Blog Layout

Out-Of-State Traffic Tickets: What You Need To Know
Admin • Aug 08, 2019
Out-Of-State Traffic Tickets: What You Need To Know — Hillsville, VA — Tolbert & Tolbert, LLP

Have you received a ticket in Virginia when you are not a resident of the state? When you receive a traffic violation in Virginia, it can follow you back to your home state. In some states, your license can even be suspended if you were speeding above a certain limit. If you live outside the state of Virginia and receive a traffic violation, you should keep the following in mind.



How Has Technology Affected Tickets from Out-Of-State?

Due to the increase in technology within the Department of Motor Vehicles, out-of-state tickets are more easily resolved. At one time, you could get a ticket in a different state and face no real consequences. Prior to increased technology, there was no good way for a state to send your violation to your home state. You could essentially get away with not paying your fine or facing other consequences.



Now, police cars across the country are equipped with the technology to easily find any infractions associated with your license plate. The officer can now simply input your license plate number into the system to see any traffic violations you have committed no matter which state you are from.



Your contact information, the information associated with the vehicle, and information about your driver's license is now available at the touch of a button. The technology has now made the likelihood of escaping an out-of-state ticket very low. You can now face consequences in your home state if you commit a traffic violation in another state.



What Can an Out-Of-State Ticket Do?

If you commit a traffic violation in another state, you can face different consequences based on the infraction. In Virginia, you can face a fine up to $2,500, a six-month driver's license suspension, or even up to one year in jail. You could even face your violation appearing on a background check, which has ramifications on your ability to obtain employment.



Additionally, a traffic ticket from another state can also affect your insurance. Insurance companies offer drivers a certain rate based on the risk of the driver. If you have a clear record, the insurance company will offer you a better rate because your likelihood of not getting into an accident is higher.



When you get an out-of-state ticket, your insurance will change. Your insurance premiums will not only increase, but you can also get points on your license and lose any good driver discounts you have. You can even lose your insurance coverage if the infraction is bad enough.



What Can You Do If You Get an Out-Of-State Ticket?

If you receive a ticket in the state of Virginia and you live in a different state, you have a few things you can do. First, you should contact an attorney who works primarily in moving violations. If you try to take care of the ticket on your own, you may have to travel back to Virginia to deal with it. If you are a distance away, the extra travel can be a big inconvenience.



Your attorney can argue on your behalf during your hearing. He or she can ask for a reduced fee, or even request a dismissal altogether. If the judge wants you to take defensive driver's courses in return, your attorney may be able to ask that you can do so online. An attorney makes the experience much easier than handling it yourself.



If you have received a ticket in Virginia and you live in a different state, contact us at Tolbert & Tolbert, LLP. We will work with you and the court system to deal with your traffic violation as quickly and easily as possible.

