Interstate Driver’s License Compact

The Interstate Driver’s License Compact is an agreement between 45 states to exchange information when a driver commits certain types of traffic offenses. Under the terms of this agreement, if a person is arrested, cited, or ticketed for a traffic offense in one state, the authorities in the driver’s home state will be notified of the offense. The theory behind the compact is “one driver, one license, one record.”

The type of action taken against the offender once he or she returns home is determined on a state-by-state basis. However, generally the states enforce the same penalties the driver would face had he or she been arrested at home.

There are currently five states that are not part of this compact, and therefore do not share information with other states. Those states include Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

What does this mean for you?

If you were arrested for DUI or DWI while in a different state, it’s important to take the appropriate steps to address your charges. If you don’t, your license could be suspended until your case is resolved, in addition to other penalties.

To learn more about the Interstate Driver’s License Compact and how it affects you, contact an experienced DUI defense lawyer today!