What Is The Interstate Driving License Compact? How Does It Relate To DUI Charges?

The Driver License Compact is an interstate compact used by States of the United States to exchange information concerning license suspensions and traffic violations of non-residents and forward them to the state where they are licensed known as the home state. Its theme is One Driver, One License, One Record. The home state would treat the offense as if it had been committed at home, applying home state laws to the out-of-state offense. The action taken would include, but not be limited to, points assessed on a minor offense such as speeding and suspension of license or a major violation such as DWI/DUI. It is not supposed to include non-moving violations like parking tickets, tinted windows, loud exhaust, etc.

The Driver License compact is an interstate compact among 45 states and the District of Columbia.

What States Aren’t Part Of The Interstate Compact?

Only Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, Massachusetts and Tennessee are not members, although the compact also has congressional consent.^[1] The compact is used by its member states to share driver’s license information and traffic violation records with other states for legal purposes. Under this compact, crimes committed by drivers in other states can be treated as if they were committed in their home states. The compact uses the motto “One Driver, One License, One Record.”

1. Massachusetts passed legislation enabling the state to enter into the compact but had not joined the compact as of January 9, 2020. American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, “Driver License Compact, Non-Resident Violator Compact, Member Joinder Dates,” accessed January 9, 2020
2. Jump up↑National Center for Interstate Compacts, “Driver License Compact,” accessed January 20, 2016

MEMBER STATES

Click a state to view its list of compacts

Is Connecticut Part Of The Interstate Driver’s License Compact?

Yes, Connecticut is a member of the Interstate Driver’s License Compact. The compact is an agreement between states that provides for the exchange of information regarding license suspensions and traffic violations by out-of-state drivers. The compact aims to promote public safety by allowing states to share information about dangerous or reckless drivers.

Under the compact, if a driver commits a traffic violation in a compact member state, the driver’s home state will be notified of the breach. The driver’s home state can then take action to suspend the driver’s license or take other disciplinary action.

Suppose you hold a driver’s license in Connecticut and commit a traffic violation in another state that is a compact member. In that case, your driving record may be affected, and you may also face penalties in Connecticut. It’s essential to understand the potential consequences of out-of-state traffic violations and consult with a driver’s license suspension attorney or a driver’s license lawyer if you are facing any legal issues related to a traffic violation or license suspension.

Out-Of-State Violations

Under this section providing that the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may suspend or revoke any operator’s license for any cause that he deems sufficient, Commissioner has the authority to suspend or revoke an operator’s license for traffic violation occurring in another state. Hickey v. Commissioner of Motor Vehicles (1976) 365 A.2d 403, 170 Conn. 136. Automobiles 144.1(3)

Suspension for one year of operator’s license of motorist who was arrested and convicted in Maine of operating motor vehicle while under influence of intoxicating liquor was proper, notwithstanding that suspension period imposed by Maine was of four months duration. Hickey v. Commissioner of Motor Vehicles (1976) 365 A.2d 403, 170 Conn. 136. Automobiles 144.5

Suspension of operator’s license because of out-of-state traffic violation does not have to be of same duration as and concurrent with suspension imposed by state where violation occurred. Hickey v. Commissioner of Motor Vehicles (1976) 365 A.2d 403, 170 Conn. 136. Automobiles 144.5

Photostatic copies of abstract of the record of defendant’s conviction in Maine for traffic violation and notice of suspension of right to operate motor vehicle in Maine forwarded by Maine officials, were admissible at administrative hearing on revocation of motorist’s operator’s license. Hickey v. Commissioner of Motor Vehicles (1976) 365 A.2d 403, 170 Conn. 136. Automobiles 144.2(9.7)

For more information on Interstate Driving License Compact In CT, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (860) 764-2744 today.