How to Report Out-of-State Speeding Tickets

Reporting an out-of-state speeding ticket is a requirement for residents of many states; it's necessary for the updating of insurance and point information on your license. After you receiving an out-of- state ticket, you may have to take steps to make sure you have protected your license from any legal action, such as license suspension, revocation or arrest warrants.

Instructions

1. Read everything carefully. When you receive the speeding ticket, it may come with an attached set of instructions, which you should read thoroughly to make sure you understand your options. In addition, read the back of the ticket. This will give you important dates and information on the steps you need to take to ensure the safety of your license.

2. Before sending a payment to an out-of-state agency, make a copy of the speeding ticket for your own records, and which you can show to your local Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You can also go to the website listed on the ticket to pay online.

3. Pay the fine. If you get a speeding ticket in a different state than the one in which you retain your primary license, it is important to either appear in court in the state in which you received the ticket, or pay the fine. If you ignore the ticket, you risk license suspension or other charges from that state and from your home state. Because most states have a driver's-license compact, the ticket will likely be reported to your home state.

4. If you are unsure about the reporting procedures in the state in which you are ticketed, call the number listed on the speeding ticket and ask them if they contact the driver's-license bureau in your state to inform them of the ticket. You can also go to the website and look in the FAQ area to see if your question can be answered online.

5. Call or visit the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your state to inquire into the procedure for reporting a speeding ticket that was received outside of the state in which you reside or have your primary license. Again, you may be able to check the website in your home state for this information as well.

6. Know the non-reporting states. There are states that do not have a compact to report speeding tickets. These states include Tennessee, Georgia, Michigan, Massachusetts and Wisconsin. It is particularly important that you contact the DMV in your home state to learn the procedure you should follow to report the ticket in your state, to avoid consequences like license suspension or revocation, or arrest warrants.