Interstate Consequences
Under the Driver’s License Compact, member States must communicate the fact of a conviction for DUI to the “Home State”. The “Home State” then takes action against the license under its own laws. Forty-five States are currently members of the Interstate Compact. Out of State convictions count. Under all but a few geographical exceptions, it will be impossible for an out of State resident to avoid serious consequences in their home state. Suspension can however be avoided if proper steps are taken in the Courtroom and with the DMV. In addition to the Compact, non-residents need to be concerned with the impact of any action taken by the DMV in the offense State against their right to drive in their home State. Many out-of-state residents mistakenly assume that their license will remain valid in their home State even if they lose their right to drive in the offense State. Under the registry, (All 50 States) any State that suspends your license must input the suspension into the Registry’s computer databank. Every member State is required to check the registry’s databank whenever a person seeks to have his license renewed or applies for a new license, and are required to deny the license if there is an out of state suspension.
These consequences can be avoided in many cases but MUST be considered in every case.