Do Out of State Traffic Tickets Show up on my Arizona Driving License
The short answer is YES. Here’s a breakdown of what happens when you receive a speeding ticket in another state:
Do Speeding Tickets Transfer Between States?
- A speeding ticket itself does not transfer to your home state, but the violation may be reported to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- States have agreements to share driving records, which means unpaid tickets or serious violations could lead to consequences in your home state.
Will an Out-of-State Ticket Appear on Your Record?
- Most states are part of the Driver’s License Compact (DLC), meaning they share traffic violation records.
- If your home state is a DLC member, your out-of-state speeding ticket will likely be reported to your local DMV.
- Some states, like Colorado and Pennsylvania, do not record minor out-of-state violations.
Do You Get Points on Your License for an Out-of-State Ticket?
- Most states will assign points to your license for out-of-state tickets.
- Some states, such as Maryland and Nevada, record the violation but do not add points.
- States that do not assign points for minor out-of-state violations include Colorado and Pennsylvania.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay an Out-of-State Ticket?
- Under the Non-Resident Violator Compact (NRVC), if you fail to pay a ticket, your home state may suspend your license.
- If your home state is not an NRVC member, you could still face consequences, such as additional fines or even an arrest warrant if you return to that state.
Which States Are Part of the Driver’s License Compact?
The DLC includes all states except:
- Georgia
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Tennessee
- Wisconsin
Even if your state is not a DLC member, an out-of-state ticket may still be reported due to other informal agreements between states.
What About the Non-Resident Violator Compact?
The NRVC requires states to suspend the driver’s license of individuals who fail to pay out-of-state tickets.
The NRVC includes all states except:
- Alaska
- California
- Michigan
- Montana
- Oregon
- Wisconsin
Will Your Insurance Rates Increase After an Out-of-State Ticket?
- If your home state records the violation, your insurance company will likely see it and could raise your rates.
- Some insurance companies may not increase rates for a single minor violation, but multiple offenses could lead to higher premiums.
- States that do not share minor violations may prevent your insurance company from seeing the ticket.
Can You Fight an Out-of-State Ticket?
- You can contest the ticket, but you may have to appear in court in the state where the violation occurred.
- Some states allow you to fight the ticket in writing, but not all do.
- Hiring a local attorney can help you contest the ticket without traveling.
What Should You Do If You Receive an Out-of-State Ticket?
- Check your home state’s policies on out-of-state violations.
- Decide if you want to contest the ticket (if so, see if you need to appear in person or can fight it remotely).
- Pay the ticket on time to avoid additional fines or license suspension.
- Check your driving record to see if the ticket appears in your home state.
- Monitor your insurance rates to see if your premium increases.
In short, most states report out-of-state speeding tickets, and ignoring them can lead to serious consequences, including a suspended license or increased insurance rates. If you receive one, it’s best to handle it promptly!