Some employment background checks reveal far more information than candidates would ever guess, much of which the average person assumes is private information. While background checks consistently turn up information about a candidate’s work experience and criminal history (if any), a background check will occasionally turn up personal details about an applicant’s spending and driving habits. If you’re looking for a particular type of position, a poor driving record could hurt your chances of employment.
Do Background Checks Include Driving Records?
When applying for a job, many candidates wonder whether their driving history will appear on employment background checks. The answer depends on several factors, including the type of job you’re seeking and the employer’s specific screening practices.
Table of Contents
- Do Background Checks Include Driving Records?
- Why do most positions require background checks?
- Types of Jobs Most Likely to Dive into a Driving Record
- Act to Protect Your Driving Record
If you’re applying for a position that requires you to drive for business purposes (not just commuting to and from work), your potential employer is more likely to conduct a more extensive check that reveals any traffic-related incidents. Motor vehicle record searches look at documents from Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Administration and show driver’s license status and class, plus history of infractions on the road.
Why do most positions require background checks?
The primary purpose of a background check is to evaluate the character of individual candidates for a particular job opening. Employers must confirm that the candidate is who they say they are and isn’t inventing their expertise. Hiring managers must also gain an understanding of each candidate that helps them determine whether the candidate may be a good fit for their company and to proceed with the hiring process. When employers see questionable information on a background check for a particular applicant, they may be hesitant to pursue the candidate further.
Additionally, if a person has a criminal history, hiring him or her could raise liability issues. If you’re applying to a job that will require you to drive for business purposes (and not just to and from work), your employer might allocate more resources to conducting a more extensive check that reveals any run-ins you may have had with police on traffic duty.
Types of Jobs Most Likely to Dive into a Driving Record
Employers in several industries would be interested in knowing whether a candidate has ever received a ticket in Maryland for a serious traffic offense. Companies that rely upon their employees to operate a company car must hire personnel who will protect their valuable equipment and do their best to follow all traffic laws to avoid harming themselves or others.
The following types of companies heavily depend on responsible drivers:
- Trucking companies
- Delivery companies
- Taxi companies
- Rideshare businesses
- Chauffeurs
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Home renovators
- Lawn care companies
Mid-sized and large corporations that issue company cars to upper-level personnel may also run thorough background checks that reveal a candidate’s history of traffic offenses. If you have unresolved traffic tickets in Maryland, be sure to seek the help of a Baltimore traffic attorney to help you clean up your record.
Act to Protect Your Driving Record
Attorney Hillel Traub serves Baltimore and surrounding areas by helping drivers defend themselves against the State of Maryland in various traffic-related cases. As a former Maryland Assistant Attorney General for the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, Hillel Traub has over 20 years of experience providing exceptional service, dedication, and skills to people facing a number of charges.
To find out how to fight your traffic ticket in Baltimore, contact the Law Office of Hillel Traub, P.A. by calling (410) 220-6976 or complete our contact form for a free case review.
