Florida is a member of both the Non-Resident Violators Compact (NRVC), and the Driver’s License Compact (DLC). Under the NRVC, the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is required to communicate with other member states when a non-Florida resident gets a traffic ticket in Florida. Furthermore, as a member of the DLC, the Florida DMV has agreed to consider that all drivers have only one driver’s license record.

Because of these compacts, the state of Florida will recognize and uphold any traffic conviction in another state.  For example, if an individual has a suspended license in different state for DUI, the Florida DMV will recognize the suspension and simultaneously suspend that individual’s driving privileges in Florida until the suspension is lifted.

On the flip side, when a Florida resident is charged with DUI in another member state, that state will notify Florida of the DUI offense. When this happens, the Florida DMV will add the DUI charge to that person’s record, and punish him/her accordingly, as if the incident actually occurred in Florida.

As member of these compacts, the Florida DMV is required to report any convictions that arise from a traffic violation or offense to the National Driver Register. The National Driver Register (NDR) is a nationwide computerized database of information regarding drivers who have been convicted of serious traffic offenses, such as driving under the influence. This database is accessible to all participating members, and helps them keep track of driving records and convictions. The following states are members of the DLC:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming. (All of the above states, except Tennessee, Georgia, and Massachusetts, are also members of the NRVC.)

Contact our Tampa DUI Attorneys

If you are a Florida resident and have received a DUI in another state, you should contact an experienced Tampa DUI attorney immediately. This area of DUI law is very complicated, and requires the attention of a skilled attorney. At Thomas & Paulk, we have successfully represented hundred of Hillsborough County residents who were charged with a DUI in a different state. Our attorneys can help you obtain the paperwork you need, contact the right offices, and makes sure your rights are defended in court. In addition, we provide all of our clients with viable options, personalized attention, and compassionate legal care.

If you are in need of an experienced Tampa DUI attorney, contact Thomas & Paulk today for your free consultation at (800) 239-3195!