One speeding ticket for driving 21 to 25 mph over the limit can cost you an average of $648 more on your car insurance premium. While that sounds like a pain to deal with, imagine how troublesome it would be to get it out of your home state.
Out-of-state tickets are not uncommon. Typically time-consuming to handle, they could cost you more money than getting tickets in your own state.
Out-of-State Tickets, Explained
Most state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) use two major compacts, the Driver’s License Compact (DLC) and the Nonresident Violator Compact (NVC).
States that are members of the DLC report violations and convictions to the driver’s home state. So, if you’re from California and get a speeding ticket in Arizona, the ticket will affect your record the same way a violation in California normally would. However, the fine you picked up in Arizona will be collected there.
As for the NVC, the state where the violation happened has little to no influence in getting you to pay. Instead, state members of the NVC agreed to suspend the driver’s license of those who didn’t pay an out-of-state fine until resolved.
So, in the scenario above, refusing or failing to pay the ticket you picked up in Arizona will result in the NVC contacting California to suspend your license.
If you’re wondering about the states that belong to the DLC, it’s every state except:
- Wisconsin
- Tennessee
- Michigan
- Massachusetts
- Georgia
As for the NVC, it’s every state except:
- Alaska
- California
- Michigan
- Montana
- Oregon
- Wisconsin
This means Michigan and Wisconsin are the only two states that aren’t members of either. Do note that these two have other ways of communicating with other states about traffic violations across state lines.
In short, getting a ticket in DLC states will affect your driving record in your home state, while NVC states will require you to pay a fine or you’ll get your license suspended.
What Should I Do if I Get an Out-of-State Ticket?
Lucky for you, there are options to choose from if you find yourself in this scenario. You can fight the ticket in traffic court, attend traffic school, or pay the fine.
Fight the Ticket
Fighting the ticket involves convincing the judge to dismiss the charge or at least reduce or waive the fines. It can be time-consuming, especially if you don’t live in a neighboring state.
If you have a good case, there are three ways you can fight the ticket:
- Fight the ticket in person. Go to the state yourself and plead your case. Make sure you have knowledge of the state laws, as traffic rules may vary depending on where you are.
- Hire an attorney. If you can’t be present in court, some states let you hire an attorney to represent you. While this option costs money, it’s slightly more viable because attorneys have a better understanding of the laws and violations.
- Fight the ticket in writing. Some states let you contest tickets by submitting a written appeal that explains your side of the story.
Attend Traffic School
Some states let drivers attend traffic school to dismiss tickets. It’s the cheapest way to deal with the ticket, as attending will usually cost less than paying the fine. It also helps prevent you from racking up points on your license.
However, you must first contact the issuing jurisdiction’s traffic court to see if the state will allow you to attend school to dismiss the case. You can usually find the contact information on the ticket or paperwork given to you.
While the whole thing sounds like an ordeal, you can actually attend online programs to complete the required courses. Of course, attending traffic school is more time-consuming than simply paying the fine.
Pay the Fine
The quickest and easiest way to deal with an out-of-state ticket is to pay the fine.
The information you’ll need should be provided on the ticket, including the amount you owe, the due date, acceptable payment methods, and where to send payment.
If you decide to go this route, note that you need to pay it before the deadline. Otherwise, you might get charged for more. Also, points could still get added to your license, depending on the violation. In this case, it’s best to attend traffic school to avoid racking up points.
What if I Don’t Pay the Ticket?
If you fail to pay an out-of-state traffic ticket, the citation doesn’t go away, meaning you could have your license suspended, leading to more tickets and legal penalties.
Not paying the ticket also prevents you from renewing your license and points added to your record.
In some states, not paying the fine could result in misdemeanor charges. The worst-case scenario is an arrest warrant, especially if your charges pile up or if you have multiple points on your record.
Do I Get Points on My License for Out-of-State Tickets?
As mentioned, getting an out-of-state ticket could add points to your license.
However, it’s still a state-by-state scenario, as some states add points to your driving record for speeding and other traffic violations. At the same time, some states don’t add points for out-of-state tickets. The best thing to do is to check the laws in the state you’re in.
You can also hire a lawyer to learn more about your state’s traffic laws. This will also give you an idea about your legal options, especially if you’re facing more serious charges like DUIs or a felony hit-and-run. However, for the last two scenarios, you may need a criminal defense attorney.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
