The AAMVA Conviction/Withdrawal Code Dictionary (ACD)

The ACD Codes — A Key Component to Understanding Driving Records

When viewing state MVRs one can readily see that each state has unique conviction reporting language and codes inherent to their motor vehicle statutes and specific violation language. States must communicate with one another and with the National Driver Register (NDR) regarding commercial drivers, problem drivers, and out-of state actions, although to varying extent. The question is—how do states know what the conviction codes from other states mean and how do they translate this information into their own language and code set?

The answer is the states utilize the AAMVA Code Dictionary (ACD) as a translation table.

The AAMVA Code Dictionary (ACD) is a translation table used to exchange conviction and withdrawal information between the states’ driver licensing authorities. The AAMVA Code Dictionary (ACD) is copyrighted by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA).

A primary function of the ACD is to enable the state to use the Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS) to exchange convictions and withdrawals. Other applications, such as the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS), use these codes as well. Also, many states use the ACD to indicate out-of-state convictions on driving records.

ACD Codes Affect Today’s Driving Records

Thus in practice, the ACD Code System is used to exchange conviction and withdrawal information between the states' driver licensing authorities. But many states have adopted some or all of the codes into their own code system. Thus many states show ACD Codes on their driving records. So, knowing what a specific ACD Code means can be a helpful indication of what a state's lingo for an MVR conviction or action means. Plus the knowledge of what a specific ACD Code means can be a very helpful indication when deciphering the meaning of a conviction or withdrawal action.

The Changes Found in the Most Recent ACD Release

The most recent release of the ACD Codes became effective November 1, 2020. This date includes changes per Version 5.2.3 released October 28, 2020. Below is a summary of these changes.

(Reprinted with Permission of AAMVA - Copyright 2020)

Updated

• ACD code U11 usage description, as described in change proposal ACD018. This change is effective November 1, 2020. Compliance date is September 23, 2022.
• ACD codes U07 and U08 usage descriptions as described in change proposal ACD019. This change is effective November 1, 2020.

Again, the data provided herein is a summary and not all inclusive. The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrator’s Code Dictionary, including the ACD Codes, is the copyrighted property of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA). The content in this document is printed with the permission of AAMVA. For more information about this organization see www.aamva.org.

The ACD Code set is included with a subscription to the MVR Access and Decoder Digest (www.mvrdecoder.com).