Each state has it’s own set of driving laws and
regulations. Some states assess points
for violations committed in New York and some do not. The answer to this question differs from
state to state.
Out of State License Holder Can Lose Driving Privileges Based on NY DMV Action
Many people are under the mistaken belief that they can ignore a traffic ticket in New York since they hold an out-of-state license. This notion is false – and this article explains why.
Did you know that if your driver’s license is suspended in one state (even if it is not your home state) it is likely to be suspended in another as well? Meet your new worst enemy: the Interstate Driver License Compact (DLC).
Interstate Driver License Compact (DLC)
The Drivers License Compact is an agreement between 45 states to share driver offenses and conviction information in order to promote highway safety. States are required to report tickets and violations received by drivers to the state who issued his or her license. Similarly, whenever a driver’s license is suspended – whether by a state that issued his license or another – the suspension will be applied by the states participating in the DLC.
Without the DLC, a person would drive recklessly in one state, accumulate convictions until his license is suspended. He could then simply move to another sate and obtain a driver’s license there.
Under VTL 516, New York State is one of the 45 states participating in the DLC as are Alabama
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, if a driver accumulates 11 points in 18 months, if he holds a NY license, his license may be suspended. If the driver has a license from another state, NY DMV can still take away that person's right to drive in New York State. This can be extremely problematic for those who regularly travel into New York but live elsewhere. Read more about NY DMV’s point system.
In addition, if the New York DMV suspends the motorist's driving privileges, DLC participating states will also suspend the license. This means, for example, that if a Florida driver fails to respond to a NY ticket, and NY suspends that individual's driving privileges, Florida will be notified and suspend the person's Florida driver's license.
Case study
The Rosenblum Law Firm had such a case in recent past but the situation was reversed. A New York driver got stopped for speeding in Florida. As part of his plea bargain, he had to complete a driver safety course and submit proof to Florida of completion. He failed to do so, and Florida notified New York DMV who in turn suspended that individual's New York driver's license.
Not only that, if this out of state driver who has had his license suspended in NY is stopped for a future traffic violation, he could be facing criminal charges.
VTL 511 says that a person operating a motor vehicle while his license is suspended or revoked faces a criminal charge that varies depending on whether the offense is in the first, second or third degree. The minimum fine is $200 to $500 and the prison sentence can span from 30 days to whatever time is prescribed by the Penal Law.
Fight your Out-of-State Charge Today
Regardless whether you have a NY license or an out-of-state license, if you are facing a possible loss of driving privileges, or a traffic violation in New York, you can't ignore it. Call The Rosenblum Law Firm
at 1-888-883-5529. We successfully negotiate reduced fines and points, which may help you retain your license.
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