California Drivers

California is a member of the Driver’s License Compact, which means any out-of-state traffic ticket convictions will likely get reported back to California and result in penalties to your California driving record.  In California, speeding, running a red light, unsafe lane change, at-fault accident, etc. will result in one (1) point added to your California Driver’s License. Reckless driving, DUI, driving under suspended license, hit and run, etc., will result in two (2) points added.

If you accumulate four or more points in a twelve-month period, you can be considered a “negligent driver” and your license can be suspended or revoked. If you gain six (6) or more points in twenty-four months or eight (8) or more in a 36-month period, you may also receive a “negligent driver” designation.

How does a South Carolina traffic ticket affect my California license?

If you plead guilty or you are found guilty by the out-of-state court, your traffic violation will be recorded with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. This will mean points accumulated will follow your driving record for the rest of your life and your insurance company will likely increase your insurance premiums because you have now established yourself as a riskier driver.

Also, if you received an out-of-state speeding ticket while driving in South Carolina but you hold a California Driver’s License, the California DMV will check the National Driver Register (NDR) first when you attempt to renew your license. The NDR allows the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to keep track of all drivers in the United States, along with their driving records. If your South Carolina speeding ticket has not been paid off or resolved, the California DMV can suspend your driving privilege by refusing to renew your license.  California will assess your out-of-state conviction either under a negligent operator point count or may determine that your conviction may be grounds for suspension or revocation.

A South Carolina traffic ticket attorney can help you resolve your case. Making the coast to coast trip to South Carolina from California is a huge inconvenience, and getting the help of a South Carolina traffic ticket attorney will mean that you do not have to appear in South Carolina magistrate court. An experienced South Carolina traffic ticket attorney can help protection your driving freedom, avoid points and prevent steep insurance hikes.