Most states share information, including driving data, allowing them to keep tabs on motorists across state lines. It helps identify people with bad driving habits so they can be penalized accordingly and also prevents motorists from avoiding consequences in other states.
The driving records exchange also ensures that a driver committing a traffic offense in one state cannot move to another without consequences. Revealing the records and traffic tickets increases road safety and keeps motorists accountable for their mistakes.
Some states freely share driving records, while others are unwilling to share.
The Importance of Driving Record Sharing
Driving record information is essential to a driver’s history and can significantly impact car insurance rates.
States that do not share the data include:
- Alaska
- California
- Georgia
- Michigan
- Montana
- Tennessee
- Wisconsin
Any traffic infractions or offenses in these states will not be shared with other states. These states do not report a driver’s speeding ticket to other states.
What is the Non-Resident Violator Compact?
The Non-Resident Violator Compact (NRVC) between states requires member states to suspend the driver’s license of those who get traffic tickets for moving violations in other states and fail to pay them or otherwise legally resolve them.
The new agreement violator compact in many states began in the 1970s, ensuring that motorists are held accountable for their actions no matter where they are located. All states except Alaska, California, Michigan, Montana, Oregon, and Wisconsin are members of the NRVC.
Motorists committing traffic infractions or moving violations, even minor violations, in other states will be reported to their home state and may have their licenses canceled until they fulfill the punishment for a speeding ticket or other infraction.
If you violate while traveling out of state, your home state can still take action against you.
The reciprocal driving agreement helps ensure that motorists are held responsible for their actions regardless of location.
Driver License Compact
The Drivers License Compact (DLC) between member states shares information about the licensing process, including:
- Provisions about reporting traffic offenses, convictions, license suspensions
- Reporting other minor or major traffic offenses, like speeding and DUI
According to the driver’s license compact, the home state will process any offense committed in another state as if it were within its jurisdiction.
Points assessed on these violating behaviors can lead to license suspension in a member state.
While Washington state reports smartphone use while driving offense to the driver’s state, New Mexico does not ban motorists from holding hand-held devices.
Driver License Agreement
The Driver’s License Agreement (DLA) is a voluntary agreement that combines the Driver’s License Compact and the Non-Resident Violator Compact into a reciprocal driving law.
Sharing driving record information promotes the concept of ‘one identity, one license, and one record. It holds all motorists in member states to the same standards when traffic offenses occur.
Motorists must meet the traffic requirements in the state they are visiting or passing through, even if it is not applicable in their home state, such as state DMV laws about window tinting, which vary among member states.
The DLA requires every driver to meet the requirements of the state they are visiting or passing through, even if it is not applicable in the driver’s home state.
For example, laws about window tinting vary from state to state and must be followed regardless if you live in the other state.
States Not Participating in the DLC
Five states that do not participate in the Driver License Agreement include Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
These states have legislation and regulations regarding traffic safety violations and driver’s license suspensions.
Motorists from these home states should know the regulations when visiting or passing through other states.
National Driver Register
The National Driver Register (NDR) is a computerized database of information about motorists who have had their licenses revoked or suspended and those convicted of major traffic violations such as DUI and drug-related offenses.
All state motor vehicle agencies use the NDR to check applicants for licenses to ensure they are not licensing someone with a serious violation.
The NDR is a driving record registry listing drivers who have had their licenses revoked or suspended or were convicted of serious traffic violations; all states and the District of Columbia participate in the point system.
When applying for a driver’s license, state DMVs should check to see if an individual’s name is in the NDR file. If reported as a problem driver, they may be denied a new license.
This system helps keep dangerous motorists off the roads and ensures that only those who can safely operate vehicles are given licenses.
It also serves as an essential reminder to drive responsibly and obey traffic laws since even minor violations will be reported to the NDR.
Traffic Tickets Help Keep Motorists Safe
Every driver knows that speeding and driving under the influence (DUI) are major offenses, yet it can be easy to forget the punishment for lawlessness when behind the wheel.
Unfortunately, breaking traffic rules can lead to severe repercussions such as fines and jail time. If a driver is found guilty of a DUI violation or speeding ticket, they should expect to face steep consequences when they pay to keep the right to drive.
In addition to these legal penalties, motorists may need to satisfy additional requirements to remain safe on the road.
Depending on the circumstances and severity of the offense, a driver may need to attend educational courses on responsible driving or take a breathalyzer test before operating a car or truck again.
These extra guidelines exist not only as punishment for breaking traffic rules and regulations but also as measures for prevention.
Ultimately, all motorists must adhere to their local traffic rules to stay safe on roads and avoid hefty fines and other penalties associated with breaking them.
By following traffic rules and regulations every time you hit the streets, you can ensure you are not putting yourself or others in danger while behind the wheel.
Poor Driving Affects Auto Insurance Rates
Auto insurance can be costly, especially for motorists with poor driving history. Any traffic offense and other infractions, such as a DUI or speeding ticket, can immediately and significantly impact the cost and availability of auto insurance coverage.
As these infractions become part of an individual’s driver’s record, they often lead to increased rates from the insurance company.
In addition, some providers also consider one’s credit score when setting rates.
Thus, individuals with a poor driving record behind the wheel—or a low credit score—may face higher premiums due to their own or their provider’s risk assessment of them as motorists.
Ultimately, motorists must understand how their driving habits and credit scores can affect their auto insurance rates so that they can make informed decisions about their coverage options.
Traffic Offenses Requiring Legal Help
Traffic offenses can be severe, especially outside one’s home state. In these cases, the penalties may be just as severe as if the offense had been committed in the home state.
Hiring an attorney to fight any traffic tickets received while visiting another state is vital.
The Driver’s License Agreement (DLA) is a voluntary agreement that combines the Driver’s License Compact and the Non-Resident Violator Compact into a reciprocal driving regulation.
One Driving Record Per Person Across Most States
This agreement promotes the ‘one identity, one driver’s license, and one driver control record’ concept, meaning all drivers inside a particular state border are held to the same standards when there is a traffic offense because most states share information.
Drivers must meet the requirements of the state they are visiting or passing through, even if it is not applicable in their home state. For example, laws about window tinting vary from state to state.
It is essential to stay informed on changing laws and regulations regarding traffic offenses so that drivers can avoid tougher fines and high-cost car insurance rates to operate their vehicles.
One driver might pay higher premiums for car insurance because of a speeding ticket or another violation because they could not escape a negative report when states share information.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the National Driver Register is a database of information about drivers who have had their licenses revoked, suspended, or convicted of serious traffic violations.
All states and the District of Columbia participate in the NDR except for Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
The Driver’s License Compact (DLC) is a state agreement to report driver traffic ticket convictions to the driver’s home state.
To avoid costly fines and penalties, every licensed person must stay informed on changing laws and regulations regarding traffic offenses when operating motor vehicles.
Our car accident lawyers build solid cases for our clients injured in crashes caused by drivers with revoked, suspended licenses due to serious traffic violations.
