West Virginia Driving Records

The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) operates under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation (DOT). It maintains and manages driving records for the state’s residents.

The DMV’s meticulous record-keeping assures accurate information. The division makes these records available for public access. However, it still upholds the principles of privacy defined in the Federal Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA).

To ensure road safety and regulatory compliance across the state, the WV DMV collaborates closely with the other divisions under the DOT, including the Division of Highways.

Driving records serve as official documentation of an individual's driving history. They are essential in verifying their driving status, addressing insurance concerns, and applying for specific jobs.

Types of Driving Records Available in West Virginia

The WV DMV provides various types of driving records for its residents. These records provide detailed driver history information, including traffic violations, accidents, and license status.

Five-Year Driving Records

The most commonly requested type is the five-year driving record. This report covers the most recent transactions in a driver's history.

Lifetime Driving Records

Lifetime driving records reflect a driver's complete history since they first obtained their license. These comprehensive reports include all driving-related transactions, including administrative actions against the driver's license. Lifetime records are useful for legal proceedings or thorough background investigations.

Certified Driving Records

Certified driving records bear the embossed official state seal, making them legally admissible documents. They are required when applying for a commercial driver's license (CDL), state bar admission processes, or law enforcement background checks.

How To Request a West Virginia Driving History Report?

Residents can obtain their driving history reports through various methods.

Mail, email, or in-person requests require a completed Driving Record Request (Form DMV-101-PS1). If business entities and other individuals need another person's record, they must include a Release Authorization (Form DMV-101-PS2) duly signed by the concerned driver. The processing fee is $5.

Below are the details on the different methods that requestors may use to obtain a WV driving history report:

Online Request

The DMV Online Services portal allows drivers to request their records electronically. Users must provide personal information such as driver's license number, birthday, and Social Security Number. They can pay the processing fee using a credit or debit card, which may include a service fee.

Mail Request

Drivers can submit requests by mail to the WV DMV Driving Records Section. They must include a completed request form, a copy of their valid driver's license, and the appropriate processing fee by check or money order.

The requestors can send the request to the address below:

WV DMV

Driving Records Section

P.O. Box 17020

Charleston, WV 25317

In Person

An in-person visit to a local DMV branch office allows for immediate processing of driving record requests. Drivers must present valid proof of identification and the completed request form. They can pay the fee at the counter. This method offers the advantage of speaking directly with West Virginia DMV staff for questions or concerns.

Email

The WV DMV accepts email requests. Drivers can send and attach scanned copies of the completed request form, identification, and proof of payment to the email address DMVDrivingRecordFax@wv.gov.

The division processes these requests and responds with the driving record or any additional instructions.

Uses of West Virginia Driving Records

WV driving records serve multiple purposes across various sectors:

• Insurance companies use these records to assess risk and determine premium rates for drivers.
• Employers, particularly those hiring for positions involving driving, review records to evaluate an applicant's driving history.
• Courts and law enforcement agencies refer to these records during legal proceedings or investigations.
• Government agencies use these records to monitor and enforce laws.

However, access to these records is regulated by state law to protect privacy. Only authorized entities can obtain full records, while individuals can access their records. The division strictly prohibits using these records for commercial solicitation or unauthorized purposes.

Understanding West Virginia Driving Laws

Driving laws encompass comprehensive regulations designed to ensure road safety and legal compliance. These laws cover various aspects of driving, including licensing requirements, vehicle registration, speed limits, safety regulations, and driving under the influence (DUI). Understanding these laws is crucial for all WV drivers.

General Requirements for Driving Legally

Individuals must obtain a valid driver's license to drive legally in West Virginia. For first-time applicants 18 or older, this process begins with acquiring a Class E Instruction Permit. This permit requires passing vision screening and knowledge tests and allows supervised driving for 180 days. After 30 days, applicants become eligible for a road skill test.

The state also implements a Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) program for younger drivers. This program includes supervised driving periods and restrictions on nighttime driving and passengers.

Another requirement is vehicle registration. Owners must register their vehicles with the West Virginia DMV and display valid registration plates.

