A DUI conviction carries some severe consequences, one of which is a temporary loss of your driving privileges. Even if you’re charged in another state, the Interstate Driver’s License Compact means your license will likely be suspended for every region. If you’ve been charged with an alcohol-related traffic offense in another jurisdiction, it’s important to understand how this law will affect you. Here’s all you need to know about it.

What Is the Driver’s License Compact?

The Interstate Driver’s License Compact is an agreement between 45 states and the District of Columbia to share criminal records about traffic stops and convictions. Essentially, this means that if a New York resident receives a speeding ticket in Virginia, the violation will go on their record in their home state.

Currently, nearly every U.S. state participates in the Driver’s License Compact, with the exception of Georgia, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Maine, and Michigan. 

How Does This Affect Out-of-State DUI Cases?

Because they’re considered one of the most serious traffic offenses, DUI cases are taken seriously by every state. The Driver’s License Compact ensures that penalties are enforced according to state law, regardless of where someone was convicted. This also means that people are subject to laws of multiple states.

For instance, if a New York resident gets a DUI in another jurisdiction, they may have their license revoked for a minimum of six months according to NY law. However, if the other state participates in the Interstate Driver’s License Compact and has a longer suspension period, the driver will have their license revoked for those additional months as well. For this reason, you must assume that your penalties will be decided according to the state where your driving offense happened rather than what state you’re a resident of.

If you’ve been charged with a DUI, the attorneys at Fiandach & Fiandach are ready to protect your rights. Their legal team has been providing experienced representation to Rochester, NY, residents since 1979. Their staff has over 100 years of combined experience with DWI law. Visit their website to learn more about their services or call (585) 244-8910 to schedule a consultation.