Do Suspended Licenses Show Up on Background Checks?
Future employers and even dating partners are interested in confirming a person’s identity and knowing whether they’re hiring or dating someone who has been in trouble with the law. Today, background check services are available to everyone. But will a suspended license show on your future background check?
If you’re concerned about a suspended driver’s license showing up on your background check and potentially hurting your chances at employment, take a moment to understand what these background checks reveal.
CAN A TRAFFIC VIOLATION SHOW UP ON A BACKGROUND CHECK?
Traffic violations can show up on a background check in one of two ways. Traffic violations that are classified as criminal violations, like driving under the influence or with a revoked or suspended license, appear on basic background checks. Less serious infractions, like speeding or failing to wear a seatbelt, would only show up if your employer runs a specific background check on your driving record.
In short, what shows up in these checks will depend significantly on your criminal history.
Having a suspended license in and of itself is not a crime in Maryland, but driving with a suspended license is. This means that having a suspended license show on your record or on background checks is not the end of the world.
Why Are Licenses Suspended?
The MVA typically suspends the licenses of people who have been charged with one or more criminal traffic violations. Numerous traffic violations are considered criminal offenses, including:
- DUI
- DUI manslaughter
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Reckless driving
- Vehicular manslaughter
- Being a habitual traffic offender
- Driving on a revoked or suspended license
Licenses may also be suspended over unpaid traffic tickets and an accumulation of points on your license. Points may be accumulated over any traffic offense, whether minor or serious. Once a driver receives 8-11 points in two years or fewer, the Maryland MVA may suspend their license for a period of months or years.
Potential employers who run a criminal background check may see any of the above charges. If you’re applying to a position that requires you to drive on the job, the employer will likely run a more thorough check to inspect your driving record.
Can You Still Drive for Work With a Suspended License?
The hiring manager would likely see that your license has been suspended and you may not legally drive unless you’re able to get a hardship license allowing you to drive for work purposes only. A hardship license may allow you to drive for work even if you have an otherwise suspended license. So if a job requires you to drive for work, you may still have an option to do so.
CAN A SUSPENDED LICENSE PREVENT ME FROM GETTING A JOB?
A potential employer will typically be wary about a criminal citation or other noted criminal activity, so they will utilize background checks. If you’re applying for a job where you’ll need to handle money, a criminal theft charge is more concerning than merely having a suspended license. Traffic violations usually do not influence hiring decisions unless the job requires the employee to operate a vehicle during work hours.
Criminal traffic violations showing up on a background check, on the other hand, might raise red flags to prospective employers during a background check. If your traffic violation is a criminal offense, it might hurt your chances of becoming employed. Facing charges for multiple traffic infractions and having unpaid fines can also tarnish your reputation.
In these instances, working with a criminal traffic lawyer to clear up your driving record is a crucial step toward improving your chances of employment and protecting your future. This may result in a less concerning background check, as they can help remove a criminal conviction related to your driving records.
CONTACT A MARYLAND TRAFFIC LAWYER TO RESOLVE SUSPENDED LICENSE ISSUES
Suspended license issues can become more serious over time. If you’re concerned about your driving record, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced traffic offense lawyer in Maryland. We can help you clean up your record in preparation for a background check, improve your freedom to work, and much more.
Attorney Hillel Traub of The Law Office of Hillel Traub has a successful track record of helping drivers clear up their traffic infractions and regain their driving privileges. When you retain our support, you can experience much less stress or worry concerning background checks in the future. He has more than 30 years of experience fighting traffic violations in Howard, Carrol, Anne Arundel, and Montgomery counties and has served as a former lawyer for the MVA. Call (410) 580-1100 or reach out on our website for a free consultation.