Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) checks are commonly used in the United States for various purposes, primarily related to assessing an individual's driving history and behavior. Here's an overview of how MVR checks typically work:
1. Purpose: MVR checks are conducted to review an individual's driving record, including any traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, revocations, or other infractions. These checks are often required for employment positions that involve driving company vehicles or operating machinery, as well as for insurance purposes.
2. Information Included: MVR reports contain information such as the driver's license status, driving offenses, points on the license, DUI convictions, license restrictions, and accidents. The specific information provided may vary by state, as each state maintains its own database of driving records.
3. Accessing MVRs: Employers, insurance companies, government agencies, and other authorized entities can request MVR checks from the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or a third-party provider that has access to MVR databases. The individual's consent is typically required before obtaining their MVR.
4. Permissible Purpose: Like credit checks, MVR checks are subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which requires a permissible purpose for accessing an individual's driving record. Employers must have a legitimate business reason, such as evaluating a candidate's suitability for a driving-related job, and obtain the individual's consent before conducting an MVR check.
5. Compliance and Regulation: MVR checks must comply with federal and state laws governing the use of driving records. These laws vary by state and may include restrictions on the use of MVRs for employment purposes, requirements for obtaining consent, and guidelines for handling and protecting sensitive driver information.
6. Frequency of Checks: Employers may conduct MVR checks as part of the pre-employment screening process and periodically thereafter, depending on the nature of the job and company policies. For employees who drive as part of their job responsibilities, regular MVR checks may be conducted to monitor their driving behavior and ensure compliance with company standards.
7. Use in Hiring Decisions: Employers use MVR checks to assess the risk associated with hiring individuals who will be driving on behalf of the company. Candidates with clean driving records may be considered lower risk, while those with multiple violations or serious offenses may be deemed higher risk and may not be hired for positions that involve driving.
Overall, MVR checks play a vital role in assessing an individual's driving history and behavior, helping employers make informed decisions about hiring and managing employees who will be driving as part of their job responsibilities. Compliance with applicable laws and regulations is essential to ensure the fair and lawful use of MVR information.