Whether you are visiting Virginia for vacation, you commute here for work from another state, or you are just passing through, getting a traffic ticket is probably not in your plans. But it happens. If it has happened to you, you might naturally be wondering if it will go on your driving record if you do not reside in Virginia. You may be particularly concerned if you already have points on your license from your home state and are in danger of getting a suspension.
Unfortunately, traffic violation convictions you get in Virginia are likely to follow you home because of the Driver License Compact.
What is the Driver License Compact?
Forty-five states, including the Commonwealth of Virginia, as well as the District of Columbia, participate in the Driver License Compact. It is an agreement between the participating states to share information about people’s driver’s license statuses and their records of serious traffic violations. Thus, if you pay a ticket or get convicted of a serious traffic offense in Virginia, and the resulting points puts your license over the limit in your home state, you will more than likely get a suspension — unless you live in one of the handful of states that is not a member of the Driver License compact.
Thus, the best way to deal with traffic tickets and arrests on more serious charges is to confront them head-on. If you are in danger of getting your license suspended, consider speaking with a Virginia defense attorney about any pending charges in the Commonwealth. A lawyer experienced with Virginia’s traffic laws may have a solution that lets you keep your license, or at least reduces the length of the suspension to get you back on the road as soon as possible.
Written By Jack T. Randall
As lifelong resident of Western Tidewater, Jack Randall is a local attorney who wants the best results for his clients. He is an experienced and aggressive attorney with focus on family law, criminal and traffic law, as well as personal injury law cases.
