Getting a DUI can be difficult to deal with in your life. You often have to take classes, pay fines, and handle any repercussions with your driver’s license. It can be very stressful to live your normal life after a DUI. However, there are some restrictions that you might not have thought about when considering the long-term effects of your DUI. What happens when traveling with a DUI? Can you move between the different states in the US? Are you able to go to other countries? The answers to these questions may surprise you.
How Can a DUI on Your Record Affect Your Traveling to Other States?
The good news is that having a DUI on your record isn’t going to make it so that you can’t take that trip to Disneyland with the family or go on a business trip. You cannot be thrown out of a state or denied entry into a state from having a DUI.
However, there are some things that you need to keep in mind when traveling with a DUI. The first is that if you are currently serving your sentence for your DUI, you have to abide by the rules while visiting. If your license is under suspension in your home state, you cannot drive in other states. Your license must be valid in your state for you to drive in other states. If your sentence only allows you to drive to and from work, you cannot drive during your trip out of state.
Finally, if you are under probation or parole, it’s essential that you have permission to go out of state. You have to abide by these rules or risk having your probation or parole revoked.
Traveling with a DUI to Other Countries?
However, it’s important to remember that traveling with a DUI to other countries can be a problem. Many countries, including the United States, can bar a person from entering the country if they have a DUI conviction on their record. Here are just a few restrictions you may find when wanting to travel internationally.
Canada
Our neighbor to the north is very hard on people that are traveling with a DUI. Impaired driving is a felony in Canda, and they tend not to allow anyone with felonies into the country. The rules in Canada restrict people with a DUI from getting clearance to enter the country.
However, there are some ways that you can gain access to Canada. If you had a relatively clean criminal history and didn’t serve time in jail when convicted of your DUI, you may be able to travel to Canada. You will have to pay a $200 fine. Another option is that if it’s been five years or longer since your DUI conviction, you can apply for criminal rehabilitation. If granted, this can give you eligibility to go to Canada.
Now, if it has been 10 years since your conviction, and your conviction is expunged, you can enter Canada without issue. Also, if you have a deferment or diversion, you have to wait until it’s complete before you can enter Canada. You also must have the documents stating that you completed the program for entry.
Mexico
Our neighbor to the south is similar to our neighbor to the north. They consider DUIs an indictable offense. This legal term makes them similar to a felony, and there is a good chance that you won’t be able to enter the country if you have a conviction within the past 10 years.
Asian Countries
Many of the countries in Asia will ask about any charges in the traveler’s home country. These charges include misdemeanor charges. They may even have a background check done on you before allowing you a travel visa. Being honest about any charges against you is important. Lying or trying to hide your criminal background could result in penalties.
Middle Eastern Countries
As many of the Middle Eastern countries are Muslim societies, DUI convictions may make it hard to enter the country as the religion forbids drinking alcohol. That being said, it’s not explicitly condemned by immigration. It’s often up to the immigration officer, so it can be beneficial to speak with your local embassy or consulate before traveling on how this situation should be approached.
How a Professional Can Help
Getting a legal professional on your side can make a difference in your upcoming DUI case. They may be able to help get your charges thrown out or have them reduced. Both of these options may free you to be able to travel outside of the country if necessary for work or pleasure. A legal professional can help guide you towards any potential remedies available to you if you need to travel and cannot.
Contact the Law Office of S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. today to discuss your situation. Traveling with a DUI can pose problems for your future. It can be invaluable to get legal help from an experienced DUI Attorney as soon as possible when you find yourself facing a DUI arrest. Let us help you with your future.
