License Suspension

[mrorange]

What is the name of your state? VIRGINIA

My question is in between the grey areas of the forum categories. I was NOT charged with drunk driving but my case pertains to alcohol and driving..

I received a "Minor in Possession" alcohol charge in SOUTH CAROLINA, unrelated to driving of any sort. South Carolina law mandates any underage alcohol charge results in automatic driver's license suspension for 3 months. I received notice from the SC DMV that my license had been suspended for 3 months.

The Virginia DMV has notified me that I am still licensed, but will have my license suspended if I do not complete a Driver's Improvement clinic by December. I am wondering if the South Carolina suspension applies in Virginia, since I am still licensed to drive in Virginia, and the Virginia DMV has obviously received notice of my SC suspension, and chosen to let me take a Driver Improvement class.

Thanks so much for your help with the matter

[BigMistakeFl]

A lawyer in your area would have to post on this, but your state's DMV appears to have the final word on your case. It seems to me that your state has granted you a reprieve (figuratively speaking) IF you complete the classes. They obviously have been notified of the charge and are letting you have an option rather than losing your license.

[mrorange]

If someone in my situation were to be stopped, does anyone know the protocol that would be taken once they looked up the license and found it suspended in another state, although it is valid in the home state.

Im going to err on the side of caution and not drive for 3 months, but I am just curious. Is it the same as driving on a suspended license?

Seems like such an ironic joke of the justice system--OK, we'll suspend this kid's license for drinking underage. Then we'll force him to take a DRIVER IMPROVEMENT CLASS, which he is obviously going to have to somehow find transportation to, even though the original charge had absolutely nothing to do with driving. If he doesn't do that, we'll just suspend his license for a longer period of time. I wouldn't have such a problem if the punishment at all related to the crime..

[garrula lingua]

Mrorange: Most attorneys don't know very much about Motor Vehicle rules and regulations (indeed, most MV employees, don't).

Still, if I were you, I'd go down to my local MV in Virginia and ask them.

If the penalties re MIP differ between Virginia and South Carolina, maybe your DL (or, privilege to drive) is valid in Va while SC would suspend your privilege.