If my license are suspended in one state

Generally, the answer is NO, and your driving on a suspended license California lawyers at Wallin & Klarich explain why.

The U.S. Interstate Drivers License Compact is an agreement between the 45 participating states to share information about drivers and their DMV records that include infractions, convictions, driver’s license suspensions, license restrictions, revocations, DUI charges, accidents, eligibility for license reinstatement, and more.

The main purpose of the National Driver Register database is to share information on drivers who have committed a serious infraction or violation in a state other than where they are licensed to drive. The DMV of each member state checks the National Driver Register database each time a person applies for a driver’s license.

The Drivers License Compact is an agreement between states to consider only one driving record per driver, and that record will follow the licensee from state to state, rather than a new record being created if an out of state license is issued.

Both the Nonresident Violator Compact and the Drivers License Compact Member states communicate with each other if a licensee of one state receives a ticket in another state.

The Interstate Compact & California DUI License Suspensions

The Interstate Compact is covers California license suspension actions and California DUI convictions. If a resident of one state or holder of an out-of-state license has his or her driving privilege suspended or gets convicted of DUI in another state, the driver’s home state can be notified. Your home state may honor and reciprocate and take action to suspend the driver’s license of its resident.

It is critical to know that a suspension of your driving privilege one state may result in a suspension of your license here in California. No matter where you live, you probably want to avoid, if not at least minimize, any driver’s license suspension action.

For more information regarding any legal issues due to driving on a suspended license in Southern California, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich. Our team of professionals has over 40 years of experience helping individuals facing all types of criminal matters, including issues with DMV. Please call us at 888-749-0034.

AUTHOR: Matthew Wallin

Matthew B. Wallin is an experienced and knowledgeable attorney at Wallin & Klarich. He approaches each case as an opportunity to help an individual at a time when they need it most and understands that he is the one they have turned to for help.   Mr. Wallin has represented hundreds of our clients in cases involving DUI and DMV hearings, domestic violence, assault and battery, drug crimes, misdemeanors and serious felonies. With extensive experience handling DUI cases, Mr. Wallin is one of the premiere DUI defense attorney in Southern California.

Conviction of a serious traffic violation or multiple traffic violations can result in the suspension or revocation of your driver license or privilege to drive in New York State.  It is illegal to drive here when your driver license or driving privilege  is suspended or revoked.  

If your license or driving privilege is suspended or revoked, DMV will send a notice (called an “order”) to the address we have on file.  Be sure to follow the instructions on the order.

Suspended driving privilege

A suspension means your license or driving privilege will be taken away for a period of time.  You may need to pay a suspension termination fee.  Your suspension period can be definite (which has a beginning and end date) or indefinite, which does not end until you take a required action. 

Definite suspensions

If you receive a definite suspension order, it will tell you how long the suspension period will last.  You cannot drive until the period ends, you pay a termination fee, and have a valid driver license again.  You can use DMV’s My License, Permit or ID service to check if your license is valid. 

Common reasons for definite suspensions

• you did not have automobile liability insurance 
• you were convicted of an alcohol or drugged driving charge 
  
• you received too many traffic tickets in a certain amount of time 
  
• you did not follow the rules for junior drivers 

Indefinite suspensions

If you receive an indefinite suspension order, it will tell you what you must do to remove the suspension.

Common reasons for indefinite suspensions

• you did not answer a traffic ticket 
• you did not pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA)
• you did not file a motor vehicle accident report
• you failed to pay child support 
• you have unpaid NY State tax debts 
• you did not have automobile liability insurance 

Note:  Your license or driving privilege may be suspended due to a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely (see Administrative Review Suspensions). 

Revoked driver license or driving privilege

If you receive an order from DMV saying your license or driving privilege is revoked, this means your license has been cancelled and you must get a new one when the revocation period ends.  In most cases, before you can get a new license you must first request approval from DMV when the revocation period is over. You may be required to take the written and driving tests again and pay a license re­application fee. Your application may be denied if you have a high risk driving record or fail to meet DMV requirements.  You may also need to pay a driver civil penalty before your license or driving privilege can be restored.  

Common reasons for revocations are

• you operated or permitted operation of a vehicle without insurance
• you were involved in an uninsured motor vehicle accident
• you were convicted of an alcohol or drugged driving charge 
  
• you were convicted of a serious traffic offense or multiple offenses
• you failed a DMV road test
• you made a false statement on an application for a license or registration
• you were a driver in a motor vehicle crash that involved a fatality

 See also Suppose Your License was Taken Away.

How to check if your license is suspended or revoked

Sign up for MyDMV and use the My License, Permit or ID service.

How to restore your driving privilege after a suspension of revocation

Read the instructions on the suspension of revocation letter we mailed to you carefully.  You can also use the restore license service to see what steps you will need to take. 

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