I am interested in visiting Canada in this summer for 4 – 5 days. As a US citizen, I pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor "inattentive/careless" driving two years ago and paid a fine but had no other requirements. I also have had a speeding ticket 7 years ago.
In the state where I acquired the "inattentive/careless" driving, the statue defines "Inattentive driving shall be considered a lesser offense than reckless driving and shall be applicable in those circumstances where the conduct of the operator has been inattentive, careless, or imprudent, in light of the circumstances then existing, rather than heedless or wanton, or in those cases where the danger to persons or property by the motor vehicle operator's conduct is slight. Every person convicted of inattentive driving under this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and may be sentenced to jail for not more than ninety (90) days or may be fined not more than three hundred dollars ($300), or may be punished by both fine and imprisonment."
I could not locate an equivalent infraction within the Canadian Criminal Code.
Questions:
1. Do both the "inattentive/careless" driving ticket and the speeding ticket constitute part of my "criminal record"?
2. Does the misdemeanor "inattentive/careless" driving ticket (as would a DUI conviction) make me ineligible to enter Canada?
3. If there is not a straightforward answer to question 2, I would be willing to drive to border and "take my chances." However, if asked I had a criminal record, I would be straightforward and acknowledge the "inattentive/careless" driving ticket (and the speeding ticket if appropriate). I do appreciate the general advice when speaking to the border officials of being honest, brief, to the point, and do not elaborate.
Would it be worthwhile to have in my possession the official statement of the case history of the inattentive charge and a copy of the above state statute?
Appreciate the help and advice.
In the state where I acquired the "inattentive/careless" driving, the statue defines "Inattentive driving shall be considered a lesser offense than reckless driving and shall be applicable in those circumstances where the conduct of the operator has been inattentive, careless, or imprudent, in light of the circumstances then existing, rather than heedless or wanton, or in those cases where the danger to persons or property by the motor vehicle operator's conduct is slight. Every person convicted of inattentive driving under this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and may be sentenced to jail for not more than ninety (90) days or may be fined not more than three hundred dollars ($300), or may be punished by both fine and imprisonment."
I could not locate an equivalent infraction within the Canadian Criminal Code.
Questions:
1. Do both the "inattentive/careless" driving ticket and the speeding ticket constitute part of my "criminal record"?
2. Does the misdemeanor "inattentive/careless" driving ticket (as would a DUI conviction) make me ineligible to enter Canada?
3. If there is not a straightforward answer to question 2, I would be willing to drive to border and "take my chances." However, if asked I had a criminal record, I would be straightforward and acknowledge the "inattentive/careless" driving ticket (and the speeding ticket if appropriate). I do appreciate the general advice when speaking to the border officials of being honest, brief, to the point, and do not elaborate.
Would it be worthwhile to have in my possession the official statement of the case history of the inattentive charge and a copy of the above state statute?
Appreciate the help and advice.