Yes, unpaid tolls can appear on a background check, especially if they escalate into collections, civil judgments, or impact your driving record.
How Unpaid Tolls Can Impact a Background Check
Unpaid tolls, much like other traffic-related issues such as parking tickets, accidents, and speeding tickets, can escalate significantly if left unaddressed. This escalation can lead to various records that are typically accessed during a background screening process.
- Credit Report Impact: When unpaid tolls are sent to a collection agency, this debt can negatively affect your credit score and will appear on your credit report. Many employers, particularly for roles involving financial responsibility, include a credit check as part of their background screening. A history of unpaid debts can indicate financial irresponsibility.
- Public Records and Civil Judgments: If a toll authority or collection agency pursues legal action to recover the debt, a civil judgment can be filed against you in court. These judgments become public record and are often uncovered during comprehensive background checks, signaling unresolved legal and financial obligations.
- Driving Record Implications: For positions where driving is a core responsibility, your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) is commonly checked. If unpaid tolls lead to penalties that affect your driver's license status (e.g., suspension) or result in specific violations being added to your driving record, these details could show up on your background check. Even if your career choice doesn't directly involve driving, severe or multiple driving-related infractions can still be a concern for employers.
Why Employers Review Such Information
Employers utilize background checks to gain insight into a candidate's reliability, responsibility, and adherence to rules and laws. A history of unresolved financial issues, such as persistent unpaid tolls, or a pattern of disregarding regulations can raise red flags regarding a candidate's overall character and dependability.
Potential Impact Across Different Background Check Types
The likelihood of unpaid tolls appearing depends on the type and depth of the background check.
| Background Check Type | Potential for Unpaid Tolls to Appear | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Check | High (if in collections or judgment) | Reveals financial responsibility and any outstanding debts sent to collections. |
| Public Records Check | High (if civil judgment filed) | Uncovers court filings, including civil judgments related to unpaid debts. |
| Driving Record (MVR) Check | High (if linked to license issues/violations) | Relevant for roles requiring driving; shows infractions, suspensions, or other driving-related penalties. |
| Criminal Background Check | Low (unless escalated to criminal charges) | Unpaid tolls are typically civil matters; they only appear here if they escalate to criminal charges due to extreme non-compliance. |
Steps to Address Unpaid Tolls
To prevent unpaid tolls from negatively impacting a background check, it's crucial to address them proactively:
- Pay Tolls Promptly: Always pay tolls on time to avoid late fees, penalties, and escalation to collection agencies.
- Dispute Errors Immediately: If you receive a toll invoice you believe is incorrect, dispute it with the toll authority as soon as possible.
- Check Your Records Regularly: Periodically review your credit report, driving record, and public records for accuracy and to identify any outstanding issues.
- Resolve Outstanding Debts: If tolls have been sent to collections, contact the agency to arrange payment or a settlement to mitigate negative impacts on your credit score and public record.
