Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) An Important Part Of Background Screening

A recent story from Gazette.net shows the importance of including a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) search of a prospective employee’s driving history during pre-employment background screening, especially if that employee will be using a vehicle provided by an employer such as a company car or government owned vehicle.

Officials in Montgomery County, Maryland are reviewing the driving privileges of an Economic Development employee after police arrested her in March for allegedly driving drunk at 8 a.m. in a county-owned sport utility vehicle (SUV).

According to police and court records, the county employee has six prior convictions for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) and is also required to have an interlock device, which is designed to block drunken driving, in her personal vehicles. It was the first time the woman was charged with a DUI in a county vehicle.

A county spokeswoman said the county – which manages a fleet of more than 2,200 cars and SUVs – should have been aware of the woman’s Motor Vehicle Record through background screening before allowing her access to a county-owned vehicle. In addition, the spokeswoman said that while the county performs background screening, they don't specify DUIs in a check of Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) but are looking to change that policy. The county’s chief administrative officer is also putting together a work group to consider whether new rules for background screening – including a closer look at Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) – are needed to prevent a similar incident.

While employees who operate vehicles for a living – like bus drivers or truckers – definitely need a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check during background screening, most workers who drive to and from work each day and sometimes during business hours should also have their MVR looked at too, especially if they drive a company car or government owned vehicle.

Pre-employ.com – recognized nationwide as one of the premier background screening companies and employer service providers – believes a Motor Vehicle Records examination is the ideal way to identify prospective employees with unsafe driving records to limit corporate or organization risk. In some states, convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs cannot be found on the criminal court record and can only be revealed with a MVR examination during background screening.

For more information about Pre-employ.com's background screening services – including a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check – please visit www.pre-employ.com, email info@pre-employ.com, or call 1-800-300-1821.

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