English Tourist returning to USA with unpaid speeding fines!

[carlosanna]

Hello Everyone,

A few years ago I picked up two speeding fines in America, one in Oregon & another in Utah. To cut a long story short they were never paid, and my attempts to pay them from England proved very difficult.

My Fiancee and I are planning a trip to New York at the end of January and i'm a little concerned that they may refuse me entry upon my arrival? I would be very interested to know of anyone who's had a similar problem?

Best Regards
Carl

[streaky]

A State matter, not Federal, so unlikely to be picked up unless returning to the particular State.

That said, DHS is far better integrated than the old INS was with State law enforcement agencies.

It might emerge when you complete your ESTA application, but if it doesn't, that doesn't mean you're necessarily in the clear.

If there's a man snapping on a latex glove by the immigration desk, you'd better hope he has some Kentucky jelly to hand (pun intended).

You pays your money ... or not in your case ...

Streaky

[madmover]

streaky said:

A State matter, not Federal, so unlikely to be picked up unless returning to the particular State.

That said, DHS is far better integrated than the old INS was with State law enforcement agencies.

It might emerge when you complete your ESTA application, but if it doesn't, that doesn't mean you're necessarily in the clear.

If there's a man snapping on a latex glove by the immigration desk, you'd better hope he has some Kentucky jelly to hand (pun intended).

You pays your money ... or not in your case ...

Streaky

This.... As said its a State matter so i reckon you would be lucky but for sure i'd be concerned...

[smileymikey]

I remember Clarkson bragging he had 14 outstanding tickets in Nevada

[Thom987]

You have nothing to worry about imo. I was in a similar situation a few years ago and half expected to be wearing an orange boiler suit for most of my holiday. I've been back a few times since and don't even think about it now.

[Nickyboy]

Unless they recorded your passport number i wouldnt worry

[caziques]

Nickyboy said:

Unless they recorded your passport number i wouldnt worry

Exactly, millions of people go in and out of the US each year, they aren't going to use resources chasing up speeding tickets for an individual state.

Amazed that you even tried to pay them from the UK.

[stevensdrs]

I got a parking ticket in Florida which I binned. Never heard anything and I have been back 3 times since then. However, with a speeding ticket you would want to avoid getting pulled again in the same county as I hear these sherriffs can be right bad as

[RDMcG]

They know more than you think. I was told by a Border Patrol agent when I was crossing from Canada to NY State that I had an outstanding ticket, that he did;'t care, but it would be a god idea to pay it. ( I have always paid tickets - this one was a notification mixup).

Generally its a good idea to pay up. Information systems are getting more and more integrated and if you have a series of tickets and a bench warrant it might get ugly. Just my 2c worth.......

[streaky]

Nickyboy said:

Unless they recorded your passport number i wouldnt worry

Hiring company will have a record of the driving licence number. If followed up with DVLA ...

As said, unlikely, but the Yanks don't like people who show little respect for THE LAW.

Regarding Clarkson's "alleged" unpaid tickets, what's the betting that's just 'gas', or that they were paid by Bedder 6?

Streaky

[mcflurry]

I heard (second hand) that someone on a similar forum didn't pay his speeding tickets in America.
When he returned, he was detained at the border for a couple of hours, had to pay the fines, and then was released..

[supersport]

streaky said:

...

If there's a man snapping on a latex glove by the immigration desk, you'd better hope he has some Kentucky jelly to hand (pun intended).

...

Streaky

Somewhat bizzarely they all wear bright blue latex gloves permanently, well in Chicago and Washington they do. Not quite sure what they thought they were going to catch. Even the guys sat behind a desk not operating equipment were. Paranoid bunch of fkers!