Out-of-state traffic violations should never be taken lightly, especially if you’re a resident of Illinois. Whether you’re gearing up for a new trucking career and need to pass a pre-employment screening or simply want to safeguard your driving privileges, it’s crucial to understand the ramifications of having out-of-state traffic violations on your record. In Illinois, these infractions can lead to severe consequences, including license suspensions, increased insurance rates, and potential employment challenges.
The US Driver License Compact
Illinois is a member of the Driver License Compact, an interstate agreement designed to facilitate the exchange of information about traffic violations and license suspensions among member states. This compact empowers states to share a driver’s records with their home state or the state that issued their license. Consequently, any traffic violations committed out of state can come back to haunt Illinois residents.
Treatment of Out-of-State Traffic Violations
Illinois takes a stern stance on out-of-state traffic violations. Residents who have served even the minimum sentence for their out-of-state tickets will find that Illinois Secretary of State treats these sentences as convictions. A mere two more out-of-state tickets can trigger a license suspension, putting your driving privileges at risk.
Furthermore, Illinois reciprocates out-of-state license suspensions. This means that if you face a suspension in another state for offenses like DUI, driving without insurance, speeding, or leaving the scene of an accident, you could lose your ability to drive not only in that state but also in Illinois. Unlike some states, Illinois does not impose fines or suspend licenses for out-of-state traffic violation points. Instead, any fines are paid directly to the state that issued the ticket, as per their established fine rate. It’s important to note that any out-of-state conviction can also lead to an increase in your auto insurance rates.
For Illinois truck drivers, three moving violations—whether in or out of state—can result in license suspension. Even an out-of-state guilty plea for a moving violation counts towards this total, potentially jeopardizing your career.
The Impact on Employment
For Illinois truck drivers with any traffic violations, employers can easily discover them in both their Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) and Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP). The MVR provides a state-level vehicle record, while the PSP includes information from a federal database, encompassing not only traffic violations but also criminal charges and convictions. A blemished driving record can adversely affect your employability in the competitive trucking industry.
Challenging Out-of-State Traffic Violations
While the consequences of out-of-state traffic violations in Illinois are formidable, there are some avenues for recourse. Expungement may be an option to erase certain non-conviction criminal records, though some employers might still have access to them. Additionally, individuals can contest these violations with the assistance of legal representation, which can be instrumental in minimizing the impact on their driving record and future employment prospects.
Out-of-state traffic violations are treated seriously in Illinois, with far-reaching consequences that can affect your driving privileges, insurance rates, and employment opportunities. Understanding the implications and taking responsibility for your driving behavior is essential for residents, especially truck drivers, who need to maintain clean records to thrive in their careers. If you are facing out-of-state traffic violations in the Fairview Heights, IL area, contact Don Cary Collins, Attorney at Law.
