How Long Does a Moving Violation Stay on Your Record?
January 20, 2025
A single moving violation can follow you longer than expected—affecting your insurance premiums, job evaluations, or even pension eligibility. For public employees in New Jersey, including police officers, teachers, and firefighters, what appears to be a minor citation can become a long-term concern. Understanding how long these infractions stay on your record is crucial for maintaining your career and benefits.
In New Jersey, most moving violations remain on your driving record for at least five years. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) keeps a permanent record, but insurance companies and administrative agencies generally focus on the most recent five years. This limited window can still present issues, particularly when employment or pension-related decisions require a review of conduct history and overall compliance.
Violation Type Determines Duration
Not all moving violations are treated equally. Minor offenses such as failure to yield or improper passing may clear from your point record after three years of violation-free driving, according to the MVC. However, more serious offenses like reckless driving or leaving the scene of an accident may stay on your record indefinitely. These offenses may also be reported to national databases used during background checks.
Insurance companies often look back over the past five years when setting rates. Public employees may also face reviews during pension evaluations, where minor violations can raise concerns. This is especially true for individuals working with a Winfield Park, NJ, police pension attorney, as traffic offenses may be factored into the broader assessment of conduct and eligibility.
Why It Matters for Public Employees
Public employees are often held to higher standards—on and off duty. Many face regular evaluations where disciplinary history, including driving records, becomes part of the assessment. This becomes especially important when applying for pensions through one of New Jersey’s state-managed systems. Individuals seeking a Winfield Park NJ teacher pension or applying for disability retirement may find that moving violations play a role in eligibility and final decisions.
Our firm assists clients in understanding how these records are reviewed and helps mitigate any adverse effects during administrative proceedings. We also help clients prepare explanations or evidence of rehabilitation when required by pension boards or employers.
Employment and Pension Implications
For public workers applying for disability pensions—such as a Winfield Park, NJ, pension disability attorney client—a history of traffic offenses may be reviewed to assess broader conduct or compliance issues. Pension boards sometimes interpret repeat offenses or unresolved violations as part of a broader behavioral pattern, which can delay or jeopardize approval.
At the same time, not all violations are equally weighted. Demonstrating a consistent compliance record following a violation or showing the breach was an isolated event can help during administrative reviews. For clients who require support in preparing materials or presenting arguments before the pension board, we offer guidance rooted in knowledge of state procedures.
To learn more about our work with public pension systems, visit our practice areas page.
What to Do If You Receive a Violation
If you’re a public employee who has received a traffic ticket, address it promptly—whether that means contesting the charge or attending a defensive-driving course. Failing to respond can result in license suspensions, which are often more damaging than the original citation.
Many clients only realize the impact of traffic violations when they begin the pension process. Being proactive can prevent delays and complications later. This is particularly important for applicants to systems like the Winfield Park, NJ, judges’ pension, where public accountability plays a strong role in the decision-making process.
If you’re unsure how a recent violation could affect your pension or employment status, don’t wait for it to become an obstacle. We encourage you to explore testimonials from clients who’ve successfully addressed these issues with our help.
A Reliable Ally in Protecting Your Record
Your driving record is more than a list of citations—it can influence your employment, pension eligibility, and professional reputation. Whether dealing with a recent traffic violation or preparing for a pension board review, the Law Offices of Feeley & LaRocca offers informed legal guidance for public employees throughout New Jersey. With a long-standing commitment to representing police officers, firefighters, teachers, and other public servants, we help clients take the necessary steps to protect their records and futures. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist you.