All state Departments of Motor Vehicles in the United States will maintain and provide driving records in some fashion. These driving records are fundamental pieces of public information that document an individual’s driving habits and history. A driving record will provide a formal listing of all violations, suspensions and other details concerning an individual’s driving history. Because the driving record lists all infractions procured by a motorist, the document is used as a guideline to record points and determines an individual’s insurance rate. 

Individuals may order driving records online, directly from their state government or their Department of Motor Vehicles. Also, 3rd party advertisers will offer driving records to those interested. Regardless of the supplier, all orders for driving records will cost a fee. 

Driving records may be attained by the driver himself as a means to check their driving history or may be secured by a business to cross-reference the individual’s application and view his/her driving history. Businesses aligned with deliveries or that utilize automobiles will typically order driving records for prospective workers. 

In general, there are two types of driving records: online driving records and certified driving records. Also referred to as Motor Vehicle Records, a certified driving record will provide a detailed list of all convicted traffic infractions and violations. Individuals may order these public records through the state or through independent vendors. The two types of driving records mentioned above will provide uniform information; the only difference between the two documents is how they are delivered to the individual—the online driving record is appropriately delivered via electronic mail while the certified driving record, which is typically sent by the state, will be delivered via traditional mail. 

As stated above, there are two primary reasons why someone would order a driving record: for employment purposes or to keep track of your driving points. 

Similar to a consumer’s credit rating, a driver may order their driving record to view and keep track of their listed infractions or driving violations. It is important to view your driving record because the presence of unpaid tickets or multiple infractions will increase your insurance premium and land you one step closer to a license suspension. It is also important to check your driving record to ensure legal driving; checking to see whether your license has been suspended or revoked will help avoid serious problems in the future.

Similar to credit profiles, mis-reporting is possible on driving records. Because of this and the penalties associated with the latent information, it is suggested that you observe your driving record once every few years. 

Employers—typically those aligned with the delivery industry—will request driving records to ensure that a prospective employee’s driving history is clean. Also, auto insurance companies will constantly review the information latent in the public record to calculate insurance premiums. The driving record, thus, serves as the fundamental tool to evaluate and forecast an individual’s driving habits. 

• Check driver’s license status and license suspension

• Check driver’s violation codes and license points

• Check all traffic tickets, violations and attached fines that you have accumulated over a certain period of time

• Provide a history of all traffic accidents that you have been involved in

• Observe your license classification and any or all attached endorsements

A car insurance company will factor in your driving history when calculating your insurance premium. If your driving record reflects a number of traffic tickets, accidents or a DUI conviction, the insurance company will consider you a high-risk driver. This classification will inevitably be met with increased insurance premiums. 

A hit and run accident is an illegal driving maneuver where the individual who is responsible for causing or contributing to the accident fails to stop and identify him/herself afterwards. Instead of going through the normal process following an accident or serving as recourse for the other individual(s) involved, a hit and run occurs when the perpetrator or individual liable for the collision simply drives away. The person responsible for causing the accident in a hit and run situation will flee the scene to avoid the exchange of information and the penalties or prosecution which subsequently arise. A hit and run is deemed a crime in the majority of jurisdictions.  

A hit and run can occur in any type of accident. The driver responsible for or contributing to the accident must flee the scene to be deemed a hit and run driver. The accident itself is not paramount; it is the act of fleeing that constitutes the action. For instance, a driver may flee the scene after he/she crashes into a person, a fixture or another automobile. If the hit and run revolves around a car on car accident, the driver may flee after hitting a parked or unoccupied car or a vehicle that carries multiple passengers. Again, the act of fleeing the scene is the fundamental characteristic of a hit and run accident. 

A hit and run is considered highly illegal because following an accident, parties involved are required to partake in a formal process. The attached process is typically compulsory. In the bulk of jurisdictions, additional obligations to exchange information concerning one’s financial responsibility (including the delivery of insurance cards) or to summon emergency services are mandatory. These actions, although not enforced by law in every jurisdiction in the U.S., are considered a social norm. Moreover, if an individual hits a parked car and causes damage to the car, the driver who caused the accident should leave a note with his or her personal and insurance information. If the individual ignores the accident and flees the scene they will be committing a hit and run. 

Unfortunately, those who fall victims to hit and runs may only seek retribution if an eye witness is on the scene. To prosecute someone for a hit and run charge, a license plate number or detective work is required. 

A hit and run violations imposes a number of severe legal consequences, including the suspension or cancellation of a driver’s license (possible permanent lifetime revocation of a license in certain jurisdictions). A hit and run offense is often deemed a criminal offense which may be punished by imprisonment or exorbitant fines. Moreover, insurance companies will frequently void the policies who commit the offense. 

