The Interstate Driver License Compact: How It May Affect Your DUI

Most states have strict laws when it comes to traffic offenses. If you speed, run a stop sign, run a red light, cause an accident or engage in other risky or unlawful driving practices, you could end up with a hefty fine, points on your driving record and a license suspension. A Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Intoxicated charge is just one of many things that could cause legal problems for drivers who may end up with the suspension of driving privileges or time in jail.

It is natural to think that you have a bit more freedom to bend the rules when you’re driving out of your home state. While this is sometimes the case, the Interstate Driver License Compact, often dubbed IDLC, can change things in this regard. Under the Interstate Driver License Compact, a person who is arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs that is licensed in a state different from that in which they were arrested may face consequences in both states.

The Compact is an agreement made between 46 of the 50 states that requires state agencies to provide information about convictions for serious traffic and criminal offenses that take place in a state other than that in which they are licensed. This means that a person driving in or living in the states of Georgia, Massachusetts, Tennessee or Wisconsin may not face the same consequences as a person arrested for a DUI in one of the 46 states that do participate. Furthermore, the communication is often lacking between states and the participation of two states in the Compact does not guarantee that action will be taken accordingly.

After the information is shared, the Department of Motor Vehicles or Secretary of State in the defendant’s home state may issue a notice of suspension of driving privileges. This suspension varies from state to state and case to case.

As one can see, the Interstate Driver License Compact may cause you to face consequences both in your home state and in the state you in which you are traveling. An arrest and court conviction can easily ruin any vacation. So be careful.