Protecting Your Business: The Critical Role of Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs)

Conducting Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) checks unveils crucial insights into your drivers' driving history, from speeding tickets to license suspensions, aiding in mitigating potential liabilities. Ensure your company's drivers are truly safe behind the wheel by implementing these essential procedures, contributing to both peace of mind and the reputation of your business.

May 6, 2024 | Contractor

By: AJ G., CSP, ARM-P

AJ Gajdosik is a Senior Loss Control Representative who joined the Acuity team in January 2015. AJ most enjoys teaching and speaking about safety to help others improve their safety efforts. He is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), earned the Associate in Risk Management and Associate in Risk Management for Public Entities designations from the Insurance Institute of America and is a graduate of the best safety school in the nation, University of Central Missouri. AJ is an OSHA Authorized Outreach Trainer for Construction and General Industry and also teaches classes for the Great Plains OSHA Education Center. Outside of his career, AJ helps to ensure the safety of youth soccer players as a soccer official.

Author of Safety Topics

Do you have people who drive for you? Think about more than just the drivers of your company vehicles. What about the people who sometimes use their vehicles to run to the bank or post office, hardware store, suppliers, or the shop to get supplies? What about your salespeople or those who receive a vehicle allowance/expense?

Sure, you know these drivers, but do you really know them? How safe are they when they drive? Are they hiding speeding tickets, a DUI/DWI, or a suspended license? Allowing employees with poor driving records to drive for your business increases the risk to your company. Negligent entrustment of a vehicle to drivers with poor records, whether you know it or not, could result in a troublesome insurance claim for your business. Have you taken the necessary steps to ensure those who drive for your company are safe behind the wheel?

Conducting motor vehicle record (MVR) checks is crucial in safeguarding your business and protecting your employees and the public. An MVR lets you know the driving history of your employees. It will list any driving violations and convictions, such as speeding tickets, DUI/DWI offenses, and other traffic infractions. Additionally, it may indicate the number of points assigned for each violation and any license restrictions or endorsements. It could also include accident reports, administrative actions, and license suspensions or revocations, providing valuable insights into the individual's driving behavior and history. Access to MVR information is subject to state regulations and typically requires authorization from the individual.

Establishing procedures to review MVRs is a must. Complete these reviews when hiring a new employee who has the potential to drive a company vehicle or their vehicle for business purposes. If you have an employee with new driving responsibilities, check their motor vehicle record before handing them the keys. Monitor driving records annually to ensure continued compliance with safety standards.

Knowing that you have safe, responsible drivers representing your company on the road brings peace of mind and can ultimately contribute to your business's overall success and reputation. By proactively assessing the driving histories of your employees, you can make informed decisions and implement measures to mitigate potential liabilities, making the effort worthwhile.