycle or a motorcycle, you usually use the rear brakes. This is because there’s simply not enough weight on a bike to keep you from flipping head-first over the handlebars and eating asphalt. With most cars this is less of a concern.
THE ELECTRIC CARS
Most electric cars use some kind of combination of gas and electric power. But assuming we’re talking about a wholly electric car, the mechanics of it are pretty neat: Current is passed through a series of magnets, usually arranged in a circle, in order to create a rotating magnetic field.
In the center there will be a magnet attached to an axle, so that when the magnetic field rotates, the axle rotates with it. You’re turning electrical movement into physical movement that you can actually put to work for you.
You’ve probably played with fridge magnets and found that they attract, but when you turn one around, they repel one another, right? That invisible magnetic field attracting the two magnets and pushing them away from one another is how electric motors work.
Of course, you’ve also found that if you push hard enough, you can force the repellent ends together, right? This is why it takes so much electricity in order to push a car down the road. You’re not going to be able to do that with a couple of fridge magnets, you need a whole lot of force, and a whole lot of electricity in order to generate it.
This is one of the reasons why electrical cars tend to be so light. This, in addition to the fact that they do not require the heavy metal engine block that conventional cars use in order to contain the thousands of explosions they need in order to get from point A to point B.
The mechanics behind your car’s functions are a lot simpler than you might assume. The tricky part is orchestrating them all to work in unison.
Driving Distances between Major Destinations
Road warriors love their cars, and they love where their cars can get them. While some people are annoyed by the thought of long driving distances, others rise to the challenge because they know just how much the journey matters. Whether or not that journey is worth more than the destination is ultimately up to you. Test your endurance with these common destinations, and then throw a dart to see which challenge you should accept next.
NYC to LA
This is the ultimate cross-country trip, as you go from one huge city to the next — different as they may be. Take this particular route, and you’re looking at a whopping 2,790 miles which will take you just under 2 days (around 40 hours) if you drive straight through. Bring a large helping of patience though if you’re going to deal with LA traffic.
The Earth to the Moon
A common destination for when gravity is just not feeling up to working that day. This trip will take you about a quarter of a million miles in about 6 months or so at 60 MPH. Time spent in galactic gas stations not included.
Miami to New Orleans
Two of the most extravagant cities in the world are connected by 866 miles and can be reached in a 12 hour drive. Feel free to stop for beignets once you reach your final destination for a quick pick me up.
Journey to the Center of the Earth
It would take you around 3,950 miles or so if you were looking to get the center of the earth. However, if you wanted to keep going to China, you’ll have to schedule a little extra drive time. Start digging a hole now for best results.
Houston to Vancouver
Sometimes Texans just have to get a little Northern air, and Canada has just the answer to their prayers. All it takes is a lot of fuel and 36 hours to cross about 2,500 miles. Brace yourself for a very different climate, and enjoy the contrast.
Beijing to Shanghai
When you’re hanging out in a city with people from all walks of life, sometimes it helps to see just how different those walks can be. Travel from Beijing to Shanghai in 12 and a half hours, covering about 750 miles.
Detroit to Cancun
Those winters are brutal in Michigan, and sometimes they call for the balmy air of Mexico. While the 53 hour drive across 3,077 miles will certainly be a lengthy one, imagine just how satisfying it will be to peel back those layers of clothing one at a time as the temperatures start to climb.
Denver to Cleveland
From mountains to hills, this drive will take you about 19 hours and will run up your odometer to 1,333 miles. Try skiing in both areas for a very sharp contrast in quality of slopes. It will certainly make you appreciate Vail and Aspen that much more.
The Grand Canyon to Salt Lake City
From one natural wonder to the next, you can make it between these two national treasures in just about 8 hours and 520 miles. Compared to some of our other top choices, this route looks downright speedy.
Tatooine to Alderaan
When you’re getting tired of the lawlessness in one galaxy, check out the chaos in another. While it’s not clear just how many miles it is from one destination to the other, it will likely only take you a few hours if you’re traveling at slightly more than the speed of light. Just turn your car up to Ludicrous Speed.
Top Driving Games To Play In The Car
It can get boring sitting in the car on a long road trip. And your passengers, whether they be children, your significant other, or friends, can start to get on your nerves. Instead of fighting over what radio station to listen to or hearing them repeat the same stories over and over, this time can be used to play games. Not only does this keep your mind alert and awake while you are driving, but it can help you to enjoy the company of others on your trip and keep you all from driving each other crazy. Here are a few of the top driving games to play in the car while taking a road trip.
The Car Spotting Game
If you are traveling with one or more adults, the car spotting game can be a fun and exciting game to play. The rules are really simple. You look out your window and try to identify the make and model of cars that are heading your way. The person who can has the correct answer from the farthest away gets a point. You can play this game for a set period of time, such as 30 to 60 minutes, and the person with the most points at the end of the time period wins. Or you can play to a set point amount, such as the first to ten wins. This is a great way to pass the time while testing your car knowledge. Just make sure you the game is not distracting you from driving safely! We do not want you to get a traffic ticket and then take a defensive driving course to assist with the points!
Eye Spy
Eye spy is the perfect car game to play with both children and adults. You start out by saying eye spy and then you give clues as to what you see. You may spy something green that is tall. When children look out their window, they may figure out that what you spy is a tree. If you are playing with adults, the clues can be made much more challenging. This is a game that makes you aware of your surroundings by really focusing on what it is that the other person sees. The only downside to this game is that by the time the clue is given, the item that you spy may be long gone. As such, if you are playing with young kids, try to spy items in the car so they have time to figure it out. With adults, this quickness as which the answer must be solved only adds to the challenge of the game.
The Alphabet Game
Another fun game that is perfect for groups of all ages is the alphabet game. As you are driving, you try to find the letters of the alphabet in order. You may see the letters on a roadway sign, license plate or a gas store or fast food restaurant you can see from the side of the road. You start with the letter A. Once that letter is found, you move onto the letter B. There are a couple of different ways this game can be played. Each person can write down their answers as they find them and the first person to find Z wins, but you are on the honor system as far as cheating. Another variation is to call out when you see the letter and then award that person a point. The person who has the most points at the end of the game wins.
Don’t Play Too Competitively
Playing games in the car can be a fun way to pass the time while taking a road trip. However, if you do decide to play games, don’t let your competitive nature distract you from your driving. If you find yourself getting distracted, you may want to opt out of the game and let the other’s play while you enjoy listening to them engage. Or you simply may have to conceed that as the driver, you won’t win, but you can simply play along for fun. This helps ensure everyone has a fun time on the trip while still remaining safe.
NY Cracks Down on Distracted Drivers
Governor Cuomo Signs Law Strengthening Enforcement Against Drivers Caught Using Handheld Electronic Devices
New Legislation Makes Using Handheld Electronic Devices while Driving a Primary Traffic Offense; Additional Regulation will Increase Penalty from 2 Points to 3 Points for Cell Phone and Electronic Device Usage While Driving
Albany, NY (July 12, 2011) Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed a new law that strengthens the enforcement against drivers who use handheld electronic devices for activities such as texting while a vehicle is in motion. The legislation makes this action a primary traffic offense, giving law enforcement the power to stop drivers solely for engaging in this activity. The Governor also announced today that he will increase the penalty for using a cellular phone without a hands-free device or a handheld device while driving from two to three points through changes in state regulations. “I am proud to sign this bill today, both as the Governor and as a father of three teenagers,” Governor Cuomo said. “It’s plain and simple: distracted driving leads to tragedies that have affected families all across New York.
This new law will help ensure that drivers keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. I thank Senator Marcellino and Assemblyman Weisenberg for their hard work on this legislation.” Before this law, it was illegal for drivers to use handheld electronic devices while their vehicle was in motion, but it was a secondary traffic offense — meaning a driver had to be stopped for another violation in order to receive a ticket. The new law makes it a primary traffic offense and it will go into effect immediately. The monetary penalty for a violation of this law continues to be a fine of up to $150. Illegal activity includes holding an electronic device and:
- Composing, sending, reading, accessing, browsing, transmitting, saving, or retrieving electronic data such as e-mail, text messages, or webpages
- Viewing, taking, or transmitting images
- Playing games
The law does not penalize drivers using a handheld electronic device that is affixed to a surface or using a GPS device that is attached to the vehicle. The law also exempts police officers, fire fighters, or emergency vehicle drivers while they are performing their duties. In addition, a driver is exempt from the law if the driver is communicating or attempting to communicate with law enforcement, the fire department, or medical personnel during an emergency situation.
New York State Senator Carl L. Marcellino said, “With this new legislation, New York State driving laws have finally caught up with today’s technology. Our new law will strengthen enforcement against drivers using handheld electronic devices and help keep drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe. I am proud to stand with Governor Cuomo as he signs the bill I sponsored into law and we finally make distracted driving a serious offense.” New York State Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg said, “As a former police officer, I’ve seen the devastation caused by distracted drivers. Today, we are giving law enforcement the tools they need to keep our roads safe and prevent future accidents. These changes will save lives. I’d like to thank Governor Cuomo for supporting this law and I look forward to our continued work together.”
New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico said, “Motorists should now realize the dangers of operating a motor vehicle while texting on mobile devices or talking on a cell phone without an approved hands-free device. This change in the statute will allow law enforcement to continue the battle against distracted driving. Distracted driving is dangerous driving and drivers must reduce diversion and behaviors that take their attention from the road. Attentive, responsible, defensive driving is the key to avoiding crashes and keeping our highways safe.” New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said, “It’s no secret that violations of the no-texting and no use of hand held devices while driving rules are widespread despite their nexus to accidents, including fatalities. This legislation is a welcome step toward saving lives.”
