If you received a New York State traffic ticket but have a driver’s license from another state, you should read this article.
The consequence of a New York guilty plea or conviction on your out-of-state license depends on the nature of the traffic violation, the state in which you are licensed, and your driving record. It is always best to consult an attorney before you simply plead guilty through the mail or try to fight the ticket on your own.
Pleading guilty may result in unnecessary points on your license and insurance hikes. Fighting the ticket yourself, unfortunately, is nearly always unsuccessful and a waste of your time and resources.
How Does a New York Traffic Ticket Affect My Out-of-State License?
New York Sate is a member of the Driver’s License Compact (“DLC”), which is a jurisdictional agreement among member states to report traffic ticket convictions to the motorist’s home state.[1]
The purpose of the DLC is for states to share driving records across state lines and to notify a driver’s home state of any out-of-state traffic violations.[2] Once notified, the home state will follow its current laws in determining whether or not to asses points on the license. Also, insurance companies will use this information in deciding whether to raise your rates, which they often will.
In many cases, the home state will treat the out-of-state traffic violation exactly the same as if it had been committed within the motorist’s home state. However, there are some exceptions and certain states follow different rules.
What Should I Do About My Ticket & Do I Need an Attorney?
The short answer is yes, you do need an attorney. In most cases, my clients do not have to appear in court, saving them time, money, and the stress of dealing with a New York traffic ticket. I aggressively work towards obtaining reductions in the charges, fines, and the impact on your insurance.
Of course, more specific advice depends on the facts of your situation. The most important variables include your home state of licensure, the actual New York charge, the court in which your ticket is in, your driving record, and other factors. But, no matter what your situation is, an experienced attorney will be able to guide you through the process, safeguard all your legal rights, as well as aggressively pursue dismissals or reductions of charges, which can result in decreased fees and less or no impact on your insurance rate.
Therefore, consultation with an attorney is highly recommended. An experienced local attorney will be able to advise you on the effects of a New York traffic conviction on your license in your home state.
At the Law Office of Lorenzo Napolitano, the initial consultation is free-of-charge and you will be given immediate and sound advice about how best to proceed, based on your particular situation.
I have represented many drivers from out-of-state, sometimes as far away as California, Texas, Florida, and Indiana. I am also experienced in representing drivers from the neighboring states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and am familiar with the impact of a New York traffic conviction within those states.
What If I Just Ignore My New York Ticket (If I’m not going back there anyway)?
Regardless of the laws in your home state, if you do not answer or timely appear on your ticket, New York State will suspend your privilege to use your out-of-state license to drive in New York. In addition, if your home state is part of the DLC, it will suspend your license until the New York matter is resolved. So you never want to just ignore a New York ticket. And, if you have ignored a New York ticket, for any reason, an attorney will be able to help with that too.
Driver’s License Compact Member States:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.*
*Georgia, Michigan and Wisconsin will report tickets to your home state even though they are not members of the compact