Think you can ignore that speeding ticket you received on vacation? Think again.
It’s the perfect cross-country trip—amazing views, kitschy roadside attractions, the freedom of the wide-open road. Then those flashing red-and-blue lights in the rearview mirror put a damper on all that pedal-to-the-metal fun. Of course you pull over, but what happens next? Do you have to pay an out-of-state speeding ticket? Does it go on your record back home? Do you have to return to the state for a future court date?
Getting a ticket anywhere can be fraught, but being far from home adds a layer of uncertainty and a whole lot of extra stress. We spoke to Los Angeles attorney and social media legal guru Mike Mandell for answers on what to do if you get an out-of-state traffic ticket. Keep reading to learn the proper protocol in case you find yourself on the wrong side of the law.
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What happens if you get a speeding ticket in another state?
It’s complicated. But when it comes to speeding tickets (and other moving violations), what happens on vacation usually doesn’t stay on vacation. “States have ways of communicating with each other about speeding tickets,” says Mandell. “It all varies by state and jurisdiction, but it’s very likely it will get back to your home state.”
In fact, there are two interstate agreements—the Driver License Compact (DLC) and the Non-Resident Violator Compact (NRVC)—which allow states to share information about people’s driving records. The DLC facilitates the sharing of convictions, license suspensions and other data, while the NRVC allows law enforcement to track and enforce traffic violations nationwide.
Not every state has signed on to those agreements, but even those that don’t belong may still share information with other jurisdictions. And while the system isn’t flawless—incompatible technology, bureaucratic snafus and policy differences sometimes lead to tickets going unreported—odds are good that news of that ticket will follow you home.
What happens if your home state finds out about the ticket?
It depends on the state. Some will add the offense to your driving record, some won’t. Some will also add points against your license, while some will waive that part of the penalty. Getting a speeding ticket in another state may or may not increase your insurance rates, depending on the insurance company that issued your policy and what the rest of your driving record is like.
Can you fight an out-of-state speeding ticket?
Yes. Just as there are strategies to get out of a speeding ticket in your hometown, you can fight an out-of-state speeding ticket too—but the process will differ by jurisdiction.
“Every state and local area is different,” says Mandell. “You would most likely have to travel to that jurisdiction to contest it, but some places may have a way you can do it online or by mail.” If appearing in court is required, you may be able to hire a local attorney to appear on your behalf, just be prepared to factor in the cost of attorney’s fees.
“It might be cheaper just to pay the ticket,” says Mandell, “unless you’re in a situation where getting another point on your record is going to cause problems for you. Then you may want to look into hiring a lawyer because the stakes are higher.”
Do you have to pay an out-of-state speeding ticket?
You have to do something. “Either contest it or pay it,” says Mandell. “But don’t just avoid it and skip town. It won’t go away on its own.”
What happens if you don’t pay an out-of-state speeding ticket?
Very bad things. First off, you’ll start to accrue penalties on the fine, “so your small speeding ticket could turn into thousands of dollars,” says Mandell. The state where you got the ticket will likely contact your home state about the unresolved issue, which may prompt your home state to suspend your driver’s license until the matter is settled.
Reinstating a suspended license can be costly and time-consuming—and that’s on top of the money you will have to dole out to pay the ticket in the first place. “They may even put out a warrant for your arrest for the unpaid ticket,” says Mandell. “That’s how you can get in way more trouble.”
How does an out-of-state speeding ticket affect my insurance?
It depends, both on the insurance company and the rest of your driving record. If it’s your first speeding ticket in years, you’ll probably be fine. If you have other speeding tickets and violations on your records, it may raise your rates.
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Sources:
- Mike Mandell, attorney and creator of the website LawbyMike; interviewed, October 2025
- American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators: “Inside the Newfound Pressure on the Non-Resident Violator Compact”
- National Center for Interstate Compacts: “Nonresident Violator Compact”
