Do i have to declare traffic violations (in USA) for my uk student visa?

[edin]

I have gotten tickets for following too closely and failing to update my drivers license, both are on my driving record. On my (Tier 4) UK student visa application, it asks if i have any criminal convictions (including traffic offenses):

"6.9 Do you have any criminal convictions in any country (including traffic offenses)?
Answer ‘Yes / No’ If ‘Yes’ please provide details below
You must record ANY convictions you have obtained duringg your lifetime in any country including the UK. Convictions will not necessarily result in automatic refusal. However failure to disclose any conviction will be taken into consideration. If you have any convictions you must submit the official record of the conviction, detailing the crime you were convicted of along with any sentence received. Please include your supporting documents."

A google search of this problem shows some conflicting opinions on what i have to declare, however the resulting question from selecting "yes" asks for records of the conviction, sentence served, etc:


"You stated that you had a criminal conviction.

What was the conviction for?
Please give the date of the conviction?
Where were you convicted?
What was the sentence?"

Has anyone had experience with this? I guess i could request my driving record from the DMV, but that takes money and time. Apparently the UK doesn't consider fixed-penalty driving infractions as criminal offenses for these purposes (since you can just send in the fine via mail), but I did go to traffic court (although i pleaded no-contest each time). Does that make a difference?

[wattekinson86]

No, you do not. Also, a traffic violation is not a conviction. It's a civil punishment, so to speak. Unless by "traffic violation" you mean running over somebody with your car. But then you wouldn't just have gotten a traffic violation.

[tai38]

always state all citations etc ...they are not great problem .. but if they think you are hiding anything ..that is

[jarl]

Look, tell the absolute truth. It's not murder or anything, and all that officialdom hates is catching you telling lies. You are far more likely to be denied if caught out in a lie than for a couple of driving offences.