Does a Speeding Ticket Show Up on a Background Check?
The short answer is: usually no, a speeding ticket will not show up on a standard background check. However, there are important nuances to consider, and the answer depends on several factors. Let's delve into the specifics.
What is Typically Included in a Background Check?
A standard background check usually focuses on more serious offenses, such as:
- Felonies: Serious crimes punishable by lengthy prison sentences.
- Misdemeanors: Less serious crimes, often with lighter penalties. These can sometimes include certain traffic violations, but usually only the most severe.
- Criminal records: This includes arrests, convictions, and sometimes pending charges.
- Driving records (sometimes): Some background checks might include a limited driving history, but this is typically only requested separately and specifically. Even then, the details included vary widely.
Why Speeding Tickets Usually Don't Appear
Speeding tickets are generally considered civil infractions, not criminal offenses. This means they are handled through a court system focused on fines and penalties, rather than the criminal justice system. Background checks primarily focus on criminal history, making speeding tickets largely irrelevant.
When a Speeding Ticket Might Appear
There are exceptions to this rule. While rare, a speeding ticket could potentially show up under specific circumstances:
- Extremely high speeds: If the speeding ticket involved an excessively high speed, leading to more serious charges (like reckless driving), it's more likely to be recorded in a criminal database and therefore potentially show up on a background check.
- Repeated offenses: A pattern of numerous speeding tickets over time might be flagged by certain employers or organizations conducting background checks, particularly if they're related to commercial driving.
- Specific background check types: More comprehensive background checks, ordered for highly sensitive positions (e.g., law enforcement, transportation), might include a more detailed driving record. These are often handled through specialized motor vehicle record (MVR) checks.
- State-specific laws: The handling and reporting of traffic violations vary by state. In some states, a more serious infraction could be handled as a misdemeanor and thus be reported.
What About Driving Records and MVR Checks?
As mentioned, a separate Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) check will provide a detailed driving history, including speeding tickets. This is often requested specifically by employers in certain industries like trucking or transportation where a clean driving record is crucial.
Do employers look at driving records?
Many employers, especially those in transportation or delivery, will conduct a separate MVR check as part of their hiring process. This is legal and is done to ensure the safety of their employees and the public. For other jobs, it's far less common.
In Summary
In most cases, a speeding ticket will not appear on a standard background check. However, extreme speeding, a history of numerous violations, or specific job requirements might lead to a situation where driving history, including speeding tickets, is considered. If you're concerned about a particular background check, it's always best to contact the entity requesting the check to understand their specific requirements.
