I am happy to introduce Adam H. Rosenblum a traffic attorney who practices in New York and New Jersey, as the author of this post. Adam contacted us and thought it would be a great idea to give you his take on the subject of out of state traffic tickets, and I couldn't agree more.
Ever wonder what happens when you get a traffic ticket in a different state?
Some people are under the impression that their home state will never find out about it. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Many states, including Florida, have agreements and compacts with other states that allow them to share information between one another.
These agreements also allow for the negative consequences of a ticket issued in one state to flow through to the other state.
How Does This Affect Me?
This means that if you have a Florida drivers license and receive a New York speeding ticket, the State of Florida will know about that NY ticket.
More importantly, the State of Florida is going to put points onto your license for the speeding ticket that you received in New York!
In other words, if you were clocked going 20 miles over the posted speed limit on the New York Thruway, Florida is going to put points on your license commensurate with a violation for exceeding the speed limit by 20 miles per hour.
What About the Fine?
Do not worry; if you paid the State of New York for your traffic ticket, you will not have to pay Florida. Although Florida will convert the offense, it cannot require you to pay twice.
Moreover, it is important to remember, that if you are going to plead guilty and pay the fine, be sure to pay the state that issued you the ticket (i.e. in our example it is the State of New York, not Florida, who you would pay).
The Importance of an Attorney
Despite all of this, it is highly advised that you fight your traffic tickets, even the ones you receive outside your home state.
After all, sometimes all it might take is scanning a copy of your traffic ticket and summons and having an attorney take care of the rest of it (usually without you even needing to appear in court).
Instead of dealing with the repercussions of points and car insurance hikes or drops, hiring an experienced traffic ticket attorney will save you both time and money.
What if Florida Does Not Recognize My Offense?
Not all offenses are recognized in every state. If you get a traffic ticket in New York that is not equivalent to a ticket issued in Florida, then Florida will not add any points onto your driver's license.
Also, New York cannot put points on your Florida license for an offense Florida does not recognize. However, your car insurance company will be able to see that you received a ticket in New York that would have warranted the issuance of points.
Therefore, your insurance rate can still go up, even if those New York points never actually make it onto your Florida license.
Listen Up New Yorkers!
If your home state is New York, and you are just visiting Florida, things are different.
In this case, the State of New York will not put points on your New York driver's license for tickets that you receive in Florida.
Nonetheless, your insurance company will still be able to see that you got the ticket and raise your rates if you are found guilty.
Therefore, hiring an experienced traffic ticket attorney is the key to ensuring that:
- Your Insurance Rate Does Not Go Up
- Points are Not Added to Your License
- Out of State Tickets can be Dealt with Efficiently and Properly
Author Bio
Adam H. Rosenblum of The Rosenblum Law Firm is a traffic ticket attorney licensed to practice in both New York and New Jersey.
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