The WV law requires all drivers to carry proof of insurance. It mandates minimum liability coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

Legal Speed Limits

West Virginia enforces various speed limits based on location and conditions:

• 15 miles per hour (mph) in school zones during specific hours
• 25 mph in business or residential districts
• 55 mph on open country highways unless otherwise specified

Special considerations apply to school zones, which extend 125 feet along streets or highways from school grounds. County boards of education can request expansions of school zones for safety reasons.

These speed limits may be altered under certain circumstances as authorized by state law.

Safety Laws

The state enforces several safety laws to protect drivers and passengers.

One of these laws is the seat belt law. This law requires all front-seat occupants to wear seat belts. Moreover, children under eight must be secured in an appropriate child safety or booster seat.

Mechanical violations are taken seriously. Vehicles must be maintained in safe operating conditions, including brakes, lights, turn signals, and windshield wipers. Regular vehicle inspections are required to ensure compliance with these standards.

Unlawful modifications to vehicles are prohibited. These include deafening exhaust systems, too-dark window tints, and lift kits that raise a vehicle beyond legal limits. The state also restricts the use of certain types of lighting, such as blue lights reserved for law enforcement vehicles.

WV DUI Laws

West Virginia has strict DUI laws. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. Penalties for these offenses vary based on BAC level and repeat offenses. Below is a partial list of DUI penalties

• First offense with BAC 0.08%-0.149%: up to 6 months jail, $100-$500 fine
• Aggravated DUI (BAC 0.15%+): minimum 48 hours jail, up to 6 months, $200-$1,000 fine
• DUI under 21 (BAC 0.02%-0.079%): $25 to $100 fine
• DUI resulting in injury: one day to one year jail time, up to $1,000 fine
• DUI resulting in death: two to ten years in prison, up to $3,000 fine

The Points System in West Virginia

The WV DMV uses a point system to promote highway safety and monitor driving habits. This system assigns points for traffic violations based on their severity. Accumulating points can lead to warnings and potential license suspensions.

Point Allocation

When drivers accumulate six or more points, they receive a warning letter urging caution and compliance with traffic laws. Twelve points is the minimum for a license suspension.

Below is the schedule for the suspension period:

• 12 to 13 points: 30 days
• 14 to 15 points: 45 days 
• 16 to 17 points: 60 days
• 18 to 19 points: 90 days 
• 20 points: suspension until points are reduced to 11 

Multiple offenses from a single incident only incur points for the most serious violation.

License suspensions run consecutively for 12 to 19 points. Consecutive suspension means the offenders must finish the first suspension before the next one commences. For 20 or more points, suspensions run simultaneously with other suspensions.

Ways to Reduce Points

Drivers can reduce their point total by completing an approved defensive driving course. This completion removes three points from their record, regardless of the current total.

However, drivers can only take this course once every 12 months for point reduction, and the WV DMV does not accept online courses.

Points for a specific infraction remain on a driver's record for two years from the date of conviction. However, an infraction stays on the record for five years.

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in West Virginia

Driving offenses are classified as criminal and civil. Criminal offenses, including felonies and misdemeanors, carry more severe penalties and can result in jail time. 

WV Criminal Driving Offenses and Consequences

The state categorizes these offenses as either felonies or misdemeanors based on their severity and potential harm. Understanding these classifications helps drivers recognize the gravity of traffic violations and their possible legal ramifications.

Felony Traffic Offenses

Felony traffic offenses represent the most serious driving crimes. These violations usually involve situations where property destruction, severe injury, or death results from vehicle operation.

Examples include hit-and-run incidents resulting in death or injury, vehicular manslaughter, and repeat DUI offenses with high BAC.

The state law punishes felonies with lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and long-term or permanent revocation of driving privileges.

Misdemeanor Traffic Offenses

Misdemeanor traffic offenses pose risks to life, property, or safety despite being less severe than felonies. West Virginia does not classify misdemeanors. Instead, it determines penalties on a case-by-case basis.

First-time misdemeanor convictions result in fines of up to $100 or jail time of ten days or less. Second offenses within a year may incur fines up to $200 or 30 days imprisonment. Third convictions can lead to $500 fines, up to 6 months in jail, or both.

Additional penalties may include temporary loss of driving privileges, probation, community service, mandatory counseling, or installation of ignition interlock devices.