Motorcycle Accident — Hillsville, VA — Tolbert & Tolbert, LLP
By Admin 07 Nov, 2023
Employ a motorcycle accident injury attorney from Tolbert & Tolbert, LLP when you've been involved in a motorcycle accident in Patrick County, VA.
Dui Charges After Passing A Breathalyzer: What Evidence Police Use — Hillsville, VA — Tolbert & Tolb
By Admin 20 Jul, 2020
If you're pulled over for DUI, you may face charged even if you pass a breathalyzer test. Learn more about what evidence police can use on our blog.
Top Defenses To Traffic Violations — Hillsville, VA — Tolbert & Tolbert, LLP
By Admin 12 Jun, 2020
You don't have to suffer the consequences if the police accuse you of a traffic violation. LEarn some defenses can help you avoid a conviction.
Standard Roadside Sobriety Tests And How They Are Performed — Hillsville, VA — Tolbert & Tolbert, LL
By Admin 15 May, 2020
How much do you know about roadside sobriety tests? Read this blog to learn about the three NHTSA-approved tests and how they are used in DUI cases.
Can A Pedestrian Be Held Responsible For An Accident? — Hillsville, VA — Tolbert & Tolbert, LLP
By Admin 14 Apr, 2020
In most cases, pedestrians have the right-of-way, but in some situations, the pedestrian's actions can put them at fault for an accident. Learn more here.
Why Hire An Attorney For Traffic Violations — Hillsville, VA — Tolbert & Tolbert, LLP
By Admin 07 Apr, 2020
Hire an attorney to help you fight traffic violation charges, and you may be able to decrease the fine or prevent points from being added to your license.
Steps To Take If You've Struck A Pedestrian — Hillsville, VA — Tolbert & Tolbert, LLP
By Admin 03 Mar, 2020
Streets are often very busy. You typically have to contend with other cars, trucks, bicycles, and pedestrians as you navigate to your destination. Everyone using the roads, including pedestrians, needs to adhere to a set of laws. Yet sometimes accidents still occur. If you're involved in an accident in which your car strikes a pedestrian, take the following steps.   Stop and See to the Pedestrian's Safety Fight-or-flight instinct often kicks in after an accident, and some drivers are motivated to flee the scene. However, the criminal charges of a hit-and-run accident are far more severe. So if you're involved in an accident with a pedestrian, your paramount duty is to stop. Make sure you're not obstructing traffic and that your hazard lights are engaged.   Once your car is safely stopped, attend to the pedestrian. The act of moving a person who has been struck by a car is tricky. If they're ambulatory on their own, you can guide them to a safe space. If they're prone, though, you shouldn't encourage them to move because moving can make any injuries worse.   You do want to stay with the pedestrian until help arrives. If the injured person can't move from the road, then you'll need to somehow minimize the risk of further injury. Assess the current traffic at the time of the accident to make the call of what to do to minimize that risk.   Call for Help Your next step should be to call for medical help, both for yourself and the pedestrian. Often, the extent of injuries is not clear, so call for an ambulance even if both of you seem fine. Likewise, you should call the police — a 911 call should be sufficient.   If you're a medical professional yourself, you might be inclined to help the pedestrian. Virginia law protects people who make a good faith effort to treat an injured person. Generally speaking, as long as you're acting in good faith, you should be exempt from liability regardless of the outcome. That said, you want to evaluate your own state after an accident before offering medical help.   Document the Accident Scene Any time you're in a car accident, you should document the scene. You'll need this information for your insurance and for any potential legal issues that arise from the accident. You can start by noting the time, date, and location of the accident. You can also note the weather conditions. Likewise, make some notes about your version of the accident while it's fresh in your memory.   Get the name and contact information of everyone involved. This contact information should come not only from the pedestrian but also from any potential witnesses. Also get the name and badge numbers of the officers who report to the scene. You'll later want a copy of the accident report as well.   Finally, don't be afraid to take photographs of the scene of the accident. These photos should document property damage. Don't take photos of the pedestrian unless you have permission. Likewise, don't exchange information about the accident itself with the pedestrian or witnesses beyond contact information.   Contact Your Insurance and an Attorney Whenever you're in a car accident, you need to contact your insurance company. The details you've collected from the accident will be very useful. You need to take this step even if your car didn't incur any damage because the pedestrian will likely file a claim.   Your next step should be to contact a traffic attorney. If you're found to be at fault, then the pedestrian might be able to recover compensation for injuries. However, in some cases, the pedestrian is at fault. Jaywalking, crossing against the traffic signal, and walking in prohibited areas are examples of that situation. An attorney can help you navigate these instances of liability.   Always be aware when you're on the road. In the unfortunate event, though, that you're involved in an accident with a pedestrian, take the above steps to protect yourself. If you need legal help, call Tolbert & Tolbert, LLP .
4 Types Of Common Civil Cases — Hillsville, VA — Tolbert & Tolbert, LLP
By Admin 31 Jan, 2020
In civil cases, someone has been wronged. If you would like to learn more about civil cases and lawsuits, check out these four common types
3 Traffic Laws In Virginia You Should Know About — Hillsville, VA — Tolbert & Tolbert, LLP
By Admin 20 Dec, 2019
If you live in Virginia or drive through the state regularly, you should be aware of the traffic laws. Discover three important traffic laws in Virginia.
Show More
Share by: