If you’ve received a traffic ticket in California — whether for speeding, running a red light, or another infraction — one of the first questions on your mind is likely: “How long will this stay on my record?” The answer depends on the type of violation, whether points were assessed, and whether you took traffic school.
Here’s a full breakdown to help you understand the timelines, consequences, and what you can do to reduce the long-term impact.
Key Terms to Understand
| Term | Definition / Importance |
|---|---|
| Conviction | A final decision by the court (either through a plea or trial verdict). The retention period often starts from this date. |
| Points | Most moving violations add points to your driving record. Too many points can lead to license suspension. |
| NOTS (Negligent Operator Treatment System) | A DMV system that tracks your points and can suspend your license if you accumulate too many within a set timeframe. |
| Traffic School | A course you may take (if eligible) to keep a point from being visible on your public driving record. |
Standard Timelines for Traffic Tickets in California
One-Point Violations (Minor infractions like speeding, running a stop sign)
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Point stays active for 39 months (3 years and 3 months).
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After that, it no longer counts toward DMV suspension actions.
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The conviction may still exist in DMV internal records but won’t affect your license status or most insurance rates.
Two-Point Violations (Serious offenses like DUI, reckless driving, or speeding over 100 mph)
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Typically remain on your DMV record for 10 years or more.
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The points stay active and continue to impact your status for the full period.
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Some severe violations (like DUI) can be held for up to 13 years.
Failures to Appear or Pay
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May stay on your record for 5 years or longer.
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Can result in license holds, additional penalties, or even suspensions.
Non-Moving Violations (Parking tickets, expired registration)
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These generally do not add points and don’t affect your DMV record the same way.
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However, unpaid fines may trigger holds on your registration or other penalties.
What “Stays on Your Record” Actually Means
DMV Internal Record
The DMV keeps a record of all violations — some for 3 years, others up to 13 years. However, after the active period ends (e.g., 39 months for 1-point violations), they no longer affect point-based systems like NOTS.
Public Record / Insurance View
Your insurance company or employer typically sees a version of your record with only the last 3 to 5 years of infractions. Older violations may not influence your premiums or job eligibility.
Criminal Record
Most traffic infractions are not criminal offenses. However, misdemeanors or felonies — like DUI — do become part of your criminal record and follow different rules for expungement or sealing.
Traffic School: Can It Help?
Yes — if eligible, traffic school can “mask” the point from being seen by insurers or employers.
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It does not erase the ticket entirely.
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You can only take traffic school once every 18 months (violation date to violation date).
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Not all tickets are eligible (e.g., DUI, reckless driving, hit-and-run are disqualified).
How to Remove a Violation from Your Record
Once a violation’s retention period ends:
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For one-point violations, you may request the DMV to purge it from your public record.
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For serious offenses, removal is more complex and may require waiting for the full period or even court action.
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In many cases, the DMV will automatically stop reporting older violations after the statutory period.
Insurance Impact Timeline
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Most insurers look back 3 to 5 years.
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After that window, even if the ticket is technically still on record, your premiums may no longer be affected.
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Using traffic school (if eligible) can help prevent rate increases by masking the point from your record.
Employment & Background Checks
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Jobs that involve driving (e.g., delivery, transit, commercial driving) may ask about your history for the past 5 to 10 years.
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While minor infractions may fall off public records, serious convictions may still appear in DMV or court files.
Tips to Minimize the Impact of a Ticket
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Check eligibility for traffic school and complete it if you qualify.
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Respond promptly — avoid added penalties for failure to appear or pay.
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Let time pass — after 39 months, many points no longer count against you.
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Request purging from DMV after the retention period ends.
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Monitor your driving record periodically for accuracy.
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Shop around for insurance — some providers ignore older infractions faster than others.
Common Misconceptions
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| “After 3 years, it disappears forever.” | The point may drop off, but the conviction may still exist internally. |
| “Traffic school erases the ticket.” | It masks the point but does not remove the conviction. |
| “Insurance companies see everything forever.” | Most only check the past 3 to 5 years. |
| “All violations are treated equally.” | Serious offenses stay longer and carry more weight. |
Summary
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Minor violations (1 point) stay active for 39 months
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Serious violations (2 points) can remain for 10 or more years
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Traffic school can hide points from your public record — if you’re eligible
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Insurance impact usually lasts 3 to 5 years, depending on the company
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Convictions may remain internally with the DMV even after points expire
Need Help with a Traffic Ticket?
If you’ve received a traffic ticket in California and want to explore your best legal options — whether it’s fighting the charge, reducing penalties, or protecting your driving record — Southwest Legal is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and get the guidance you need to move forward with confidence.
