Can traffic violation records from three years ago be checked?
2 Answers
Yes, as long as the violation records have been processed, they can still be checked, but will be marked as 'processed'. There is a certain process and time required from when a violation is captured to when it is confirmed and posted online (on the traffic police violation processing platform), usually taking 3-5 days. Not all violations can be confirmed and uploaded immediately. Due to differences in violation location, violation behavior, and penalty methods, the date of confirmation and upload may vary. Below are common traffic violations: Running a red light: Running a red light is the most common violation. Since the new traffic regulations were introduced, running a red light results in a deduction of 6 points at once; Driving without a license: For drivers who continue to drive while their license is suspended, a fine and 15 days of detention will be imposed. For those driving without a license or with a revoked license, 15 days of detention and a fine will be imposed; Overloading or overcapacity: For passenger vehicles exceeding the rated capacity by less than 20% or freight vehicles exceeding the rated load by less than 30%, a fine will be imposed. For passenger vehicles exceeding the rated capacity by 20% or more or freight vehicles exceeding the rated load by 30% or more, a fine will be imposed; Drunk driving: For driving under the influence of alcohol, a 3-month suspension of the driver's license and a fine will be imposed. For driving a commercial vehicle under the influence of alcohol, a 3-month suspension of the driver's license and a fine will be imposed; Speeding: For driving over the speed limit by 50% or more, a fine and revocation of the driver's license will be imposed.
I think traffic violation records from three years ago can theoretically be checked, but in practice, it might not be easy. It depends on where you were driving, as different regions have different retention periods. In China, records are generally kept for one to three years, and minor violations might be deleted earlier. If you're curious, you can try official channels like the 12123 app or the traffic management bureau website, entering your license plate number and personal information to check. I've checked a few times myself, and minor violations were gone after a year, but major incidents like drunk driving might still be there. The reason is that system storage is limited, and old data is regularly cleaned up, so don't expect to find everything. It's best to keep a clean driving record to avoid trouble. If you can't find the records, don't worry—time passing is usually a good sign that the issue is resolved. Overall, try checking as soon as possible to see your luck, and don't let small things affect your mood.