In the United States, the penalties and the definition of the incident will vary from state to state. For instance, in the state of Virginia, a hit and run is a felony only if the accident causes a death, serious injury or damage to property in excess of a certain dollar amount. In all other instances, a hit and run will be deemed a misdemeanor in the state of Virginia. In Texas, a hit and run is deemed a third degree felony only if the accident involves a death or serious bodily injury. Accidents causing less than severe injuries are punishable in the state of Texas by imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. This sentence may be no more than five years. Additionally, the individual may be sentenced to confinement in a county jail for no more than one year with an attached fine that may not exceed $5,000. Accidents causing $200 or more in damages without injuries are deemed a class B misdemeanor in the state of Texas. Accidents causing less than this figure are regarded as class C misdemeanors. 

By viewing these examples one can ascertain that the penalties attached to a hit and run conviction will vary based on the severity (amount of damage and presence of death or serious injury) of the accident. 

If you are struck by a car, and the driver immediately flees the scene, you must somehow gather yourself and control your emotions. Granted this statement is broad; if you sustain serious injuries your ability to record the driver’s license plate or any information regarding the vehicle will invariably be inhibited. So, as a general rule, if you are involved in a hit and run accident, do whatever you can to try and get a glimpse of the liable vehicle—any information you can obtain will help the police nab the perpetrator. Try and provide a description of the vehicle that caused the accident. Notice the make, model and color of the vehicle. The ultimate goal—however unfeasible it may be—is to record the license plate number of the car that hit you. Whatever information you gather will be useful; the information must relay when you file a police report and an accident claim with your insurance provider. 

If you cannot recall the vehicle’s information or if you simply could not get a glimpse, you should still provide the police with as much information as possible. Record the location and time of the accident, along with many other details concerning the sequence of events. Look around for witnesses who may have seen the accident or vehicle that caused the crash. If you find any witnesses, immediately record their names, contact information and testimonials. Witnesses are vital when trying to pinpoint an individual guilty of a hit and run accident. 

After you or your vehicle is struck, do not chase the other driver. Although tempting, it is exceedingly dangerous to chase the driver who caused damage to you. Under no circumstances should you chase the other driver; you have no idea what the person may be thinking or what action will be taken once you have been spotted. Additionally, your heightened adrenaline and emotions may prompt you to drive without caution, perpetuating a subsequent accident. So, after a hit and run accident occurs, it is best to remain placid, record what you remember or saw and contact the police. 

After you have been struck by a hit and run driver, you should contact the nearest law enforcement office in your area to file an accident report. The accident report will contain all the information you have recorded from your observations. Even if you do not have a lot of information it is necessary to file a police report following a hit and run accident. Without filing this report, the police will have no clue as to what happened. Without knowledge, the police will not be able to investigate your accident and in turn, you will not be able to recoup any of the damages associated. Moreover, a police report will quicken the auto claims process and provide you with an official document to rely upon later.

If you have enough information that may be used to identify the hit and run driver, you may fain that individual’s car insurance information. If this is the case, immediately contact the provider and file a claim with them. This claim will be the primary mechanism to help you collect compensation for the damages sustained. If the hit and run driver does not carry adequate insurance coverage, you must seek retribution through the court system. 

If the hit and run driver cannot be located or identified, you must file a claim with your insurance company. This process is typically undertaken by individuals who have uninsured or are underinsured vehicle insurance. 

Your insurance policy will frequently provide protection in two forms: bodily injury and property. If you have sustained serious injuries or your car was severely damaged it is crucial to file claims. These claims will provide a foundation for compensation. Bodily injury protection will provide monetary compensation for injuries you or your passengers incur. These funds will provide compensation for convalescence and the costs associated with lost wages and time and suffering. The latter form of protection will offer compensation for damages sustained to your motor vehicle. 

If you do not have uninsured or underinsured vehicle insurance and do not know who cause the accident, you will unfortunately have to pay the expenses out of your own pocket. Because of this brutal realization, you may want to consider adding these coverages next time you go for an insurance quote.  

Like all other states, the state of Florida requires drivers to register their vehicles. After registering with the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, you can receive standard license plates for your automobile. You can also get personalized Florida license plates that have a customized image or license plate number.

Personalized Florida license plates can be issued to any motor vehicle lessee or owner or lessee except if a vehicle requires “Apportioned,” “Restricted,” “Wrecker,” or dual  truck license plates. Applications for personalized Florida license plates have to be submitted to the license plate agency for prior approval or rejection of your license plate choice to ensure that no obscene or objectionable choices are processed. Aside from the normal costs of standard Florida license plates, personalized plates cost an additional $15 each year for each personalized plate.

