Traffic Violations Remain on Drivers' Abstracts Indefinitely
The Hawaii judiciary has asked that the state legislature change the law three times, but has been unsuccessful
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Honolulu Star-bulletin
Kokua Line
by June Watanabe
April 24, 2010
Question: I have a co-worker who told me how much her car insurance rates have gone up. She drives this big SUV, and while backing out of a parking stall, she hit the rear corner of another car. She said she didn't even feel the impact, so she left. But somebody called the police to report a hit-and-run, and when she got home, the police were waiting for her. She apparently caused $500 damage to the other car. She got a citation and a court date. Before she went to court, a friend told her to plead "no contest" because if she pleaded guilty it would go on her traffic record. If she pleads "no contest," she will only pay a fine, and it won't go on her record. Is this true? How long does a violation stay on one's record, anyway? Is it three years or five years or longer? Or does it depend on the violation?
Answer: It doesn't matter what your friend pleads and what the outcome is. The incident will appear on her traffic abstract for an indefinite time, with no set limit for removal.
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