Prince Edward Island Driving Record

What Is a Driving Record in Prince Edward Island?

A driving record in Prince Edward Island, better known as a Driver's Abstract, is an official document that provides a detailed history of an individual's driving record within the province. The Highway Safety Division maintains it, and the government agency is responsible for driver licensing and vehicle registration services.

The driving record includes information about the driver's license status, demerit points, convictions for traffic violations, suspensions, and other relevant data.

What Is a Clean Driving Record in Prince Edward Island?

A clean driving record in Prince Edward Island shows no demerit points, traffic violations, license suspensions, or at-fault accidents for a specified period, typically 3-5 years. It indicates a history of safe and responsible driving behavior.

What Does Driving Record in Prince Edward Island Include?

A Prince Edward Island driving record includes comprehensive information about an individual's driving history, such as:

• Driver's license number, class, and issue/expiry dates
• Demerit points accumulated
• Convictions for traffic violations and their corresponding dates
• License suspensions or revocations and their reasons
• Reinstatement dates for suspended licenses
• Driver training certificates completed
• At-fault accident involvement
• Unpaid fines associated with driving offenses

How to Check Your Driving Record in Prince Edward Island?

To check your driving record in Prince Edward Island, you can:

1. Visit an Access PEI location in person with a valid ID

2. Order a record online through the provincial government website

3. Mail a request form with payment to the Highway Safety Division

If ordering online, you'll need to provide:

• PEI Driver’s License Number
• Full name
• Date of Birth
• Telephone Number
• Payment method (Interac, MasterCard, Visa)
• Name of the person designated to pick up on your behalf, if applicable (with picture ID)

Records are typically processed within five business days, depending on the delivery method selected.

How Long Do Demerit Points Stay on Your Record in Prince Edward Island?

In Prince Edward Island, demerit points stay on your driving record for two years from the date of conviction for the associated offense. After this two-year period, the points are automatically removed from your record.

However, the conviction remains visible on your driver's abstract indefinitely, even after the demerit points expire. The conviction is a permanent part of your driving history, while the points have a set retention period. Demerit point thresholds are used to trigger license suspensions for unsafe driving behaviors.

What Factors Affect My Driving Record in Prince Edward Island?

Several factors can affect your driving record in Prince Edward Island, including:

• Traffic violations: Convictions for speeding, distracted driving, failure to obey signs, etc.
• Demerit points: Points added to your record for violations based on severity
• At-fault accidents: Collisions where you are deemed responsible
• License suspensions: Temporary loss of driving privileges due to violations or point accumulation
• Unpaid fines: Outstanding fines related to driving offenses
• Driver improvement courses: Completion of approved traffic safety courses
• Time elapsed: The length of time since an incident occurred on your record

How to Clear My Driving Record in Prince Edward Island?

In Prince Edward Island, there is no way to completely clear or erase your driving record of past convictions or violations. The history of your driving behavior is maintained permanently by the Highway Safety Division.

• However, you can improve your driving record over time by:
• Maintaining a clean driving period with no new violations
• Completing an approved driver improvement course to reduce demerit points
• Paying any outstanding fines or fees related to driving offenses
• Reinstating your license after a suspension period and avoiding further suspensions

Older violations have less impact on your overall record as time passes without new incidents. Demerit points expire after two years, and many employers and insurers focus on your recent 3-5-year history when assessing your driving risk.

How Do I Get My Driving Record in Prince Edward Island?

Driver abstracts can be obtained from the Highway Safety Division:

• Online: By filling out the online request form on their official website.
• In-Person Pickup: You can collect your driver abstract directly at designated Access PEI locations.
• Designate Someone: If you cannot pick it up yourself, you may authorize another individual to collect the abstract. They must present valid identification.
• Mail Request: You can also opt to have your driver abstract mailed to the PEI address on record.

You can contact the PEI Contact Centre at 1-833-734-1873 for more information or assistance.

Who's Eligible for a Driving Record in Prince Edward Island?

Any current or former licensed driver in Prince Edward Island can request their driving record. Individuals must have a valid Prince Edward Island driver's license and a provincial driving history at some point.

Certain third parties are also eligible to obtain someone else's driving record, with that person's consent, including:

• Employers for job applicants in driving-related positions
• Insurance companies for underwriting or claims purposes
• Lawyers involved in legal proceedings related to the individual's driving
• Government agencies with authorized access for specific purposes

The driver's written consent is required for any third-party requests. Official forms are available to authorize the release of records to approved parties.

Who Can Access Your Driving Record in Prince Edward Island?

Access to your Prince Edward Island driving record is restricted to:

1. Yourself, by requesting your record

2. Approved third parties with your written consent, such as:

• Employers
• Insurance providers
• Government agencies
• Legal representatives

Your record is confidential and protected under the province's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPP). It cannot be accessed without your authorization unless required by law.

What Are the Problems With Bad Driving Records in Prince Edward Island?

Having a bad driving record in Prince Edward Island can lead to several problems, such as:

• License suspension or revocation: Accumulating too many demerit points or serious offenses can result in temporarily or permanently losing your driving privileges.
• Increased insurance premiums: Insurers view drivers with poor records as riskier and may charge significantly higher rates or refuse coverage altogether.
• Employment difficulties: Jobs that involve driving (e.g., commercial trucking, delivery services) typically require a clean driving record. A bad record can disqualify you from these positions.
• Legal consequences: Repeated offenses or serious violations can lead to fines, mandatory driver re-education, or even imprisonment in extreme cases.
• Financial burden: The costs of fines, higher insurance, remedial courses, and license reinstatement can strain your budget.
• Limited mobility: Losing your license due to a bad record can affect your ability to get to work, school, or important appointments.

Maintaining a clean driving record through safe habits and obeying traffic laws can help avoid these negative outcomes.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Impact Auto Insurance in Prince Edward Island?

A bad driving record can significantly impact your auto insurance in Prince Edward Island in several ways:

• Higher premiums
• Difficulty obtaining coverage
• Disqualification from discounts
• Surcharges for specific violationspremium.
• Longer premium penalties

Insurance companies can access your driving record and use it to determine your risk level and premium. Keeping a clean record is one of the best ways to manage your car insurance.