Applications for personalized Florida license plates can be submitted at any time of the year. The manufacturer of the plate has 45 calendar days to make and ship the personalized license plate. In general, license plates are issued for that current registration period unless the application is made during an advance registration period, which is three months before the birth month of the owner or designated registration period. When the personalized plate application is sent during the advance registration period and the full registration tax is paid, the personalized Florida license plate will expire the following year. In order to apply, you must fill out the Application for Personalized License Plate, or form HSMV 8304 issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles – Division of Motorist Services. The application should be submitted to your local tax collector office.

When you register your motor vehicle with the Idaho Transportation Department, you will receive license plates. These Idaho license plates are your property, and if you do decide to sell your motor vehicle, you should make sure to remove your Idaho license plates before the transaction happens. Although the state requires you to remove these plates, Idaho also allows you to transfer your Idaho license plates to other vehicles that already own or buy.

The state of Idaho provides many different graphics. The standard one for Idaho license plates can be used for boat trailers, camp trailers, buses, commercial trucks, commercial trailers, mobile homes, motor homes, dealer, loaner, motorcycles, non-commercial trucks, rental trailers, passenger cars, transporter trailers, repossession, wrecker vehicles, and utility trailers. However, there are many specialty plates also available for Idaho license plates. Some of them include the following styles:

• Old timer

• Timber

• Famous potatoes

• Fire fighter

• Veteran

• Peace officer

• Purple hear

• Idaho freemason

• Breast cancer awareness

• Capitol restoration

• Centennial

• Lewis and Clark

• Science and technology

• NRA

• Collegiate

• Support our troops

These plates can also have custom serial numbers. Regardless of what style you choose, there are some rules for each one.

• The personalized Idaho license plate text must be tasteful, regardless of the language.

• Depending on the plate, there are a minimum and maximum amount of characters, letters, and numbers.

• Spaces can be used anywhere on the Idaho license plate, but they are considered a part of the available spacing.

All styles are subject to the standard vehicle registration fees, and the customized plates can have varying costs depending on the style. Certain plates will also require documentation. For example, the Air Force Veteran Persian Gulf Plate requires an applicant to supply a copy of his or her DD-214 or an equivalent form.

Nebraska residents are provided with many choices for their Nebraska license plates by the State of Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles. The new standard design for 2011 Nebraska license plates is a yellow and green design depicting the western meadowlark bird and goldenrod. 

In addition to standard plates, you can also order many other styles. For example, you can order different specialty plates such as the following:

• Message and Husker Spirit license plates are students, fans, and alumni support the athletic program at the University of Nebraska. These plates have different fees depending on the options that range between $40 and $70. 

• Ham radio enthusiasts can choose Amateur Radio plates for their motor vehicles. These Nebraska license plates cost $5 in addition to other applicable registration taxes and fees.

• Different groups or organizations can make organizational license plates. These have a $70 fee to use.

• Gold Star Family license plates can be purchased by families of individuals who have died in good standing during active duty in the military service. Message plates cost $40 while numeric plates cost $5.

• Military veterans can choose from Ex-Prisoner of War, Purple Heart, Pearl Harbor Survivor, or Disabled American Veteran Nebraska license plates. These cost $5 for each one on top of standard registration taxes and fees.

You can also purchase message plates for cars, trucks, and motorcycles that contain seven characters (6 for motorcycles). In these Nebraska license plates, only letters and numbers are accepted. You cannot use punctuation.  To see if the specific message you want is available to use, you can use the Specialty Plate Search on the DMV’s website.

When you register your motor vehicle for the first time, you registration will include two standard Illinois license plates. The registration for these standard Illinois license plates costs $79 each year to renew for cars or trucks that weigh 8,000 pounds or less.

While you can get standardized license plates, you can also order personalized Illinois license plates that have your own message as the license plate number. These customized Illinois license plates also known as vanity plates. In addition to the normal registration fees, these plates cost $94 to register. You may even personalize specific specialty license plates.

Many specialty Illinois license plates that are available help support a particular organization or cause. Sometimes, certain specialty Illinois license plates are only available to members of an organization. Other specialty plates are openly available to those who are willing to pay an extra fee to support the charitable cause. Most of these plates also require an additional renewable fee for each year. Some of the specialized Illinois license plates can be personalized.

