Oklahoma Traffic Violation Records

Oklahoma traffic violation records are maintained by the Department of Public Safety. However, records of traffic violations handled in the state courts are maintained by the clerks in the courts where the cases were handled. A significant percentage of the traffic violation records maintained in the state relate to speed limit violations. About 8.61% of drivers in the state have a prior speeding violation on their record. This figure is lower than the 10.54% national average.

Oklahoma uses a point system to monitor and deter traffic violations, including speeding. The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) assigns points to drivers' records based on the severity of the offense. For example, speeding over the limit by more than 25 miles per hour results in three points, while lower speeding violations carry two points. The driver's license of a violator may be suspended if too many points are accumulated within a specified period.

Are Traffic Violations Records Public in Oklahoma?

Traffic violation records are generally considered public records. However, only basic information contained in these records may be accessed by the public, as the Driver's Privacy Protection Act prohibits the release of personal information such as addresses, Social Security numbers, and phone numbers in DMV records.

Also, records of the traffic crimes handled by the municipal and district courts are also open to the public. Anyone may submit a request to the court to obtain case information or the records of the traffic cases handled there.

How To Look Up Traffic Tickets in Oklahoma?

You may look up a traffic ticket in Oklahoma using the Oklahoma State Courts Network e-payments search tool. To perform a search on the OSCN tool, select the county where the citation was issued and provide the case number or citation number in the case number field. You may also check the website of the local court to verify if a ticket search option is provided in the jurisdiction. For instance, the municipal court in Oklahoma City offers a citation search option on its website.

It is also possible to use a third-party service to look up traffic citation information. For instance, PublicRecord.us, a reliable third-party service, allows anyone to look up Oklahoma traffic ticket information via its website.

Where Do I Pay Traffic Violations?

Oklahoma offers the following methods for traffic fine payment:

• Online Payments: Many counties in Oklahoma offer online payment options through the state courts' e-Payments system. The platform accepts payment by credit and debit cards. Some local courts also have online payment systems for traffic violators to pay their fines. For example, Oklahoma City's municipal court provides an online system to accept payment for traffic fines.
• By Mail: Some courts accept payment by mail. Hence, you may send payment to the district court in the county where the violation occurred.
• In Person: Visit the local traffic court in the county where the ticket was issued. You may be able to pay fines directly at the court clerk's office.
• By Phone: Some courts may allow payment over the phone. You may check your ticket or contact the court for details.

How Much Does It Cost To Request Your Driving Records Online?

You may obtain your own driving record or that of another person if you are authorized under 47 OS, Section 6-117 E and F. The Department of Public Safety provides an online portal that anyone may use to submit their request. Requesters will need to provide their full name, sex, driver's license number, date of birth, and driver's license issuance date to submit their request.

The fee for obtaining a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) in Oklahoma is $25.00. However, pursuant to Oklahoma Statute 47 O.S. § 6-117(D), this fee is waived for individuals aged 65 and older who are requesting a copy of their own MVR.

If a certified copy of the MVR is requested, an additional $3.00 certification fee applies, as outlined in 47 O.S. § 2-110. Additionally, a $2.50 transaction fee is charged for each request.

Alternatively, requests may be submitted via a completed Service Oklahoma Motor Vehicle Request for Records form and payment for the appropriate fee in person at any licensed operator location or via mail to:

Per state law, driving records are restricted to only containing a three-year driving history. The record contains details such as driver identification information, license issuance and expiration, convictions and violations, accidents, points on license, suspensions, revocations, and cancellations.

What Are Moving and Non-Moving Violations in Oklahoma?

A moving violation occurs when a driver breaks a traffic law while the vehicle is in motion. These violations often result in fines, points on a driver's record, and may lead to higher insurance rates or even license suspension if repeated. For more serious moving violations, jail time may apply. Common examples of moving violations in Oklahoma include:

• Speeding
• Reckless or careless driving
• Improper lane changes
• DUI
• Running a red light or stop sign

A non-moving violation typically occurs when the vehicle is stationary, or the offense does not relate to the vehicle's movement. Common examples of non-moving violations include:

• Parking in a no-parking zone
• Expired registration or license plates
• Seatbelt violations
• Broken headlights or taillights
• Obstructed or missing license plates

The penalties for non-moving violations are less serious compared to those for moving violations. The fines stipulated for non-moving violations are typically lower than those for moving violations. Other penalties may include towing or impounding, and corrective action such as fixing equipment issues. No points are added to driving records for non-moving violations.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Oklahoma?

​In Oklahoma, a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) conviction remains on your driving record for 10 years from the date of conviction. During this period, any subsequent DUI offenses are considered repeat offenses, leading to more severe penalties. DUI arrests and road fatality rates are fairly high in Oklahoma. The state records 335 DUI arrests and 7.3 DUI road fatalities per 100,000 drivers.

A first-time DUI offense in Oklahoma is typically classified as a misdemeanor. The penalties for this offense include 10 days to 1 year in jail, fines up to $1,000, and a 180-day license suspension. Additional consequences can involve mandatory participation in substance abuse treatment programs and the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID).

A second DUI offense within 10 years is treated as a felony. Penalties can range from 1 to 5 years in prison, fines up to $2,500, and a 1-year license suspension. The court may also require the installation of an IID and completion of a substance abuse evaluation and treatment program.

