A traffic ticket isn’t something anyone wants to receive. However, in the US, anywhere from 25 upwards are issued each year, and according to Advisement.com, around 41 million drivers will receive at least one speeding ticket each year. An eye-opening number, especially considering the average cost of a speeding ticket is around $150, not something every driver has to spend for getting a little heavy on the gas pedal.
However, what can be more impactful than the dent in your bank balance is how a ticket can impact your employment.
Let’s discuss.
Will My Employer Even Know About a Traffic Ticket?
For the most part, no, they won’t know you got a traffic ticket. They’re not routinely checking driving records unless the job explicitly calls for it for licence checks, vehicle records, or insurance clearance.
If you’re in an office-based role, it won’t be relevant, but if you’re in a driving position, it absolutely will be something they can, and probably will, check.
The reason is due to liability and risk. Jobs involving company vehicles, commercial driving, delivery work, or positions requiring a clean driving license involve Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) checks either during the recruitment or employment period.
Also, state laws influence what appears to employers and for how long. In California, this is a points system (NOTS) and will be on your record for just over three years, while in Texas, they don’t use a points system, but traffic violations remain on the driver’s record for insurers and for background checks for around three years too.
The issue here is not the points, but why employers need to check.
Should I Tell My Employer About a Traffic Ticket?
Here’s the thing: you only need to tell your employer if it directly impacts your job role. If you work with vehicles, your employer needs to know about any licence points, violations, or when your ticket impacts your ability to perform your job. Most companies that hire drivers will have stipulations that employees must follow, such as telling them about any violations or incidents that can impact your driving record or their insurance.
If you don’t, such as a cashier or line chef, where your role doesn’t involve a vehicle, they don’t really need to know. However, if directly asked, it’s best to disclose truthfully.
How Can a Traffic Ticket Affect My Job?
Pointing out the obvious first, if you’re in a driving role, it can have significant consequences. Commercial drivers, delivery personnel, and employees operating company vehicles will be under stricter scrutiny and will face harsher outcomes after a traffic violation as standard. This is because the same thing applies to the employer through their insurance prices.
Even outside of driving roles, complications can arise. There may be internal policies that limit who can operate the company fleet or pool vehicles, for example. If you get a ticket resulting in points or endorsements, that might rule your eligibility out.
And then there’s insurance for vehicle-based roles. Employers might not want drivers with multiple offences or high points on their licence, as it impacts them.
This is often the stage where drivers realise the penalty and fine itself is only part of the question. The real cost of a traffic ticket is more than just the fine; it’s insurance increases, administrative costs, legal fees, and lost employment time, not to mention a real risk to their current position and future employment.
Photo by Kindel Media
