If you’re getting a drivers license for the first time, then there’s one really great thing you have to look forward to: a perfectly clean, pristine driving record!

Keeping that record clean, however, is extremely difficult. In fact, if you ask anyone who has been driving for a few years, chances are they have gotten at least one ticket. Go ahead and ask the most responsible person you know. If they are telling the truth (and can remember back to their teenage days) they will recall the one time they received a speeding ticket or other moving violation.

This doesn’t mean it’s impossible to keep your own record clean, though. We’ll get to that in just a minute. First, let’s talk about why it’s so important to maintain a good driving record.

A person’s driving record affects many other aspects of their life. Any type of traffic ticket or accident is permanently recorded by the department of transportation, which can then be accessed by insurance companies, employers, police officers, bank lenders, lawyers and even landlords. Anyone who wants to know your level of responsibility can view these records. That means that a bad driving record could result in much higher insurance rates, and even affect your ability to get coverage in the first place. It could also limit your employment options, especially in jobs that require a car for commute or driving during work hours. On the other hand, a clean driving record is a sign of great responsibility. It makes you look like a more dependable person, which results in lower insurance rates and better employment opportunities.

Addtionally, most states have a point system to prevent dangerous and careless driving. Every time you get a ticket, you get points added to your license. Accumulate too many points, and your license can be suspended or revoked, with extremely high fees for reinstatement.

So, how can drivers strive to keep their records clean? The first, and quite obvious, tip is to obey the law. Even minor traffic infractions can result in a ticket. This includes tailgating, failing to signal a lane change, failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign, failing to yield the right of way, wearing your seatbelt improperly (or not at all), having a busted tail light, etc. Then there’s the major driving infractions, such as speeding, DWI’s, and leaving the scene of an accident. These will weigh more heavily on your record, and could even result in a felony conviction.

Besides avoiding traffic tickets, you also have to avoid traffic accidents. This means driving safely and never driving while distracted. In inclement weather, drive a little slower and give other vehicles more space so that you have plenty of time to slow down or come to a stop when needed. When driving in rural areas, watch out for wildlife. When driving in urban areas, watch out for cyclists and pedestrians. If you do have a minor accident, especially if you are the only vehicle/person involved, it might be better to pay for the damages yourself than to file an insurance claim. This way you can avoid having the incident added to your record, and also avoid a significant rate hike.

Moving violations and traffic accidents are the usual suspects, however, you must also stay on top of the typical paperwork to prevent other violations that could hurt your record. Make sure your insurance is always up to date and paid on time. The same goes for your registration. Get your vehicle inspected before the sticker expires each year. And, always have your insurance and drivers license on you when operating a vehicle.

Now, nobody is perfect. Even if you take all the precautions and try to be a safe, respectful, law-abiding driver, you still might end up with a traffic ticket one day. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t keep that record clean. Many states offer defensive driving courses that drivers can take to dismiss their traffic violations. Visit defensivedriving.com for more details.