Oklahoma Driving Records

Driving records are essential documents that detail an individual's driving history, including traffic violations, accidents, and license status. In Oklahoma, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) is responsible for managing and keeping these records accurate and up-to-date.

The DPS handles requests for driving records from motorists, employers, insurance companies, and other entities, subject to state regulations and fees. These records are often the basis for insurance, employment, and legal decisions.

According to Oklahoma's Open Records Act, driving records are largely available to the public. However, access to certain information may be restricted to maintain the privacy of drivers in the state.

Types of Driving Records Available in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, residents and various entities can request a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR), which provides a detailed summary of a motorist's driving history over the past three years. Oklahoma Statutes 47 section 6-117 limits the MVR to these three years.

Here’s a summary of the available record types, their differences, and the associated fees:

Certified Driving Record

A certified driving record issued by the DPS is an official document commonly required for legal and professional reasons.

This record provides a comprehensive summary of an individual’s driving history over the past three years, including all traffic convictions, accident reports, and violations. It encompasses everything from minor infractions to more serious offenses.

Non-Certified Driving Record

A non-certified driving record is intended for personal use and offers the same details as a certified record. However, it lacks the official certification needed for formal purposes.

Associated Costs

Acquiring an MVR costs $25. If a certified version is required, there is an extra fee of $3.

Seniors aged 65 and older are exempt from the MVR fee when requesting their records.

How To Request an Oklahoma Driving History Report?

An Oklahoma driving history report can be obtained through several methods, each with specific requirements and steps.

Online Process

To request a driving history report online, individuals need to follow these steps:

Visit the Service Oklahoma (SOK) MVR Application website.
Provide the required information, which includes the driver’s basic information and license details.
Pay for the report with a credit or debit card. There will be a transaction fee of $2.50.
Print the PDF report.
Provide an email where SOK can send the link to the MVR should the driver need to download it again.

The link will expire 30 days after the payment transaction date.

In-Person Process

To request a driving history report in person:

Download, print, and complete the Motor Vehicle Request for Records form.
Visit a local SOK office.
Submit the completed form along with the total payment amount.

Accepted payment methods include cashier’s checks, money orders, business checks, cash, and credit or debit cards.

Mail-In Process

To request a driving history report by mail, individuals should follow these steps:

Fill out the Motor Vehicle Request for Records form.
Attach a check or money order for the total amount due. Cash should not be sent.
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of the documents.
Send the completed form, self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment to:

Service Oklahoma
Business Support Services
P.O. Box 11415
Oklahoma City, OK 73136-0415

Do not mail through United Parcel Service (UPS) or Federal Express (FedEx) for the return envelope. SOK does not handle documents as cash on delivery.

Applicants can also send the completed form to sokrecords@service.ok.gov. However, payment must be mailed to the address provided above.

Uses of Oklahoma Driving Records

In Oklahoma, driving records are utilized for various purposes:

For assessing risk: Insurers access driving records to evaluate driving history and determine insurance premiums.
For checking employment qualifications: Employers can see records, especially when hiring for jobs that require driving.
For legal proceedings: Driving records can be used in legal cases, such as traffic disputes or personal injury claims.
For personal documentation: Drivers can keep their copy to ensure the accuracy of their MVR.

Restricted Uses

The Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) governs access to driving records and restricts their availability to authorized entities and specific purposes. Oklahoma complies with this federal law, which means individuals cannot access another person's driving record for personal reasons without proper authorization.

Any misuse of these records, such as for marketing or solicitation, is prohibited and carries legal penalties.

Understanding Oklahoma Driving Laws

Oklahoma’s driving laws are designed to ensure road safety and regulate driving practices in the state. Here’s a summary of key laws and requirements:

Speed Limits

In Oklahoma, speed limits vary depending on the type of roadway and its location. The maximum speed limit on highways is typically 70 miles per hour (mph). This higher speed limit applies to multi-lane highways and interstate roads designed for faster travel.

On rural two-lane roads, which are often less developed and have fewer safety features compared to highways, the speed limit is generally set at 65 mph. This lower limit helps to account for the potentially increased risk due to the road's design and lower traffic volume.

Seat Belt Use

In Oklahoma, all drivers and passengers must wear seat belts. The Oklahoma Mandatory Seat Belt Use Act stipulates that drivers can be stopped and cited solely for not wearing a seat belt. Ignoring this law can result in a fine.

Oklahoma law also requires that every child aged eight and below be secured in a child passenger restraint system.

Alcohol and Drug Use

Oklahoma enforces strict regulations on alcohol and drug-related driving offenses to enhance road safety.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

A DUI charge in Oklahoma can apply under several conditions:

Having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher
Being impaired by alcohol, drugs, or any other substances that affect driving ability
Testing positive for any amount of a Schedule I drug or its metabolites
Being impaired by a combination of alcohol and other intoxicants

Legal use of alcohol or controlled substances does not provide a defense against DUI charges.

Driving While Impaired (DWI)

Individuals are deemed to be guilty of DWI if their BAC is between 0.05% and 0.08%. However, to secure a conviction, there must be additional evidence showing that alcohol significantly impaired the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely and endangered public safety.

Aggravated DUI

Those with a BAC of 0.15% or higher are charged with aggravated driving under the influence.

DUI for Drivers Under 21

For drivers under 21, any measurable level of alcohol in their blood or breath results in a DUI charge.

Child Endangerment

Oklahoma law also targets child endangerment related to impaired driving. Charges may be brought if:

A person allows a child to be in a vehicle while impaired or under the influence.
A driver, while impaired, transports a child in the vehicle.

