Out of State Residents

If you received a New York traffic ticket but have a drivers license from another state, you need to read this page by the NY Traffic Ticket Blog.

Should You Fight Your New York Ticket?
The Drivers License Compact requires member states (see states below) to report traffic ticket violations issued to a driver to the state where that motorist has a license to drive (home state).

The reason behind sharing this information is so that the home state can determine whether to give the licensed driver points and so insurance companies can take this information into account in deciding whether to raise your rates.

However, every state does not transfer points the same way. For example, a New Jersey driver who is convicted for a moving violation in New York will be given 2 points by the NJ MVC regardless of how many points NY assigns to that offense (assuming NJ has a like offense) and regardless of how many points NJ would have assigned it had the offense occurred in New Jersey.

On the other hand, traffic offenses reported to the Pennsylvania Department of transportation from New York such as speeding and red light violations, will not be added to a Pennsylvania license (except for those holding a CDL license).

As a result, before you plead guilty, call the Strom Law Firm to learn how your home state will treat a conviction to a New York traffic ticket. We have a complete  database covering the interplay between a New York conviction and other states and give you a free consultation to discuss the facts of your case for free. 803.252.4800

If you or someone you love was given a New York traffic citation, but have a driver’s license from another state, you need to read this page from the New York Traffic Ticket Blog.

Should you Fight the Ticket

The Drivers License Compact which is used to exchange information about license suspensions and violations from one state to the state the motorist has a license in.

The reason for the system is so that the state you have your license in (home state) can determine whether to give you points on your violation that occurred out of state.  Then insurance companies take that information into account and choose whether or not to raise your rates.

Unfortunately, every state has a different system for transferring points. For example, a New Jersey driver who is convicted for a New York violation will be given 2 points by the NJ MVC regardless of how many points NY assigns to that offense (assuming NJ has a like offense) and regardless of how many points NJ would have assigned it had the offense occurred in New Jersey.

On the other hand, traffic offenses reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, such as speeding and red light violations, will not be added to a Pennsylvania license (except for those holding a CDL license).

Therefore, before you plead guilty, call the Strom Law Firm for free consultation.  You will learn how your home state treats a violation to a NewYork traffic ticket.   We have a comprehensive database covering the interchange between a New York conviction and other states.

 What should I do?

Most out-of-state drivers with New York tickets want to minimize points on their license in their home state (rather than minimize them in New York)because they do not drive in New York on a regular basis. On the other hand, if you generally do drive in New York, then the better strategy might be to minimize the points in both New York and your home state.

For example, if you do not drive in New York that often and points do not transfer to your home state, we would advise you to simply plead guilty and pay the fine.

Of course, our advice varies depending on your situation and what state you have a license in. We also take into account the actual New York charge, the court in which your case is scheduled, your New York record and how frequently you drive in New York.  

What If I Just Ignore My New York Ticket?

Regardless if you are going back to New York or not, if you do not answer or respond to your ticket, New York will suspend your privilege to use your out-of-state license in New York and your home state (if part of the Compact) will suspend your license until the New York matter is taken care of. Therefore, you never want to just ignore a New York ticket.

What Is The List Of 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.

Call us today for a free case evaluation. 803.252.4800

By: South Carolina Criminal Defense Attorney Pete Strom