Your driving record affects a lot of your life. Traffic violations can show up on background checks for jobs or housing. Auto insurance providers use your driving record to calculate your premiums, meaning too many violations can lead to steep insurance rates. If you’ve racked up points and tickets over the last few years, you’re probably longing for the days when your record was squeaky clean. While you can’t brush past violations under the rug, there are still ways to improve your driving record for the future. Check out these steps you can take to clean up your driving record and get back to a normal life on the road.
Get Back to the Basics
Safe drivers have cleaner driving records. This tip might seem obvious or even tedious, but there’s no understating the importance of practicing safe driving skills every time you hit the road. If you notice your driving habits slipping, take some time to reset and remember the basics of responsible driving. Start giving yourself more time on daily commutes so you can obey the speed limit and feel less stressed in traffic or at stops. You can also sign up for a state-authorized driver improvement course to brush up on your skills and potentially reduce some of the penalties on your record.
Be Responsible With Penalties
Accidents and mistakes happen. Sometimes, the only thing you can do is take responsibility and shoulder the consequences. If you find yourself facing repercussions for a traffic violation, make sure you work through those penalties in a responsible and timely manner. Pay off fines and obey any license suspensions or other forms of probation. If you receive an SR22 insurance requirement due to reckless driving or another serious conviction, work diligently to get rid of the requirement. Working through penalties might take time, but being patient and responsible is one of the most straightforward ways to improve your driving record. Alongside patience and good driving, these behaviors will help you clear your record over time, lower your premiums, and get more enjoyment out of your time behind the wheel.