An affirmative defense may be available if removing the child from the vehicle would have resulted in substantial harm to either the child or the driver.

Distracted Driving

Oklahoma's distracted driving laws are designed to improve road safety by targeting key distractions. Texting while driving is strictly forbidden for all drivers, and novice drivers under 18 are not allowed to use mobile phones while on the road.

The law mandates that drivers must pay full attention to driving. However, enforcement has specific conditions. Officers cannot issue citations just for being distracted. They can only cite a driver for distracted driving if:

The officer observes the driver engaging in erratic driving.
The distraction causes an accident.

Insurance Requirements

The state requires all drivers to have liability insurance with minimum coverage limits of $25,000 for injury or death per individual, $50,000 for injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

Requirements for Residents, New Residents, and Foreign Nationals

Residents of the state are required to obtain an Oklahoma driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency. To do so, they must provide proof of identity, a Social Security Number (SSN), and proof of residency. If their previous license is from outside of the state or has expired, they need to pass a driving test.

Foreign nationals can drive in Oklahoma with a valid international driving permit (IDP) or their home country’s driver’s license as long as their stay is temporary. For extended stays, they should apply for an Oklahoma driver’s license and must provide proof of legal residency or visa status.

The Points System in Oklahoma

Oklahoma's points system helps manage driver behavior by assigning points for various traffic violations. Accumulating points on a driving record can lead to penalties, such as fines, license suspension, or even revocation.

Each traffic violation adds a specific number of points to a driver’s record. If a driver collects 10 points within five years, they may face a license suspension.

Examples of Violations and Their Points

Speeding: Points range from 2 to 4 based on how much the speed limit was exceeded.
Reckless driving: This offense generally results in 6 points.
DUI: This typically incurs 10 points.
Driving without insurance: This offense usually adds 4 points.
Running a red light: It generally results in 2 points.

License Suspension Duration

The length of a license suspension depends on the driver’s history. If a driver has previously had their license suspended, the current suspension may be longer. The suspension periods for accumulating 10 points within five years are:

First suspension: one month
Second suspension: three months
Third suspension: six months
Fourth and subsequent suspensions: 12 months

DUI-related suspensions often last longer.

Restoring a Suspended License

To reinstate a suspended license, a driver must complete the suspension period and pay a reinstatement fee. This fee can be paid online, in person at an SOK office, or through a representative.

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, driving offenses are categorized into criminal and civil types, each with its own set of consequences and legal processes.

Criminal Driving Offenses

These offenses are severe violations that can lead to significant legal repercussions, including imprisonment. They are often classified as felonies or misdemeanors. Common criminal driving offenses include:

DUI/DWI can lead to substantial fines, license suspension, and possible jail time, especially for repeat offenders.
Reckless driving and risking public safety can result in fines, points on the driver’s record, and possible jail time.
Vehicular manslaughter is a felony charge if a driver’s gross negligence causes a fatal accident.
Leaving the scene of an accident without assisting the injured is a felony, especially if there are fatalities.
Driving with a suspended or revoked license can result in potential jail time.

Civil Driving Offenses

These are generally less severe and involve traffic infractions that usually result in fines and points on the driver’s record. Common civil offenses include:

Improper turns
Failing to yield.
Speeding
Running a red light
Failure to use turn signals
Expired registration

Oklahoma Driving Statistics and Goals

Traffic safety is a serious issue in Oklahoma, with alcohol-related crashes causing nearly 2,500 injuries and around 220 deaths each year. In 2022, the state saw a decrease of 98 traffic fatalities compared to 2021.

However, over a longer period from 2019 to 2022, fatalities increased by 14%, and the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled rose by 15%. This increase happened despite only a 1% rise in traffic, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To tackle these challenges, Oklahoma is implementing several strategies. These initiatives include stricter traffic law enforcement, enhanced public education, and initiatives to reduce alcohol-related crashes. The state aims to keep improving road safety and further reduce both fatalities and injuries down to zero.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma Driving Records

The following are some common questions concerning drivers in the state:

Who Can Request a Driving Record?

In Oklahoma, individuals can request their own driving records. Access to these records is generally restricted to the person named in the record, except in specific cases allowed by state law.

What Should an Individual Do if They Find an Error in Their Oklahoma Driving Record?

If someone finds an error in their Oklahoma driving record, they should contact the DPS to correct it. The agency will review the information and make the necessary changes. This process can be initiated online, by mail, or in person at an SOK office.

Does Oklahoma Have an Expungement Law for Traffic Violations?

Oklahoma lacks a specific expungement law for traffic violations. While it is possible to seal the court record of a traffic ticket, this action does not extend to the driving record itself.

Helpful Links and Resources

Here are some useful links for Oklahoma drivers and accessing driving records:

DPPA Permissible Use Form: https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/bot/documents/forms/BOT%20Form%20ADM%203-2-1.pdf
ENDUI Oklahoma blood alcohol content calculator: https://enduiok.com/drinking-driving/know-your-limit/
Oklahoma Crash Data: https://oklahoma.gov/highwaysafety/data/current-crash-data.html
Guide to auto insurance in Ohio: https://www.oid.ok.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2020_Auto-Brochure.pdf

Counties in Oklahoma

List of Content

Types of Driving Records Available in Oklahoma
How To Request an Oklahoma Driving History Report?
Uses of Oklahoma Driving Records
1. Restricted Uses
Understanding Oklahoma Driving Laws
The Points System in Oklahoma
Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Oklahoma
1. Criminal Driving Offenses
2. Civil Driving Offenses
Oklahoma Driving Statistics and Goals
Frequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma Driving Records
Helpful Links and Resources