Traveling across the country can be a great adventure, but it can also be like heading into the unknown. If you’re not familiar with a particular area, or the state’s traffic laws where you’re driving, you may be more likely to get a speeding ticket. Receiving a speeding ticket in a state other than where you live could bring up some questions. The following are just some you may want answers to.
Does It Affect Insurance?
Every situation is unique, but in most cases your speeding ticket from another state will affect your insurance rates. Traffic tickets are listed on your driving record, and your record follows you from state to state. Your insurance company takes your record to determine rates. Whether you’re moving to a new state, just passing through or on a vacation there, your insurance provider will catch wind of traffic violations. Depending on your coverage and the company it’s through, your rates could go up.
Does It Have to Get Paid?
Living in another state does not exempt you from paying your speeding ticket. The law is the law, and you are under obligation to abide by it. When you don’t, there are consequences. All but two states in the nation belong to certain interstate traffic compacts. These agreements are created so authorities in another state will willingly help authorities enforce the consequences of an out of state traffic ticket. If you receive an out of state speeding ticket, you will get points on your driving record, and they will show up in the state where you live. Your state will then determine how to handle the rise in points.
Can Someone Contest the Ticket?
If you wish to contest your ticket, you have every right to do so. Keep in mind you’ll need to contest it within the county where you received the ticket, so it may cost you money for travel. Also keep in mind it will be less expensive to hire a lawyer in that county as well, as it cuts down on travel costs for him or her.
Getting the Assistance of an Attorney
When you get a speeding ticket, there may be some consequences you’re not particularly excited about, but don’t think they won’t show up if your ticket is from another state. Speeding tickets get placed on your driving record regardless of where you received them. If you’re worried about a ticket you received, contact a traffic lawyer in Hillsville, VA today for assistance in dealing with it.
Thanks to The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt for their insight into criminal law and out of state speeding tickets.
