US traffic infringement: my name spelt incorrectly - would you still pay?

[JohnM]

On my recent visit to the US, I was involved in a traffic crash. There were no injuries but the other driver called the police and they attended.

I was given an infringement for not yield right-of-way. No problems - I was in the wrong as I snuck out a bit too far when my view was obscured.

I went to pay the fine online but could not get the system to recognise the case number, nor my name.

I have just realised that the officer spelt my 11-letter and unusually-spelt surname incorrectly by one letter. The case is there under my incorrectly-spelt name.

My initial view of this matter was to ensure that the fine ($US135) was paid to ensure that I had no possible blemish that US Immigration could pick up on me when I next visit.

But this case does not accurately match me.

What would you do?:

Pay the fine to be absolutely sure of being squeaky clean ($US135 is not onerous).

Ignore it because the 'defendant', as recorded, technically doesn't exist.

Bearing in mind, of course, that Budget has my full details should they pursue it via the vehicle license.

 

[Hvr]

Pay up and get it finalised. As you've noted Budget has the correct details and will provide them to police if requested.

I'm sure the police can either reissue the ticket in the correct name or issue a new ticket. But if they have to reissue it then there is nothing to stop them issuing a more severe fine potentially increasing the penalty.

 

[amaroo]

I've paid in the past. I like the idea of hassle free travel.

 

[perthjay85]

Pay up and get it finalised. As you've noted Budget has the correct details and will provide them to police if requested.

I'm sure the police can either reissue the ticket in the correct name or issue a new ticket. But if they have to reissue it then there is nothing to stop them issuing a more severe fine potentially increasing the penalty.

Better to be safe than sorry as @Hvr said.
Not worth taking a chance.

 

[Bundy Bear]

For US$135 I would almost pay it, with the name being wrong is a good thing as you can say; no I have had no traffic infringements.

Saves lots of paperwork.

 

[serfty]

Yeah ... pay it ... no more need to worry about it ...

 

[Dr Ralph]

There are other ways to link you to the ticket other than just your name. Pay the fine if you ever intend to travel to the US again.

 

[Daver6]

I say don't pay the fine. That way the rest of us will have a data point for future reference. Take one of the team

 

[JohnM]

Thanks, everyone (except a certain smart@rse...). Apart from the moral obligation, as I was technically in the wrong although the other guy was barreling along, I felt that it was best to pay.

I was just interested in others' opinion.

 

[Denali]

I would pay.

And $135 - its a steal when compared to NSW & Vic fines.

 

[Cynicor]

I probably would pay, but due to the way US police systems work, you would probably have no issue unless you visited that exact state and made yourself known to the correct police force. They have federal, state, county, local etc...

 

[JohnM]

I probably would pay, but due to the way US police systems work, you would probably have no issue unless you visited that exact state and made yourself known to the correct police force. They have federal, state, county, local etc...

I was thinking along those lines.

But, with anything law-related in LOTFAP, I think it's better to err on the side of caution. I don't fancy being shot on sight or manacled as a felon when I arrive in DFW next year - as much as @Daver6 wants me to test the system.

 

[Nizar]

Got a speeding ticket when I was in the US three years ago and didn't pay it, as when the fine came in the mail they got my surname massively wrong.
Haven't heard anything since.
But then again I haven't been back to the US since.

 

[JohnM]

I'm informed that in Australia minor errors in infringements do not invalidate them.

I paid the fine.

 

[N860CR]

I copped a traffic fine in South Africa. I tried numerous times to pay it... but they could never figure out how to send it to me. I'd still be keen to pay it to avoid any future issues. If you have the ability to pay it, then just do it.

 

[JohnM]

I paid it online once I searched by the incorrectly spelt name to bring it up. Strangely, the infringement number, which was the primary search term, would not bring it up.

 

[Quickstatus]

I paid mine via a western union cheque. I took a photo of the cheque and the letter before I mailed it. No receipt otherwise received
Have returned to USA - auto passport kiosk no issue.

 

[Cynicor]

That's the first time I've heard of a legitimate use for Western Union!

 

[Quickstatus]

The option was cheque or in person.

 

[theblank]

All customs and police officers in USA have guns. I would pay it.