Some of the special-interest Illinois license plates that are available include the following:

• Affirmation for Pearl Harbor Survivor license plate

• Amateur Radio license plate

• Collegiate license plate

• Education license plate

• Environmental license plate

• Firefighter license plate

• Master Mason license plate

• Military license plate

• Organ Donor license plate

• Park District Youth license plate

• Persons with Disabilities license plate

• Pet Friendly license plate

• Police Memorial license plate

• Prevent Violence license plate

To apply for a personalized license plate, the Cyber Drive Illinois website provides the Pick-a-Plate service to choose your customized Illinois license plates online.

When you first register your vehicle in Nevada, you will be issued two Nevada license plates by the Department of Motor Vehicles. One of these will be for the rear bumper of your vehicle and another for the front bumper. Nevada license plates are registered to an individual rather than the vehicle. If you purchase a new car, you can transfer your Nevada license plates to that car through a full-service DMV office to.

Nevada license plates have 7 digits, except for motorcycles which have 6. You can request a personalized Nevada license plate up to the maximum amount of characters, as long your request is not obscene or in use. Nevada’s DMV provides an online Personalized License Plate Availability Search where you can see if your desired plate is available.

Once you have a couple available options for your Nevada license plates, you can order them by mail, fax, or in person. If you order them by mail, you must fill out Form SP 66, or the Personalized License Plate Application, and send it with applicable fees to the DMV. You can also fax this form along with a Credit Card Authorization (Form VP205) for the applicable fees to (775) 684-4797. If you order in person, you can bring in the application to your local full-service DMV office, where you can pay the applicable fees.

You can also purchase specialty plates, although some of them have eligibility requirements. These plates include Circa 1982 replica plates, fire fighter plates, organizational plates, charitable plates, collegiate plates, and military and veteran plates.

All fees for personalized plates are in addition to the normal registration fees. For the personalized standard Nevada license plate design for cars, it is $36 for the initial application and $20 for the annual renewal. For motorcycles, it is $35.50 for the initial application and $20 for the annual renewal. For Specialty Nevada license plates, it comes out to $61 to $96 for the initial application and $40 to $50 for the annual renewal, depending on the design.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet allows people to personalize their Kentucky license plates in many different ways. They provided many different designs as well as the option to personalize your license plate number. Some of the specialty Kentucky license plates provided include the following:

• Regular issue license plates

• Special issue license plates

• Regular personalized license plates

• Disabled issue license plates

• University issue license plates

• Independent college license plates

• Military issue license plates

• Military motorcycle license plates

• Military motorcycle personalized license plates

• Military personalized license plates

Any standard passenger car such as a car, SUV, van, or pick-up truck, military, or motorcycle Kentucky license plates can be personalized.

For passenger car Kentucky license plates, the character combination of the license plate can include 6 characters, both letters and numbers, well as a dash or a space or dash. For motorcycle license plates, they can have up to 5 different characters in combinations including both letters and numbers. However, it is important to note that the combination of characters found on a personalized Kentucky license plate can only be found on one plate at a time. This means that you will not be able to get the same personalized Kentucky license plate for both your family car and your motorcycle.

Depending on the type of application, you will need one of the following forms:

• Form TC96-218 for Personalized Plates

• Form TC96-205 for Disabled Plates

• Form TC96-015 for Special Plates

• Form TC96-207 for Volunteer Fire Fighter Plate

• Form TC96-221 for Judiciary Plates

• Form TC96-220 for Legislative Plates

• Form TC96-228 for Disaster/Emergency Service Plates

Standard personal license plate application fees come with a $25 fee which must be paid at the time of registration as well as a registration fee of $15 when you pick up your license plate. Some specialty plates also have additional fees. 

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles Public Safety Services offers people the chance to personalize their Louisiana license plates. They provided various designs and specialty plates as well as the option of choosing your license plate number.

Personalizing your Louisiana Car Registration and License Plates

You can use the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles Personalized Plate Inquiry page to find information about regarding ordering personalized license plates. You can also search to see if the plate you want is available. To request personalized Louisiana license plates, your motor vehicle must already be registered in the state. Your personalized message provides seven spaces (six for motorcycles and disabled drivers) for characters including the following:

• At least two letters from A-Z

• Numbers 0-9

• Hyphens, (full and half) spaces, and periods

Both hyphens and periods count as one space and a whole space uses up one of your seven spots. You cannot duplicate an existing personalized license plate. Furthermore, derogatory or profane combinations, patented logos, or special characters cannot be used.

Personalized Louisiana license plates cost $25 each year. There is also an $8 handling fee as well as a one-time $3 fee for various administrative services. All other fees for regular registration are still applicable.
If the personalized Louisiana license plates you want is available to register, you can apply by completing a Request for Personalized License Plate. You can then mail this to the office of motor vehicles along with the necessary fees.