What happens if you get a traffic ticket in Florida but don’t live there? Will you leave everything behind when you return home? These are some of the many questions you may have when you get a traffic citation as an out-of-state resident.
For the most part, you will be subject to the same rules and regulations as a resident driver. Florida is a member of the Nonresident Violator Compact, an intestate agreement established to allow member states to assist each other with enforcing driving laws. Here is what you need to know.
You cannot run away from a traffic ticket
The interstate compact allows states to exchange information about drivers who get traffic tickets across different jurisdictions. Therefore, if you get a citation in Florida and choose to ignore it, your resident state will suspend your driver’s license until you resolve the pending traffic ticket.
In some cases, you may have to deposit your driver’s license as collateral to ensure you comply with the terms of the citation.
What are your options?
As mentioned, you will be treated no differently from a Florida driver. This leaves you only two options, pay the traffic ticket or contest it. If you choose to pay the ticket, it could result in a fine, points on your driving license or a license suspension, depending on the prevailing circumstances.
On the other hand, you must go through a court process if you decide to fight the citation. It is advisable to carefully weigh your options and make decisions that are in your best interests. In most instances, it is advisable to contest the traffic ticket and avoid the undesirable consequences of a citation in Florida and your home state.