Got a California Traffic Ticket as an Out-of-State Driver? Here's What You Need to Know Picture this: You're enjoying the scenic California coast, maybe cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway, or perhaps navigating the bustling freeways of Los Angeles. Then, flash! Or the familiar wail of sirens. You've just received a traffic ticket. And to top it off, you're not even a California resident. If you're an out-of-state driver cited in California, you might be wondering if that ticket is just a souvenir or if it carries real weight back home. Let's clear up the confusion and provide some clear, actionable steps. The Interstate Drivers License Compact: Your Ticket Follows You One of the biggest misconceptions out-of-state drivers have is that a ticket issued in California won't impact their driving record or license in their home state. This is largely false, thanks to something called the Interstate Drivers License Compact (IDLC). Most sta...