What Is A Nova Scotia Driver Abstract?
A Nova Scotia driver abstract is an official record of an individual's driving history within the province. It is maintained by the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), a division of Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services responsible for driver licensing and vehicle registration in Nova Scotia.
A driver abstract contains essential information about a person's driving record, including violations, accidents, and license status. It provides a snapshot of a driver's history. Employers, insurance providers, and other authorized parties often use it to assess an individual's driving behavior and risk level.
What Does A Nova Scotia Driver's Abstract Include?
A Nova Scotia driver's abstract is a comprehensive record that includes various details about a driver's history.
- Summary Offence Tickets (SOTs): These are tickets issued for violations under the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act. Examples include speeding, failing to stop at a red light, and other traffic infractions.
- Criminal Code Convictions: Any convictions under Canada's Criminal Code involving vehicle operation. This might include serious offenses such as impaired driving, vehicular manslaughter, or dangerous driving.
- Out-of-Province Offences: These are included if the driver has committed offenses while holding a Nova Scotia driver's license but was driving in other provinces. This ensures that a driver's record reflects all relevant driving history, regardless of where the incidents occurred in Canada.
- Accidents: The abstract will list any accidents involving the driver that resulted in significant damage (exceeding $2000) or personal injury, particularly those resulting in death.
This record is used for various purposes, such as court proceedings, by insurance companies to determine insurance rates, or by employers for roles that require driving.
How To Get A Nova Scotia Driver's Abstract?
To obtain a driver's abstract in Nova Scotia, you have two main methods:
- In-Person Request:
- Location: Visit any RMV Customer Services Centres.
- Payment Options: Acceptable forms of payment include cash, debit card, VISA, American Express, MasterCard, or a cheque/money order made out to the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
- Mail Request:
- Address: Send your request to Service Nova Scotia, PO Box 1652, Halifax, NS B3J 2Z3, Canada.
- Payment Options: Include a cheque or money order made out to the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
- Forms Required:
- Complete Form 1 (Application for Driver Licensing and Identification Services) or an Employer Release Authorization Form.
- If you don't have an application form, you can submit a signed and dated letter with your name, master number, and the reason for the abstract request.
- Fees:
- The standard fee for obtaining a driver's abstract is $18.65.
- The fee is $13.20 for a Certified Letter providing specific information from your driver's abstract, such as the duration of time you have held a driver’s licence.
For more detailed information on Certified Letters, contact the RMV at 1 800 898-7668 (toll-free) or 902-424-5851.
Who Can Get A Driver Abstract In Nova Scotia?
In Nova Scotia, the following individuals and entities can request a driver abstract:
• The individual driver: You can request your own driver abstract for personal use or provide it to third parties as required.
• Employers: With your consent, employers can request your driver abstract for job-related purposes, especially for driving positions.
• Insurance providers: Auto insurance companies can request your driver abstract with your permission to assess risk and determine premiums.
• Lawyers: If you are involved in a legal matter, your lawyer may request your driver abstract as part of their representation.
• Government agencies: Certain government bodies, such as the police or the court system, can request driver abstracts for official purposes related to public safety or legal proceedings.
To protect privacy, any third party requesting a driver abstract must have the individual driver's consent and a legitimate reason for the request.
When Do I Need A Driver's Abstract In Nova Scotia?
A driver's abstract in Nova Scotia is typically required when verifying an individual's driving history is necessary. The document serves as an official record of a person's driving performance and status, making it valuable for several purposes:
• Employment applications for positions involving driving
• Insurance policy applications or renewals
• Rental car agreements
• Legal proceedings related to driving offenses
• Personal record-keeping and verification
It's advisable to check with the requesting party for specific requirements regarding the type of abstract needed and its validity period.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Driver's Abstract In Nova Scotia?
In Nova Scotia, obtaining a driver's abstract takes up to three business days, assuming all required information has been provided correctly.
If you have any further inquiries or are waiting to receive your driver's abstract, contact the Registry of Motor Vehicles at (902) 424-5851 or toll-free at 1-800-898-7668.
For What Duration Is A Driver's Abstract Considered Valid In Nova Scotia?
For most purposes, such as employment or insurance, a driver abstract is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. If you provide an abstract to a third party, they will typically only accept it as current and accurate if it was issued within the past 30 days.
Do Traffic Accidents Get Reported On A Nova Scotia Driver's Abstract?
Yes, traffic accidents do get reported on a Nova Scotia driver's abstract. Specifically, any traffic accidents that result in convictions or judgments or have legal or administrative consequences are typically recorded on the abstract. This includes information about the nature of the accidents, any resulting legal decisions, or administrative actions like suspensions or revocations of the driver's license due to the incidents.