Your good driving record is important because having a bad driving record because of too many traffic tickets can end up with extremely high insurance rates and even loss of your license which will make life difficult. Keeping your traffic ticket record clean will help you pay less fines and keep your insurance as cheap as it is right now.

One of the best ways of preserving your record is when pulled over. Being nice and not having an attitude with the officer, even if you are angry, can help your chances of getting a warning as opposed to a ticket. Warnings do not go against your record.

Do parking tickets go on your record?

Check your local jurisdiction to be sure if they do or don't. In most places if you have paid for the parking ticket it will not be on your record. Get unpaid parking ticket taken care of and they shouldn't be on your driving record.

If you already have a ticket, how long will it stay on your record?

This will vary from place to place, but a ticket can last on your driving record for up to seven years. Even a ticket or two per year can put you at risk of losing your license.

How to keep traffic tickets off your record and tips to preserve your points.

Obviously driving safely and obeying the rules of the road will keep your record perfect. Sometimes you may end up with a ticket. There are a couple of strategies.

First of all fighting the ticket in court can't add to the points of your infraction. At best the ticket is dropped entirely. It can also be reduced. At worst you are found guilty of the ticket. Fighting tickets is a no lose option.

Another strategy if you have a clean driving record is to ask for traffic school. This can essentially be the punishment for the ticket and keep the driving record clean.

In some states special classes are allowed to take away points off your license. So if you are nearing your limit, look to see if a class can help your driving record improve.