How an Out-of-State Violation Follows You Home

maryland traffic violation

You might not think much about getting a traffic ticket in another state; however, Maryland is one of 45 states participating in the Driver License Compact, an agreement in which member states exchange information regarding licensing drivers, including information and procedures for reporting traffic offenses, convictions, and license suspensions. For example, if you are a Virginia driver who has received a citation for breaking a traffic law in Maryland, the state of Maryland will report the violation to your home state.

When you receive a traffic ticket in Maryland, ignoring it won’t make it go away and paying the fine is an admission of guilt. An attorney who dedicates his legal practice to resolving traffic charges in Baltimore and surrounding areas can take a number of measures to challenge your traffic ticket and help you minimize the amount of traveling you might have to do between states.

The Driver License Compact

The Driver License Compact, or DLC, operates under the mantra of “One Driver, One License, One Record.” The DLC aims to simplify licensing procedures between states. DLC member states agree to share licensing information with other member states, including information regarding traffic offenses by, convictions of, and administrative actions against out-of-state drivers.

States have just fifteen (15) days after being notified by the court of a conviction to report the traffic convictions of out-of-state drivers to the drivers’ home states. If the state in which you were charged for a traffic offense recommends the suspension of your license, your home state will likely impose a license suspension.

Because of Maryland’s participation in the DLC, you may face penalties in your home state for a traffic offense you allegedly committed in Maryland, which is why it may be necessary to employ the services of a Baltimore traffic attorney to resolve your out-of-state violation.

The Reporting of Your Out-of-State Traffic Ticket

In the state of Maryland, the Motor Vehicle Administration receives notifications about out-of-state traffic offenses and alerts the licensing authorities of other states about visitors’ violations. The report your home state may receive about your particular violation includes:

  • A description of the violation
  • The statute violated
  • The court handling the violation
  • The plea you entered

A Maryland traffic attorney who serves Baltimore and nearby locations will work to get your charges dismissed or reduced. The goal is for your ticket to have as little impact on your out-of-state license and driving record as possible.

How Does My Out-of-State Violation Affect My License?

Drivers from out-of-state who receive tickets in member states like Maryland may or may not incur points against their licenses for payable or minor traffic offenses. It depends on the laws of the particular home state. An attorney who fights traffic tickets in Maryland will make it his primary duty to mitigate the effects of your traffic ticket on your legal ability to drive in your home state.

Get Help After an Out-of-State Traffic Violation

Once the Maryland Vehicle Administration receives notice of your traffic violation, they will notify your home state’s driver license authority. Additionally, your car insurance company will likely discover the violation, which may affect your insurance rates. You can take measures to avoid the worst penalties by working with The Law Office of Hillel Traub, a Baltimore-based law firm resolving traffic issues throughout Baltimore and surrounding communities.

For a free consultation about your traffic violation in Baltimore or a nearby location, contact attorney Hillel Traub. With over 20 years of experience fighting traffic charges and a background as a former Assistant Attorney General for the Maryland MVA, he is exceedingly qualified to take your case. Call (410) 580-1100 or complete our contact form.

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