Yet another N-400 speeding ticket topic

[engineer21 51]

Yes, I'm going to be that person that asks about speeding tickets for the umpteenth time.

I know it's been discussed many time before because I just searched for the topic here.

So.. I didn't check yes for having been cited, arrested, detained etc on my N-400

But after noticing the multiple threads on this topic, I decided I would look into my 2 speeding tickets while I have a lot of waiting time before my interview.

I went and got my MA driving record, which shows the 2 tickets as out of state speeding (in NH).

Then I called the NH DMV to try to get proof payment because my bank could only pull my statements as far back as 2007 and these tickets were from before then.

Lo and behold, the NH DMV no longer has my tickets on their records.

The lady I spoke to said that if I had not paid then it would still be in their records but otherwise it is wiped after 7 years.

So the only proof I have that I paid is the fact that my MA driving record does not have any period of suspension which would have happened had I not paid the ticket(s).

I wasn't really that worried about this, but the more I hang around this forum the more I see this topic pop so I thought I best be as honest and prepared as possible.

So I plan to disclose the speeding tickets at my interview and bring my driving record with me.

But If they ask for actual receipt of payment I won't be able to get it because I already tried and the NH DMV doesnt have it anymore.

Any suggestion as to what else I can do?

Thanks!

[Jeremy12095 8]

If you went to court or remember where the court was that had jurisdiction over your case you can simply request a certificate of disposition. It will show the case charge and the outcome of the case. On your drivers abstract is should list a ticket number and the court information.

[Shub 78]

Perhaps you can get an official letter from the DMV that says exactly what they told you verbally, i.e. that if you hadn't paid the fines, they would still have a record of them, but since it's been over 7 years and you paid the fines, they no longer have a record?

I doubt USCIS will push the issue for minor speeding tickets that happened so long ago, but it was an error not to mention them in your N-400 and you should make sure to bring it up in the interview since it's an opportunity to revise your answers in the presence of the IO.

[engineer21 51]

Shub, That's a good idea! I can try to see if the DMV can do something like that.

Yeah.. the more I read that particular question the more I think I misunderstood it.

[engineer21 51]

Shub, That's a good idea! I can try to see if the DMV can do something like that.

Yeah.. the more I read that particular question the more I think I misunderstood it.

[Jeremy12095 8]

I believe you don't need any documents for traffic tickets where the fine was less than $500.

This is from the current N-400 instructions.

" You do not need to bring documentation for traffic fines and incidents ( unless alcohol - or drug related) that did not involve an actual arrest if the penalty was only a fine of less than $500 or points on your driver's license"

*bump* I didn't read the part about you forgetting to put that on, may be best to just get something documented to show the immigration officer that you just forgot and you weren't trying to hide something major. Just a petty traffic ticket that you took care of.

Edited March 6, 2014 by Jeremy12095

[Shub 78]

I believe you don't need any documents for traffic tickets where the fine was less than $500.

This is from the current N-400 instructions.

" You do not need to bring documentation for traffic fines and incidents ( unless alcohol - or drug related) that did not involve an actual arrest if the penalty was only a fine of less than $500 or points on your driver's license"

I was under the impression that you must disclose the tickets in the form but do not need to attach documentation regarding fines under $500 when submitting your application, but should have the evidence at the ready for the interview.

That said, you're right, the form does say that you do not need to bring documentation regarding traffic fines under $500, so that simplifies things.

You still must disclose them on your form, though.

[engineer21 51]

Jeremy, I did see that when looking into this.. But i was trying to be as prepared as possible because I neglected to say yes to the question in the 1st place and don't want any reason for complication because of my initial mistake.

