Q: I am driving on a UK license in a rental car as a foreign student, will there be a record on my license or just a fine

A: If you obtain a dismissal or court supervision on the offense you will not have a conviction. Fines and costs are normally imposed.

A: Hello Asker,

The answer is probably but its REALLY unclear. So, when you get a traffic violation in one state, it is eventually reported on the National Database. That national database MAY be shared with the UK. It's really unclear because its an issue we don't normally have. What I can say is that we have had Canadian drivers who have been concerned about driving records in the states so there is a good chance it is shared across state lines.

In general, court supervision is not really helpful in this regard. In our experience, once a ticket goes across state lines, they don't seem to see a difference between court supervision and conviction. That said, the extra $35 in cook county is worth it for court supervision if there is a chance that it will reduce the impact.

Lastly, I would consider you speak to the DMV to see if you need to apply for a license. I'm not sure how the rules apply for studying abroad but if the secretary of state considers you a resident at this point, you may want to consider applying for an Illinois license because foreign licenses have limited duration IF you become a resident. I doubt it applies to you but I just wanted to let you since you are only a student rather than someone moving here permanently but I wanted to give you the heads up. Here are the exceptions for the requirements to get an Illinois license. http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K6-102 My guess is you would not be considered a resident but I just wanted you to be aware that it MIGHT be relevant to you (again, its unlikely as the cop may have written a ticket otherwise).

Hope that helps and let us know if you have any other questions!

Jason A. Wilkins

Traffic Attorney

(630) 445-2293