Common misdemeanor traffic offenses include:

• Reckless driving
• Driving without insurance
• Operating with a suspended license
• First-time DUI

The statute of limitations for prosecuting traffic misdemeanors is one year, after which cases are dismissed.

WV Civil Driving Offenses and Consquences

Civil driving offenses are the least serious. These traffic infractions result in fines or tickets rather than jail time. While they don't result in losing civil rights, they may incur regulatory actions, such as adding demerit points to a driver's record.

Common examples of traffic infractions include:

• Speeding
• Failing to use turn signals
• Ignoring road signs
• Driving too close to other vehicles

Speeding tickets can range from $100 to $200, depending on the speed over the limit. Additionally, some infractions may lead to increased insurance rates.

West Virginia Driving Statistics and Goals

West Virginia faces significant challenges in road safety, with hundreds of fatalities and serious injuries occurring annually.

Statistics on Driving

Each year, the state records over 250 fatalities and 1,000 serious injuries from motor vehicle crashes. Speeding and aggressive driving contribute to more than half of these incidents. 

Roadway departures remain a major concern, while improper restraint use persists. Crashes involving older drivers account for over 20% of fatalities and serious injuries.

Goals and Campaigns

The state's Highway Safety Plan aims to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries by 2050. The state focuses on reducing speeding and aggressive driving.

Regional emphasis is placed on intersection and pedestrian safety, particularly in urban areas and college towns, to address the rising trends in these crash types.

Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia Driving Records

Here are common inquiries with clear answers about West Virginia driving records and a driver’s rights and responsibilities.

How Often Is a Driving Record Updated?

Driving records are updated regularly, usually within a few days of a new incident being reported. Courts and law enforcement agencies submit information to the WV DMV, which then updates records accordingly.

Is There a Difference Between an Official and Unofficial Driving Record?

An official driving record bears the state seal and is certified for legal purposes. An unofficial record is for personal use and may not be accepted for official purposes like court proceedings or employment verifications.

Are Medical Conditions That May Affect Driving Included in the Driving Record?

Medical conditions that may affect driving are not typically included in a public driving record. However, the WV DMV may maintain separate records for medical review if a condition is reported or discovered.

Is There a Way To Expedite the Process of Obtaining a Driving Record?

While the standard process takes about 7-10 business days, requestors can expedite obtaining their driving record by requesting it in person at a WV DMV office or using online services, which may provide faster access.

Are Parking Tickets Included in a Driving Record?

Generally, parking tickets are not included in the driving record. These are usually considered non-moving violations and are handled separately by local municipalities rather than the WV DMV. However, if parking ticket fines are not paid within ten days, fines may double the fines. If not paid within 14 days, offenders receive a summons to appear in the appropriate court.

Helpful Links and Resources

Below are curated links and resources for additional information on driving records, laws, and related services from official state agencies:

• Complete the chapter on road and traffic laws: https://code.wvlegislature.gov/17C/
• Motor vehicle inspection: https://www.wvsp.gov/departments/trafficsafety/Documents/MVI%20Manual.pdf
• List of additional FAQs on driving records: https://transportation.wv.gov/DMV/About/Pages/Call-Center.aspx
• Driver’s resources on one page: https://transportation.wv.gov/DMV/Drivers/Pages/default.aspx 
• Forms research portal: https://transportation.wv.gov/dmv/forms/Pages/default.aspx 
• WV online service for drivers: https://apps.wv.gov/DMV/SelfService/ 

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Counties in West Virginia

• Barbour
• Berkeley
• Boone
• Braxton
• Brooke
• Cabell
• Calhoun
• Clay
• Doddridge
• Fayette
• Gilmer
• Grant
• Greenbrier
• Hampshire
• Hancock
• Hardy
• Harrison
• Jackson
• Jefferson
• Kanawha
• Lewis
• Lincoln
• Logan
• Marion
• Marshall
• Mason
• Mcdowell
• Mercer
• Mineral
• Mingo
• Monongalia
• Monroe
• Morgan
• Nicholas
• Ohio
• Pendleton
• Pleasants
• Pocahontas
• Preston
• Putnam
• Raleigh
• Randolph
• Ritchie
• Roane
• Summers
• Taylor
• Tucker
• Tyler
• Upshur
• Wayne
• Webster
• Wetzel
• Wirt
• Wood
• Wyoming