[Birdo 16]

engineer21; I have my interview next week and I disclosed my 2006 speeding ticket on the N400. It was less than $500 so technically I don't need any proof of payment etc. However, since some officers ask for paperwork or proof of payment for whatever reason, I tried to find something. I printed out the DMV printout that states I have a clear record. In the court here they purge all infractions that have been paid after 3 years, so the traffic court doesn't even have any record of me at all! So I printed the search screen where my name does not come up and also the policy screen for the court that states all paid infractions are purged after 3 years. I can't even go to the actual court to inquire about it because for this court you have to make an appointment and to make an appointment you have to know your case number. I don't know my case number because it has been purged. So I will be armed with the above paperwork and can only hope the officer doesn't make a big deal out of it. I don't have any payment records of it either but I also have renewed my driver's license since, and would not have been able to do so if I had an unpaid ticket. So I will find out next Wednesday if my dreams of citizenship will be shattered because of some stupid ticket from 2006 that I paid and took traffic school but didn't think to keep the receipts for. Keeping a positive state of mind...

[engineer21 51]

engineer21; I have my interview next week and I disclosed my 2006 speeding ticket on the N400. It was less than $500 so technically I don't need any proof of payment etc. However, since some officers ask for paperwork or proof of payment for whatever reason, I tried to find something. I printed out the DMV printout that states I have a clear record. In the court here they purge all infractions that have been paid after 3 years, so the traffic court doesn't even have any record of me at all! So I printed the search screen where my name does not come up and also the policy screen for the court that states all paid infractions are purged after 3 years. I can't even go to the actual court to inquire about it because for this court you have to make an appointment and to make an appointment you have to know your case number. I don't know my case number because it has been purged. So I will be armed with the above paperwork and can only hope the officer doesn't make a big deal out of it. I don't have any payment records of it either but I also have renewed my driver's license since, and would not have been able to do so if I had an unpaid ticket. So I will find out next Wednesday if my dreams of citizenship will be shattered because of some stupid ticket from 2006 that I paid and took traffic school but didn't think to keep the receipts for. Keeping a positive state of mind...

Birdo, thanks so much for sharing! Sounds like we're in the same boat. My ticket was in 2006 too. No record of paying because paid tickets are not kept on record.. Please do let me know how your interview goes! I really can't imagine that it would be a big deal. Lots of luck to you! Must be so exciting to be so close to the end of your journey. I'm still very much in the dreaming phase

[Messybrownhair 251]

I would not fret, just disclose it at the interview and bring all the documentation that you can.

I have a speeding ticket as well. All I have is the ticket (which doesn't prove I paid) and the check from the bank that was cashed, I hope they will accept that. It was for $112. I don't even know why a speed limit of 55 on a freeway exists.

PS. Everyone was driving over 55, I think he felt that the mom in the subaru minivan would be the easiest to catch. UGH! lol

[Birdo 16]

Engineer21, I had my interview yesterday and the officer had zero interest in the speeding ticket. I brought it up when she got to the part of the application about arrests etc. and she said "but you paid it right?" and then moved on when I said yes.

I stewed and fretted over it and it was a complete non-issue. But I was prepared with the paperwork just in case...

[engineer21 51]

Engineer21, I had my interview yesterday and the officer had zero interest in the speeding ticket. I brought it up when she got to the part of the application about arrests etc. and she said "but you paid it right?" and then moved on when I said yes.

I stewed and fretted over it and it was a complete non-issue. But I was prepared with the paperwork just in case...

Awesome news! Thanks for the update Birdo

[Big Papa Zone 93]

OK, rather than start (yet) another thread on the subject, I'll just jump on this one! I to was pulled over and ticketed back in 2010. The cop told me that if I took a defensive driving course (which I did) the matter wouldn't be reported. I took the course. A couple of weeks ago, I received the safe driver renewal form (Illinois allows you to renew online, no DMV visit, no questions asked up the age of 74 provided you have no citations) so I figure it's a total non-issue, right?

[Birdo 16]

Damian, just keep the paperwork that you've paid etc. so when you do apply for citizenship you have proof just in case they ask. My problem was that I did not have any solid paperwork of payment or anything else, but the officer didn't make it an issue and followed the USCIS policy in that regard. However some officers do ask even if they are not supposed to. So keep whatever you have and you don't have to worry.