How To Handle an Out-of-State DUI

Much of the DUI process relies on where you live and how your state handles DUI cases. If an officer pulls you over for driving under the influence while you’re traveling out of state, however, that process gets a little more complicated. In this circumstance, it’s important to know the rules in both your home state and the arresting state. The more information you have, the easier it will be to figure out your case and deal with any consequences you may face. Learn how to handle an out-of-state DUI with this overview of the process.

What Happens During an Out-of-State DUI?

Before you do anything with your DUI case, you should understand the process you’re facing. Both the arresting state and your home state play a role in the conviction and consequences that will follow. First, the arresting officer will report your incident to that state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. As in any DUI arrest, you’ll temporarily lose your license and driving privileges within the arresting state until your court date. If you lose your court case or don’t show up at all, that suspension becomes permanent. Meanwhile, the arresting state will notify the National Driving Registry of your license suspension. This will prevent you from driving in any state until your case reaches a resolution.

If you receive a DUI conviction, the arresting state will also notify your home state of the decision. Your home state will then decide whether to enforce the arresting state’s requirements or apply their own consequences. In many cases, you’ll have to face whichever consequences are more severe.

Stay on Top of Information

DUIs are complicated even without balancing different states’ rules and processes. Research is key to staying on top of all the different information and learning how to handle an out-of-state DUI. Learn more about how both the arresting state and your home state handle DUI cases. You should also gather any and all contact information you receive for the county clerks and DMV. This will help you keep track of when the court files your case and when your court date is. Prioritize your court date—failure to show up can lead to an automatic conviction and additional consequences, making your sentence even worse.

Work Through Your Requirements

No matter what state your DUI conviction is in, the best course of action is to work through your requirements diligently. Pay fines on time, attend education courses or programs, and stay up to date with your SR22 insurance policy. SR22 insurance can seem daunting on top of all the other state rules and requirements you have to handle, but Serenity Group can help you find the best policy wherever you are. Learn about the rules surrounding SR22 insurance in Washington or any other state where you face an SR22 requirement. When you handle your requirements responsibly, you take the necessary steps to face the consequences, reinstate your license, and get back behind the wheel.