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Driving Without Borders: Out-Of-State Tickets Do No Harm, Right?

It's a common myth that many commuters driving from New York to New Jersey and vice versa believe is true: If I get pulled over across the bridge, it is like it didn't happen in my home state.

Unfortunately, in our technologically advanced world, it is like there isn't a border at all between the two states when it comes to state agencies and insurance companies sharing information.

Yes, New York and New Jersey share information

Both states on either side of the border are part of the Drivers License Compact (DLC) and Non-Resident Violators Compact (NRVC). If you are pulled over for a major or minor traffic violation and receive a ticket or summons, the information is sent across the river to the other state's agencies.

This includes enforcing a license suspension issued in a different state. While it may take a little time to make the commute, the information will eventually end up in your file.

The points will end up on your record

Just because the moving violation happened in New Jersey, it does not mean the points won't show up on your New York license and therefore, your insurance. It is better to look at whatever ticket or violation you receive as one issued in your hometown and react as if it will affect your license and premiums.

Never try to fool yourself that there are twelve points available in each state and you would have to reach the magic number in one location in order for your license to be suspended there. You receive points against your license no matter where the violation occurred and they all add up together.

A license suspension applies across borders

Due to the NRVC, if you are pulled over in New York with a suspended New Jersey license, the officer at the scene will have that information and act accordingly.

Whether the suspension was due to a single serious offense or the accumulation of points may not matter at the moment, but it could later. When the information reaches back to the state in which your license was issued and suspended, you could face additional consequences.

When all is said and done, you are simply better off thinking about driving across state lines the same as crossing a street. The rules are the same on either side of the line, which means the penalties apply no matter where you are when the lights start flashing in your rear-view mirror.

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