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Will traffic tickets I received when I was a minor remain on my record when I turn 18? (Minnesota)
Anonymous7 views4 answers
I got a ticket at 16 for failure to stop and then was involved in a crash at 17 and got a failure to yield ticket. Will these remain on my record when I turn 18? If they will remain, is there any way to get them removed from my record? Also, if it is removed, is there any way insurance companies will see the tickets?
amuel John EdmundsDUI / DWI AttorneyMendota Heights, MN ·
Yes they will remain on your record. Once you're driving a car, the state treats you as an adult for driving record purposes. There's a process called expungement. If granted by the court, expungement could lead the removal of offenses from your record. The legislature recently passed new expungement legislation that may help you. Consult with one of these attorneys to learn more about your options. Good luck.
Most people don't realize that anything on your driving record remains there permanently unless you get it expunged. Expungement may or may not be worthwhile to you; it doesn't sound like these should affect you very much unless your job involves driving. People talk about things "dropping off your record" after a certain number of years, but what they really are referring to is that insurance companies stop counting things against you after 5, 7, or 10 years, or the state stops using those old citations in adding up citations that might result in suspending your license. So those old offenses stop hurting you after a while, but they are still visible. The state or any prosecutor can pull up a copy of your driving record going back for as long as you've had your license. I've seen plenty that go back 30 years or more.
Insurance companies may or may not find out about these violations. Some check your driving record periodically. Some don't worry about looking for stuff unless it's more serious, like a DWI. You should always shop around for insurance. If one company finds out about these and raises your rates, try other companies and compare. Not all companies count these things against you or charge the same after you get a couple violations.
Traffic violations of a minor do not 'drop off' a record at age 18. There is a process known as expungement and new law was enacted in May. I suggest you confer privately with an experienced attorney so she/he may advise you. Tricia Dwyer Esq.
