While it can’t be said with absolute certainty, an out-of-state DUI will show up in your Florida record. Out-of-state driving charges can follow you home because most states share their driving information. Most states have a 10-year lookback period, so if you receive a DUI on vacation in Alabama and come home to Florida and get another DUI five years later, you could face repeat offense enhancements.
What Happens If I Get a DUI in Another State?
Getting an out-of-state DUI can be a bigger complication than getting a DUI at home in Florida. When you receive any type of driving infraction out of state, the problem doesn’t go away once you go home. Many of these situations can require a court appearance or an attorney to handle the matter on your behalf. Unfortunately, if you get an out-of-state DUI, you will likely be forced to appear in court because intoxicated driving is a serious crime in most states. Depending on the state and outcome of your case, you could end up spending some time in jail.
Will Florida Suspend My License After an Out of State DUI?
Florida, like many other states, has joined two interstate agreements to enforce driving rules and keep records of infractions.
In Florida, drivers are subject to agreements between several states in the following compacts:
- The Driver License Compact (DLC)
- Non-Resident Violators Compact (NRVC)
Drivers License Compact States
States in the DLC share infraction records and enforce interstate license suspensions. So, if you are vacationing in Mobile and get a speeding ticket or DUI, Alabama DMV will pass the information on to regulatory authorities in Florida. If you end up in court for a DUI case and your license is suspended, per the DLC, Florida will have to suspend your license as well. Not every state belongs to the DLC compact.
The following states did not sign the agreement, making them non-compact states:
- Georgia
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Tennessee
- Wisconsin
States That Do Not Transfer Driving Records
Just because these states do not belong to the DLC doesn’t mean DUIs in any of those states are irrelevant. All these states choose to share convictions and citation records with other states at their discretion. The NRVC is an agreement between states that shares traffic infraction information between the states that joined the compact. The purpose of the NRVC is to enforce infractions committed by out-of-state drivers. So, if you are arrested for a driving infraction in Alabama and do not appear for your court date, Alabama will alert Florida will issue a warrant for your arrest and ask the DMV in Florida to suspend your license. Not every state joined the NRVC compact agreement.
The following states did not participate in the NRVC:
- Alaska
- California
- Montana
- Michigan
- Oregon
- Wisconsin
As with the DLC, these states often send infractions to the home state of the offender for assistance, so if you received a citation or DUI in any of the noncompliance states, the DMV in Florida would likely be alerted to the crime.
Defend Against an Out of State Infraction with a Seasoned DUI Lawyer
If you get a DUI out of state, don’t ignore the problem! It’s imperative that you comply with authorities in that state and hire a DUI lawyer to mount a defense on your behalf. You want to ensure your attorney has experience working on DUI cases, so you won’t be left navigating your DUI offense alone.
Don’t wait to secure legal representation; one of the attorneys from Tinny, Meyer & Piccarreto, P.A., can review your case and answer any questions you may have about your situation. You can contact our office today if you have more questions about an out-of-state DUI charge against your Florida driver’s license. Call now at (727) 245-9009 or reach out to us online right now.
