• 17
  • March
    2011

Anyone who has been pulled over shares the same wish: please let this officer only give me a warning. However, when that wish isn't granted, we're all well-aware of the ramifications. Depending on the severity of the offense, penalties could include fines, court costs, points on the license, increased insurance rates and even license suspension.

When you receive an out-of-state ticket, however, the process may be a little different. Although not every state treats out-of-state traffic tickets the same way, the ticket will likely make it onto your Pennsylvania driver's record, but it could take your insurance company a few years to learn about the arrest.

Most states, including Pennsylvania, are part of the Driver License Compact (DLC). Under the DLC, drivers agree to share information regarding convictions or moving violations with other states. In addition, if one state suspends a driver's out-of-state license, the driver's home state is encouraged to do the same thing.

That means if you are partying somewhere warm for spring break and have your license suspended for drunk driving, you could also be facing license suspension in Pennsylvania.

In addition, if you think you can avoid paying an out-of-state ticket without repercussions, think again. The states that are part of the DLC will suspend your license on behalf of the state you haven't paid for your ticket.

Although most states record any out-of-state violation, Pennsylvania is a little different. If a driver receives a ticket for a minor offense, such as speeding, that ticket is not recorded on the driver's record and no points are assigned to the license.

Regardless of how long it takes, it is safe to assume that if you receive a ticket for a serious offense, such as drunk driving, it will end up on record and will eventually be visible to your car insurance company.

Source: Fox News, "Out-of-State Speeding Tickets Follow You Home," Penny Gusner, 15 March 2011