Getting a Citation In Another State

Getting a traffic ticket or citation can be an extremely stressful experience, but this becomes even more true if you find yourself getting a ticket in another state. You may find yourself wondering what is going to happen to you, especially if the citation is for an extremely serious violation. Fortunately, the process for dealing with a citation is very similar if you have a out of state driver’s license as if you were in your home state.
Driver License Compact
Most of the states in the union have signed on to a document known as the Driver License Compact(DLC). This agreement allows the states to share information on traffic violations and license suspensions for out-of-state drivers. Even the states that have not signed onto this document honor most of the rules outlined in the DLC. If you receive a ticket in another state, then you will almost definitely have your home state notified.
Another interstate agreement that ensures that you will pay any traffic ticket you receive is the Nonresident Violator Compact. This agreement allows states to notify each other about non-payment of traffic tickets. If you do not pay these citations, then your home state may begin to attempt to suspend your license.
There is even a national database that keeps track of all drivers that have committed serious traffic violations. This database also keeps up with those that have had their license suspended. This National Driver Register keeps you from getting a license in another state if you do not pay your fine.
How will states report your violation
There are some major differences between how states report violations. Some states will report every offense, whereas other states will only report serious offenses. There also seems to be some differences between how states apply points for out of state.
If you have an out of state license and you get pulled over, then in most states you will end up with your citations and you will be held accountable for your citation. Because of this you should prepare yourself to either pay your ticket or fight the ticket.
Dealing with your ticket
If you are planning to fight or pay your ticket, then you should check your citation for instructions. Your ticket should include instructions on how to deal with the ticket.
If you decide to fight the ticket, then you most likely will need to hire a traffic ticket attorney. You should hire an attorney from the state in which you received the ticket. This attorney will give you high quality advice, though they may tell you to just pay your citation. If you want to fight the ticket, make sure you get a high quality attorney.
Insurance impact
Your biggest question after you receive a ticket in another state is probably going to be, What impact is the ticket going to have on your car insurance? Within all likelihood the ticket will have the same impact as a ticket within your own state. Your premium will go up depending on what the infraction was.
Overall dealing with a ticket when you have an out of state driver’s license can be a stressful experience, but if you take the proper steps, then the citation can be dealt with quickly.