Question: *Situation:*

I have recently been offered an engineering job with a silicon valley tech company, contingent upon a pending background check. Everything seemed fine until they ran a background check. It turned up a 5 year old traffic violation for driving without insurance. I had completely forgotten about this and was surprised to find this on the background report. I was never arrested or imprisoned or appeared in court, simply paid a 250 dollar fine. I learnt just now that the offense is classified as a misdemeanor in that state. I haven't been contacted by the company on this matter yet, I just got the background check report from the reporting firm a couple of days ago. I would also add that I don't remember answering any background related questions at any point during the application process. 

*My questions are as follows:*

1) Do you think companies might take back job offers for something like this. My job is related to software and does not involve driving.

2) What is my best course of action right now? Should I proactively follow up with the company myself or stay put until they say something? (I have to give my two week notice to my current employer soon)

Answer: 
I don't think most employers would care if you committed a small misdemeanor like that. I've violated an ordinance or two in my day and seem to get employed just fine.

Don't say anything. It would come across as paranoid. If they *do* bring it up, explain the circumstances, but don't make a big deal of it. As always, until you accept the offer, continue your job search. Congrats on the offer!
No. Maybe they'd care about a DUI, but probably not even that if you're in recovery. Your violation doesn't effect your ability to work and doesn't show major failures in judgement or honesty. They're looking for felonies- theft, embezzlement, murder, rape, assault. Misdemeanors don't matter, traffic violation definitely don't. Who doesn't have a speeding ticket or two in their history? All failure to have insurance means is you were broke.