If you operate a high-risk vehicle, like a motorcycle, then it might be a lot easier than you think to break the law behind the wheel (rather, behind the handlebars). If you do so, then you are likely to face the consequences. How can you recover from such actions? What can you do to be a responsible biker who actively works to put their mistakes behind them?

By recommitting to being a safe motorcycle operator, you will prove to the authorities that you have learned your lesson. While you might experience higher insurance rates in the short-term, in the long term you might be able to wipe your record clean and reap the cost benefits.

How Do Driving Records Work?

All drivers are expected to follow all of the rules of the road. In a nutshell, you aren’t allowed to speed, drink & drive, make illegal turns or put others in danger behind the wheel. This is barely the tip of the iceberg, however.

For motorcyclists, the rules of the road are even more extensive. Bikers often face more substantial regulations, including rules for hand signals, side-car use and helmet requirements. Bikes are more dangerous to operate, and users are held to higher standards than even the average driver.

If you do break the law while biking, your state’s traffic authorities will want to track the offense. To do so, most states maintain driving records that link to your driver’s license. As you rack up offenses, your record will note them; they even can track offenses committed outside of your home state. As they do accumulate charges, you will generally fall into the category of high-risk drivers. This will have its penalties attached.

The Penalties of Having a Bad Driving Record

Almost all traffic offenses go on your driving record. These can include charges like:

• Running stoplights
• Reckless driving, such as speeding
• Failing to wear motorcycle protective gear (as required by your state)
• Malfunctioning lights
• A failure to give hand signals while riding
• Causing accidents
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

The penalties for these offenses will often vary. They commonly include:

• Fines
• Arrest, detention or jail time
• Probation or community service requirements
• Suspension of your license
• Revocation of the license (temporarily or indefinitely)
• Requirements to attend traffic school
• Restitution to anyone to whom you caused harm
• Increases in your motorcycle insurance premium, or cancellation of the policy.

Increased motorcycle insurance premiums are among the most common penalties of driving charges. Your insurer will regularly review your record, and if they see new offenses, they won't like it. They will likely classify you as a higher cost risk. Therefore, you might have to pay more.

Additionally, the more charges you receive, the more penalties you are likely to see. Furthermore, if you commit a particularly serious offense (like a DUI), then the charge is likely to carry more weight on the record. Your record might even accumulate so many infractions that the authorities might have no choice but to suspend your driving privileges. You don’t want to face any such penalties.

Improving Your Driving Record

Even if you have a few infractions on your record, there are ways to improve your driving record. However, you must commit to safety.

Most states allow charges to fall off records over time. Small offenses, like tickets, are those most likely to disappear, usually vanishing from the record after about three years. However, the most serious offenses, like DUIs, might remain on your record longer. Some might even remain indefinitely.

Still, any offense that drops off your record is a benefit to your insurance risk profile. The fewer infractions an insurer sees, the more likely they are to offer you a more favorable rate on future premiums. With appropriate patience, you might finally open yourself up to more affordable auto & motorcycle insurance premiums.

But the crux of the matter is that records are always fluid. No matter how many infractions drop off, you’ll keep digging a deeper hole for yourself if you continue to commit new offenses. That’s why it’s important to commit to becoming a safe biker. Just a few ways to do so include:

• Always maintain motorcycle insurance that meets your state’s minimum coverage requirements.
• Keep your registration, license and motorcycle certifications active and valid.
• Do not speed, run stop signals or weave in and out of traffic. These are some of the most-common offenses bikers commit.
• Do not perform any risky maneuvers or bike tricks while on public roads.
• Give hand signals to notify other drivers of your intentions. Many states require bikers to signal turns, stops and other maneuvers.
• Always wear protective gear, even if you don’t have a legal requirement to do so. The most important are helmets, pads and eyewear.
• If the police stop you, follow their directions and work with them to understand next steps.

If you get charged with an offense that you believe is unfair, then you usually have the right to appeal the matter. Still, keep in mind that this might require a lengthy legal process and considerable expense. If you choose to accept the charges and then commit to safer driving, you are still doing yourself a favor in the long run.