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Getting a speeding ticket is always a stressful experience. Receiving a ticket in another state can add another layer of stress to the situation since many drivers are not sure how to handle an out-of-state speeding ticket. Some drivers may be tempted to ignore these tickets, but you are legally obligated to pay or contest all speeding tickets, regardless of where the ticket was issued. If you have recently been ticketed for speeding in another state and have questions about resolving the matter, you can learn more by contacting the experienced Virginia traffic lawyers of Driving Defense Law at (757) 929-0335.
Will My Home State Know About My Out-of-State Speeding Ticket?
Most states are notified when a driver licensed in their state receives a speeding ticket or another traffic infraction in another state. This is due to an agreement called the Driver License Compact (DLC), which according to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators requires most states to report traffic violations of out-of-state motorists to that motorist’s local licensing authority. There are only five states that are not part of the DLC – Wisconsin, Tennessee, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Georgia.
The Driver License Compact is designed to give states an easy way to report, track, and penalize out-of-state traffic violations, without the need for individual agreements between states. Member states must also honor all out-of-state license suspensions, revocations, and blocked renewals. A new agreement, known as the Driver License Agreement (DLA), is expected to supersede the DLC in the coming years. As of late 2023, however, only Connecticut, Arkansas, and Massachusetts have joined the DLA.
Does Virginia Give Points for Out-of-State Tickets?
The rules regarding out-of-state traffic violations vary by state. However, Virginia and most other states add these violations to driving records. This means that an out-of-state speeding ticket is transferred to Virginia courts. If the driver is convicted in Virginia, their conviction is then transferred to their driving record in the state where the ticket was issued. Points are then added to the driver’s Virginia driving record based on the laws of the other state.
What Are Virginia’s Laws on Speeding?
Out-of-state drivers who are visiting Virginia should be aware of the state’s traffic laws and follow them at all times. Each state handles speeding tickets differently. Virginia is one of the harshest states when it comes to penalizing speeders. Speeding offenses in this state can involve criminal charges, rather than simply being a summary traffic ticket.
Section § 46.2-862 of the Code of Virginia states that motor vehicle operators can be charged with reckless driving if they are pulled over going 20 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, or over 85 miles per hour regardless of the speed limit. Reckless driving for speeding is a class 1 misdemeanor charge in Virginia, punishable by the following penalties:
- 6 driver’s license points
- A fine of up to $2,500
- Up to one year in jail
- Suspended driver’s license for up to 6 months
- Criminal record for the conviction
If you received an out-of-state speeding ticket in Virginia and are facing reckless driving charges, you can learn more about your legal options from one of the experienced Virginia traffic lawyers at Driving Defense Law.
What Should I Do If I Get a Speeding Ticket in Virginia?
Out-of-state drivers who are issued speeding tickets in Virginia should carefully examine the citation document. Determining whether the charge is a regular speeding ticket or the more serious criminal offense of reckless driving is critical to developing an effective strategy for handling the ticket.
Citations generally include sections detailing the nature of the charge. If the charge is not clear, look for a court appearance section. If there is no court date, it is usually a simple traffic violation. However, if that section is blank or crossed out, the driver may be facing a criminal charge.
Can Virginia Lawyers Represent Out-of-State Residents in Court?
Yes, Virginia traffic lawyers may represent out-of-state residents in court for speeding tickets and even reckless driving charges, in most cases. This is one of many reasons to consider hiring a lawyer if you have been ticketed or charged with reckless driving for speeding as an out-of-state resident.
In some cases, out-of-state residents may be required to travel to Virginia for a court appearance. This is typically the case for drivers pulled over driving at 100 miles per hour or over, as well as those with previous convictions for reckless driving. Individuals who must appear in court should also strongly consider hiring a local lawyer with experience in Virginia speeding and reckless driving cases.
What Happens if You Don’t Pay an Out-of-State Speeding Ticket?
Speeding tickets should always be paid or contested by the specified deadline, regardless of where they were issued. Remember, states within the Driver License Compact share data with each other, so your home state will be notified of the speeding ticket. Ignoring an out-of-state speeding ticket can have significant legal consequences.
When an out-of-state driver is ticketed for speeding in Virginia, the Commonwealth of Virginia notifies the driver’s home state of the ticket. The home state then handles it as a normal unpaid speeding ticket. If the out-of-state driver does not pay their ticket within 30 days of a scheduled court appearance, their license will be temporarily suspended in Virginia.
Should I Pay or Contest a Speeding Ticket?
Many drivers opt to pay a speeding ticket and move on, especially if the ticket was issued in another state. While this is always an option, there are a few factors to consider when deciding whether to contest a speeding ticket:
- Insurance implications – Paying the ticket is essentially admitting guilt, which could result in higher insurance premiums.
- Driving record – Points will likely be added to your driving record and can stay there for years. This could cause issues for individuals who already have significant points, or present difficulties for individuals who receive additional points in the future.
- Financial considerations – Speeding tickets can be costly, especially for drivers who were ticketed in school or work zones.
Learn More From Our Virginia Traffic Lawyers
If you received a speeding ticket when visiting Virginia from out of state, the dedicated Virginia traffic defense attorneys at Driving Defense Law are here to help. We specialize in Virginia traffic cases and can help you navigate the legal system, including contesting a speeding ticket or defending against reckless driving charges. Contact Driving Defense Law today at (757) 929-0335 to learn more about out-of-state speeding tickets and other legal matters.
