In New Jersey, a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) conviction becomes a permanent part of the offender’s driving history. There is no method by which it can be erased. Convictions in other states are entered into the document as well. This record is also known as a Motor Vehicles Report (MVR). It contain all past details of a person’s driving career.
The MVR is invariably referred to when a traffic violation takes place. This is to check whether there have been any previous convictions. Insurance companies make it a practice to check MVRs while renewing policies; a person with a bad driving record, particularly a DWI conviction, is likely to be slapped with a steep premium rate, or may even be refused insurance. Employers usually look into an applicant’s MVR while doing a pre-employment background search. Such investigations assume importance because they protect the employer from the risk of being sued for negligent hiring. In any case, nobody likes to have a DWI convict on the workforce. It also prevents job applicants or workers from giving false information to the employer.
It is a wise policy to have your own driving records checked periodically. The Insurance Research Council claims that over 22% of driving documents have mistakes. This could be either due to clerical error or other reasons. You must verify your records and correct any defects.
You can obtain your New Jersey driving record, which would invariably include any DWI convictions, by either going to a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Regional Office, using their toll-free telephone facility or mailing an application. A fee of $10 has to be paid. Also, there are service providers through whom you can order the document online for a charge. Payment can be made by credit card.