President of AAA New York State Thomas Hoy said, “With nearly 2 trillion text messages sent last year, texting represents the most dangerous form of distracted driving. We applaud the Governor and lawmakers for stiffening the consequences for those who jeopardize the rest of us with their careless conduct.” The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 16% of fatal accidents in 2009 were due to distracted driving and 20% of people injured during a crash were involved in a crash where distracted driving was reported. A study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that truck drivers who were texting were 23 times more at risk of a crash or near crash.
3 Ways to Prevent Your Car Insurance Rates
If you’re like most people today, finding ways to save money is your #1 obsession. But if you have one or more traffic violations, your car insurance rates may be taking back every penny you work so hard to save.
If you’re feeling trapped in a traffic ticket pile up, here are three ways to dig yourself out of the unwelcome weight of higher insurance rates:
1. Shop around for a better rate. The first thing you should do is to compare quotes from various car insurance companies to see if you can find a lower rate.
According to an Insurance.com analysis of more than 32,000 insurance policies sold in 2010, drivers who bought a one-car, single-driver policy last year and had one violation in their driving history paid an average of 18 percent more for car insurance than drivers with no violations.
The numbers get worse as your offenses pile up. Drivers with two violations paid 34 percent more for insurance, and drivers with three violations tacked on a whopping 53 percent to their insurance costs when compared to drivers who were violation-free.
If you decide to shop around for a better deal, investigate new companies carefully to avoid any policy pitfalls.
2. Take a driver safety course. Some states reduce or expunge points from your driving record if you take a defensive driving class. Depending on where you live, your auto insurance company may be required to lower your car insurance premium after you complete the course.
For instance, New York offers a Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP). If you are the principal operator of a motor vehicle registered in the state of New York, and you complete an approved PIRP course, you will receive a minimum 10% reduction in the base rate of your automobile and motorcycle liability and collision insurance premiums each year for three years.
To learn more about the driver safety courses and point and insurance reduction in New York, please visit: https://transact.dmv.ny.gov/pirp/#ipirp.
In many states, insurance companies have point systems that are different from their DMV driver violation point system. Contact your insurance company about their point system and find out how completing a driver safety course may reduce your rate.
3. Raise your deductible. Drivers who raise their collision and comprehensive deductibles from $250 to $500 or $1,000 will see their annual premium fall. However, before taking this route, make sure you have enough money in savings to cover the deductible should you have to make a claim.
Which violation hurts your rate the most?
Car insurance rates soar for drivers who have one moving violation and jump by more than 50 percent after three.
Some of the violations that hurt your car insurance rates the most include:
- Speeding tickets
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Careless or reckless driving
- Running red lights
- Failure to yield or stop at a sign
- Fleeing from police
- Driving the wrong way down a divided highway
- Improper passing
- Unsafe U-turn
- Failure to use a child restraint
Obviously, a DUI is going to be one of the worst for rate increases. But each insurer calculates rates differently, so a specific type of violation may be priced higher by one insurer than by another.
Drivers with three or more violations worry about becoming uninsurable, but those fears may be unfounded. It’s just a matter of finding the right rate for that risk.
If an insurer raises your auto insurance rate after a violation, there are still ways to cut those costs. Following these three steps will help you stave off higher insurance rates – before they bury you.
The original article can be found at Insurance.com:
“Car insurance rates soar as tickets pile up”
Do smart cars make driving less fun?
Related topics:
Traffic School,
Defensive Driving School
What used to be a thing of fantasy or science fiction is now on a fast track of becoming a reality.
More and more cars now have “smart car” features, ranging from sophisticated navigation systems to smart braking controls. These “smart” technologies include: electronic stability control systems to prevent skids; technology that answers text messages so you can keep your eyes on the road; radar that warns of other vehicles and objects that might cause a crash based on your speed and proximity; adaptive cruise control that adjusts speed to keep a safe distance between vehicles (one of the main defensive driving techniques) ; and sensors that help you navigate into parallel-parking spaces.
Some futurists predict a day when technology will connect intelligent vehicles with high-tech highways to provide a seamless flow of traffic.
Google also has been working on self-driving cars that use artificial-intelligence software. Still years from commercial production, the prototypes have shown promise. Seven Google test cars have driven 1,000 miles without a human in control.
Such cars could open up new transportation possibilities for people who are disabled or otherwise unable to drive. It’s even possible that “smart car” technology could lead to cheaper car-insurance rates.
But will all these changes steal the fun from driving? Does it take fun out of driving?
Would love to hear your thoughts.
News Flash: The Cultural Difference Of Southern Driving
Driving is cultural. In Germany they drive fast, in England they drive on the wrong side of the road, in the U.S. there is a cultural difference between defensive driving techniques in Southern and Northern states.
The National Transportation Safety Board recently divulged they had covertly funded a project with the U.S. auto makers for the past five years, whereby the auto makers were installing black boxes in four-wheel drive pickup trucks in an effort to determine, in fatal accidents, the circumstances in the last 15 seconds before the crash.
They were surprised to find in 47 of the 50 states the last words of drivers in 61.2 percent of fatal crashes were, “Oh, Shit!” Only the states of South Carolina, West Virginia and Arkansas were different, where over 89.3 percent of the final words were: “Hold my beer and watch this!”
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