Related Questions from DMV Answers

• Where can I access the traffic violation codes online?

  Conveniently, most states post these codes on one or several Web sites.A state government Web site that posts state laws online will include all state laws, and you’ll need to sift through to find the section that deals with vehicle code and, more specifically, the section that deals with all the traffic violation codes. On the other hand, if you search through your driver handbook or the Web site of the state agency that handles driver- and vehicle-related mattes (this agency varies by state, but think the DMV, your county clerk’s office, or a division of your state’s public safety, transportation, or revenue department), chances are you’ll find that agency has isolated just the vehicle code.Understanding your state’s traffic violation codes can help you avoid getting a traffic ticket and, in some cases, even help you prove your citation was unwarranted. AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinois...
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• Where are the violation codes so I can decipher my citation?

  Violation codes, or traffic codes, are generally found on the state or local government Web sites. They may be called “Vehicle Code,” “Revised Statutes,” or “Traffic Laws.” The easiest way to find yours would be to perform a search for your specific citation number along with your state name. You can sometimes get a citation dismissed or the points removed from your record by attending traffic school. Rules vary by state on options to clear traffic tickets. If you don’t think you are in the wrong regarding your citation, consider consulting a traffic ticket attorney for advice on how to proceed.
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• Can I take care of my drivers license renewal online?

  Due to security concerns, many states no longer offer online drivers license renewal. States offering online drivers license renewal also have eligibility requirements for this service. Generally, the state will send out a renewal notice stating whether you are eligible to renew a license online. This might contain a code to input on their secure renewal Web site.To renew a drivers license online, states by and large require that your license has been expired less than a year (though this can vary by state), and that your Social Security number and current address are on file with the motor vehicle department. States also require occasional in-person renewals at certain ages in order for drivers to get current photos and exams.  People with existing or new medical restrictions or who require immigration papers to renew are not allowed to renew drivers licenses online. Renew your drivers license before it expires to avoid traffic tickets or citations for driving with an expired ...
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• How can I look up my state's driving citations/violations codes?

  You’ll need to perform a search online for “traffic violation codes” along with your state’s name. States may have their driving citations/violations codes listed under various state agencies. Some states have this info in their DMV websites, others in their Department of Finance Web sites, and still others in their Secretary of State or court Web sites. The vehicle code tells you how many points traffic tickets are worth. If you’ve received traffic tickets or violations in the past and don’t know if the points are still showing on your record, you should order your driving record.  This will tell you exactly how many points you currently have counting against you.
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• What does the VIN stand for, is there some sort of VIN decoder?

  A VIN is your car's version of a fingerprint. There is no randomness behind the 17 characters that comprise a VIN number. Each character, or combination of characters, possesses a specific identifying purpose. For example, the first character represents the vehicle's nation of origin. The number 1 means the United States and the number 2 signifies Canada. Whereas J represents Japan and G Germany. The second character signifies the car's manufacturer. The third character reveals the car's make. Characters four through eight carry a wealth of information, indicating the vehicle's body type, restraint system and engine code. The ninth character, known as the check digit, is used by experts to check for tampering. The 10th character represents the vehicle's model year (M stands for 1991, N for 1992, P for 1993...). The 11th character indicates assembly locations. And the remaining characters are production sequence numbers.If you own a vehicle manufactured prior to 1981, its VIN wi...
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