Driving convictions and travelling to USA

[KLDJ]

Hello, I am meant to be flying to New York on the 17th Nov, howeve in 2002 I was convicted of Failing to stop, failing to report and accident and driving without due care & attention. Would this flag up as 'Moral Turpitude'? I know 'Reckless Driving' is in the list, but that would translate to 'Dangerous Driving' in the UK? Can I travel with out a Visa? Any help gratefully receieved....:)

[dzug]

The answer is you can probably travel - just don't admit to the conviction.

You can't travel WITH a visa anyway - no time to get one.

[Buenchico]

As Dzug states, you've certainly not got sufficient time to get a visa.

The US embassy website specifically excludes minor motoring convictions from the usual rule requirement to obtain a visa if you have convictions. However, it would be wisest to 'forget' about these matters when completing the Visa Waiver form. The US authorities don't have direct access to UK criminal records, so there's no way they could know about your convictions.

Chris

[megan07]

Hi KLDJ, i would not bother applying for a visa, my partner did, and he was refused, he has 2 driving offences both times driving with no insurance.
You also have to prove very very, strong ties to the UK, love megan. xxxxxx

[JonnoGenie]

What was the outcome, have you paid your fines/done your time, or are there outstanding warrants on you?

Did they take details from you that would link you to your passport, presented at immigration?

With three car crimes, you can be almost certain this will be moral turpitude.

p.s. As an afterthought: The above is on the assumption these crimes happened in the US. But you don't say... sorry if I got the wrong end of the stick...

[KLDJ]

They happened in the UK. I payed fines for the offences, there was no prison term involved at all. So these would be classed as minor convictions then? Im just worried about getting flagged up at the US airport!!

[dzug]

You will not get flagged up at the airport unless you 'fess up to it.

[JonnoGenie]

No, they won't know I'm sure.

But keep in mind that if you'd have done this in the US you would be marked for life. The authorities really don't allow people to take the P, as they do in England.