A third or subsequent DUI offense is considered a felony with more severe penalties. These can include 1 to 10 years in prison, fines up to $5,000, a 3-year license suspension, mandatory 240 hours of community service, and the installation of an IID for up to 2 years.

What Are the Penalties for Breaking the Speed Limit in Oklahoma?

Speed limits and the penalties for going over these limits in Oklahoma are governed by Title 47, Section 11-801 of the Oklahoma Statutes. Unless otherwise posted, the following speed limits apply in the state:

• Urban Districts: 25 miles per hour
• Residential Areas: 25 miles per hour
• Alleys: 15 miles per hour
• State Parks or Wildlife Refuges: 35 miles per hour
• County Roads: 55 miles per hour
• Two-lane highways: 65 miles per hour
• Four-lane highways or interstates: 75 miles per hour

Penalties for speeding violations vary from one city to another, and the severity of the offense. For instance, in Oklahoma City, the penalties include the following:

• 1-10 mph over the limit: $172 fine
• 11-19 mph over the limit: $203 fine
• 20 mph or more over the limit: $213 fine
• Speeding in Residential Areas: $213 fine
• Speeding in School Zones: $213 fine

In addition to fines, the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) assigns points to your driving record for each moving violation. Accumulating too many points within a specific period may result in the suspension of your driver's license. For example, speeding typically results in two points being added to your record. If you accumulate 10 or more points within five years, the Oklahoma DPS may suspend your license.

Furthermore, a speeding conviction may cause an increase in auto insurance premiums, as insurance companies often view speeding as a sign of risky driving behavior.

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record in Oklahoma?

A speeding ticket in Oklahoma stays on your state driving record for three years from the date of the violation.

How To Appeal A Traffic Ticket?

It is not uncommon for individuals to represent themselves in court when contesting traffic tickets in Oklahoma courts. You may fight an Oklahoma traffic ticket using the following defenses:

• Dispute the Police Officer's Personal Opinion: You may challenge the citation if it involves subjective judgments, such as unsafe lane changes or speeding in certain states. You may argue that your actions were safe based on traffic and weather conditions.
• Dispute the Police Officer's Presentation of Evidence: You may question the evidence provided by the officer for clear-cut infractions like running a stop sign. Use eyewitness statements or photographs to show that the officer's observations were inaccurate.
• Present Evidence of a 'Mistake of Fact: Provide evidence of circumstances beyond your control, such as worn lane markers or new traffic signs, to justify your violation as an honest mistake.
• Argue That Circumstances Justified Your Driving: Admit the violation, but prove that it was necessary due to emergencies like avoiding a drunken driver or health issues while driving.
• Argue That Your Driving Prevented Harm: You may also prove how your driving actions were necessary to prevent immediate harm, like swerving to avoid a pedestrian.

However, if you are facing serious traffic violations such as DUI, reckless driving, or an aggravated traffic offense, you should consider hiring a traffic attorney to defend you in court, as their understanding of state traffic laws and the court system may help in reducing your penalties.

How To Resolve an Out-of-State Traffic Ticket?

Oklahoma's participation in the Driver's License Compact and Non-Resident Violator Compact means that your traffic violations in other member states will be reported to the Oklahoma DPS, and vice versa. If you have an out-of-state ticket, you may fight it using the following strategies:

• Understand the Citation: Begin by thoroughly reviewing the traffic ticket. Carefully note the alleged violation, deadline to respond, methods for contesting the ticket, and the contact information for the court or agency that issued it.
• Contact the Issuing Court or Agency: Call or email the court listed on the ticket to confirm how to proceed. Ask about your rights, the steps required to challenge the citation, and whether your case may be handled without appearing in person.
• Request a Remote Hearing or Written Declaration Option: In many states, drivers may contest tickets without traveling. Some courts offer virtual hearings via phone or video conferencing. Others may allow a written declaration, an affidavit explaining your defense, which the judge may review without your physical presence.
• Hire a Local Traffic Attorney: If the case is complex or the ticket carries significant penalties, consider hiring a traffic attorney licensed in that state. A local attorney may appear in court on your behalf, help navigate unfamiliar laws, negotiate a lesser charge, or even have the ticket dismissed.
• Prepare and Submit Supporting Evidence: Compile all relevant evidence to support your case. This may include photographs of the scene, witness statements, GPS records, vehicle repair documents, or any other material that disproves or mitigates the violation.

How Do Oklahoma Traffic Laws Differ From Other States?

Oklahoma shares common traffic laws with other states in the nation, but makes modifications to the basic rules in some cases. Below are some traffic laws you may not know in Oklahoma:

Oklahoma's traffic laws have some unique aspects compared to other states:

• Implied Consent Rule: Oklahoma enforces strict implied consent laws. If a driver refuses a chemical test when arrested for suspected DUI, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) may revoke the driver's license even without a conviction.
• Right-of-Way: Drivers must yield to vehicles already in intersections or approaching from the right at four-way stops.
• School Buses: All school buses must stop at railroad crossings, even without signals.
• Arm Signals: Drivers can legally use arm signals for turns if blinkers are non-functional.
• Bicyclists' Rights: Under Oklahoma law, motorists must treat bicyclists with the same respect and caution as any other vehicle, ensuring they pass at a safe distance and avoid reckless driving near them.