USA Visa

[Celtigra3]

If you got points on your licence and a fine for driving without insurance does this constitute a criminal offence so that you would need a visa for the USA?

[dzug2]

If it was just driving without insurance then no you don't need a visa. Minor motoring offences don't count.

There are probably circumstances where it might constitute fraud, then you would need a visa. Something like a forged certificate for example.

[New Judge]

You need to be a bit careful.

If you were arrested for the offense (even if no conviction followed) then a visa is definitely required. However, further to that, from the US Embassy website:

“Travelers with minor traffic offenses which did not result in an arrest and/or conviction for the offense may travel visa free, provided they are otherwise qualified.”

My reading of that is that if you were convicted by a court (as opposed to accepting a fixed penalty) the Visa Waiver facility may not be available. Apparently the only way to find out for sure whether or not you need a visa in these circumstances is to apply for a visa !

[Buenchico]

The USA's definition of 'moral turpitude' can be difficult to relate to our own laws but the longest wait for a visa application that I've seen reported here on AB was from someone who had been convicted for two offences of driving without insurance. He had to wait 15 months before being REFUSED a visa.

However driving without insurance is most definitely a criminal offence and as such (according to the rules on the US Embassy website) bars the offender from entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program.

Chris

[Celtigra3]

Thanks...........yet in Britain we let anyone in!!!!

[Messi_Ten]

Do you really think the US has access to UK criminal records? Some right hysterical answers on here! Complete the ESTA on line, don't mention convictions of any kind. The only way they can find out is if YOU tell them.