What is a DUI?
A DUI is a charge against a person who was illegally driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Alcohol, drugs, and even certain legal medications can interact with a person's ability to drive. They can impair a person's vision, reaction time, perception, and physical ability to operate a motor vehicle. As such, states seek to prosecute those who have endangered the lives of others by charging violators with a DUI offense.
A DUI charge can come from driving while drunk, which is illegal in every state. If a police officer pulls you over under suspicion of a DUI, they will likely give you field sobriety tests and administer a breathalyzer test. Generally, a blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, level of .08 or higher is considered illegal. The exception is the state of Utah, or higher is considered past the legal limit.
A DUI conviction will have serious consequences. Such penalties include fines, community service, probation, and jail time. For repeat offenders, consequences can be more severe.
Driver’s license compact
If you are driving in your home state and get charged with a DUI, you will face the charges in your state. However, what if you are traveling and get charged in another state? You will face the charge in that state, and your home state will be notified as well.
The Drivers License Compact (DLC) is a reciprocal agreement between the states that shares driving records and information regarding driving violations. There are only five states that are not currently a part of the Drivers License Compact. They are:
- Georgia
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Tennessee
- Wisconsin
The 45 state members inform each other of traffic charges (speeding, DUI, etc.) Thus, if a person travels in a different state and receives a traffic ticket, that state will inform the person’s licensing state of the charge.
Additionally, if a traffic charge results in a license suspension or revocation in one state, the DLC agreement means it will have the same effect as if it had occurred in the driver’s home state. So if you receive a DUI and get your license suspended in a state you were traveling through, your home state will also know about it and deal with it. advise that it is crucial to consult with a lawyer if you have been charged with a DUI while traveling. Sometimes, your home state’s DUI Laws might even punish you more severely.
National driver register
The is a database of information regarding drivers' traffic convictions, license suspensions, and revocations.
If you are convicted of a DUI, your information will become available on this database. All information on the National Driver Register is available to the public. If your license is revoked in one state, you simply cannot apply for a license in another state, as the information will appear, and you will be prevented from doing so.
What should you do if you get a DUI while traveling
A DUI is not a good thing to have on your record. When you get charged with a DUI while traveling, you are bringing additional complications. You will be dealing with different states' laws and penalties. You should always consult with an experienced criminal law attorney specializing in DUI charges.
