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Do Restricted Driving Privileges Transfer State-to-State?

Posted On: December 9th, 2021   |   Posted by: Luftman, Heck & Associates LLP
police officer checking driver's license

Restricted driving privileges after a DUI or another offense lets you travel for work or school, but they are still inconvenient. Aside from the limited times and reasons you can drive, what happens if you leave the area while your suspension is in effect?

Are your driving privileges still restricted outside of Ohio?

Restricted Driving Privileges in Ohio

Under the Driver License Compact (DLC), there is the principle of “One Driver, One License, One Record.” Under this rule, even though states individually issue licenses, the same record of your driving history is reported in 45 other states, as well as DC.

While there are non-member states (Wisconsin, Georgia, Michigan, Tennessee, and Massachusetts), these five also have agreements to report certain infractions.

If you are driving under suspension or outside of your restrictions in any of these states, even as a non-resident – you are committing a crime.

What If I Move Out-of-State?

If you officially move to another state, you generally face the same problem. Under the compact, any traffic offenses that occur in a member state are reported across all member states.

When you go to change your license, it will show that you have restricted privileges. If your license is restricted, it will almost always be restricted in any other member state to which you relocate, unless the original infraction is not against the law in that state.

What If I Get a New License?

Some people try to get around this by applying for a new license. This generally doesn’t work, because your name and social security number are still in the system under the old license.

When you apply for a driver’s license, the DMV checks first to see if the name appears on the National Driver Registration database, which contains names of people who have had their license suspended or revoked. This will flag any new application and usually leads to rejection.

In rare cases, a person who moves to a non-DLC state will be issued a new license-free of restrictions, but that license will only be valid within the state. If you try to use the new license in a DLC state, your name will be flagged, and you may find yourself facing the same consequences as if you violated the original restrictions.

Out-of-State on Restrictions

Restrictions on driving privileges do transfer state to state. So you need to be careful about when you’re driving and the purpose of your trip. Also, you need to know your status if you’re trying to reinstate your license.

Let LHA Help You

If you are accused of a serious traffic offense that could lead to restrictions on your license, call the Columbus traffic attorneys at Luftman, Heck & Associates today at for a free consultation.

We may be able to protect your driving privileges and ensure you aren’t without necessary transportation.



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