Can Traffic Violations Impact Your Future Employment Opportunities?

How Concerned Should You Be About Traffic Violations in Virginia?

Many people today treat speeding tickets and other traffic violations as minor annoyances. They may not be aware that seemingly insignificant infractions could potentially create obstacles in their future career paths. In Virginia and throughout the U.S., the implications of traffic violations can extend far beyond a fine or a few points on your driver’s license. Depending on your line of work, a blemished driving record could pose significant challenges. Understanding the potential consequences and knowing your legal options can help protect your driving record and your career.

How Can Traffic Violations Impact Future Employment?

While some traffic violations may seem relatively insignificant, certain offenses may have far-reaching consequences. Many employers today are becoming increasingly thorough in their screening and hiring processes. They often conduct background checks that include driving records, which are used to evaluate candidates for honesty, reliability, and suitability for specific positions. A clean driving record is often required for any role that involves driving, such as rideshare contractor, delivery driver, or commercial truck driver. Certain violations can raise a red flag, even for positions unrelated to driving. The following types of traffic violations can intersect with future employment opportunities:

• Reckless driving: Under the Code of Virginia, Section 46.2-868, reckless driving is a criminal offense charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor. In certain circumstances, it may be elevated to a felony. A reckless driving conviction on your criminal record could cause prospective employers to view you as a liability or as irresponsible.
• DUI: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense that carries criminal penalties. As stated in the Code of Virginia, Section 18.2-270, DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor, with penalties including a mandatory minimum of five days in jail with a blood alcohol level between 0.15% and 0.20%, and 15 days mandatory minimum jail time for a blood alcohol level over 0.20%. Penalties are enhanced with subsequent convictions. Beyond fines and jail time, consequences of a DUI conviction may include automatic disqualification from jobs requiring background checks.
• Habitual offenses: Accumulating multiple minor infractions on your driving record over time can create a pattern that prospective employers may interpret as careless or negligent behavior.

What Professions Have a Higher Risk of Impact from Traffic Violations?

Traffic violations can have a more direct impact on specific professions, including the following:

• Commercial driving: The livelihood of anyone with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) depends on a clean driving record. Traffic violations can lead to disqualification for or suspension of a CDL, effectively sidelining a commercial driving career.
• Healthcare and education: While these fields may not directly involve driving, many employers in healthcare and education view any criminal convictions, even those stemming from traffic violations, as red flags.
• Government and law enforcement: Positions that require public trust or a security clearance will require clean criminal and driving records. A DUI or reckless driving conviction could jeopardize your current position or the hope of being hired at all. 
• Rideshare and delivery app work: In the rising gig economy, Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and other rideshare and delivery companies rely heavily on background checks to help ensure the safety of their passengers and customers. One serious traffic violation could disqualify an applicant from these platforms. 

What Are the Potential Long-Term Consequences of Traffic Violations?

Beyond fines, potential jail time, and immediate employment concerns, traffic violations can have long-term effects that may indirectly hinder your career.

• Higher insurance rates: Traffic violations typically lead to increased auto insurance premiums. This added financial burden can be significant for those who drive to work or commute long distances. If your position requires the use of a company vehicle, your employer may be unwilling to accommodate the increased insurance costs due to violations of your driving record. 
• Driver’s license suspension: Conviction, or repeat convictions, of certain offenses may lead to license suspension or revocation, as outlined in Article 12 of the Code of Virginia. If you cannot operate a vehicle due to losing your driving privileges, it could compromise your ability to get to work or perform your job.
• Networking and reputation: Professional and personal networks often intersect in Richmond and throughout Virginia. A criminal conviction for a traffic offense can tarnish your reputation, making securing referrals or future opportunities more difficult. 

What Can Be Done to Mitigate the Impact of Traffic Violations?

If you have been charged with a traffic violation, act swiftly to mitigate the impact. Your first course of action is to speak with an experienced Virginia criminal defense attorney. A skilled lawyer can help by challenging the charges in court, negotiating reduced penalties, and protecting your record from long-term damage. In some cases, having a traffic violation expunged from your record may be possible. Completing a defensive driving course may reduce demerit points on your record and demonstrate to potential employers that you have taken responsibility for improving your driving habits. If a traffic violation appears on your record, address it proactively with prospective employers and explain the steps you have taken to prevent future occurrences.

How Can Our Law Firm Help?

A traffic violation may seem minor, but the potential impact on your career should not be underestimated. Our criminal defense attorneys at Jurach, Tacey & Quitiquit, PLC are hardworking and results-driven. We have more than 6uu u0 years of combined experience in criminal defense. Contact us at 804-531-5524 for a free consultation if you have been cited for a traffic violation in Richmond or the surrounding areas.