What is considered a clean driving record?

According to The California Department of Motor Vehicles, a clean driving record is one containing no traffic violations. The only way to avoid gaining points on a driving record is by not breaking the law.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles explains that traffic tickets can cause a blemish on a driving record. Traffic violations, such as vehicle maintenance, child safety, reckless driving, a revoked license, or driving while intoxicated are all violations that can add points to a driving record.

The more points accumulated, the greater risk a driver faces toward losing or earning a suspended license. Points can remain on a driving record for a simple moving violation for up to 3 years. A violation, such as driving while intoxicated, can remain on a driving record for up to 10 years, The California Department of Motor Vehicles notes.