Author Topic: Caught for Speeding - in Canada!  (Read 502 times)

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Pressman

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Caught for Speeding - in Canada!
« on: July 05, 2024, 09:37:33 pm »
Hello,


I understand this forum focuses on UK traffic offences, but I recently encountered an issue while in Canada. I was cited for speeding and, unfortunately, misplaced the document before returning to the UK.


While driving a rental car from Calgary to Banff, I noted that the speed limit was 90 Kph. I set my cruise control accordingly for the 90-minute journey. Despite this, I was frequently overtaken by other vehicles, including cars, semi-trucks, and even marked police cars without their lights on. This led me to believe that the speed limit was not strictly adhered to, so I eventually turned off my cruise control.


Approximately thirty minutes later, a marked police car pulled me over for travelling at 130 in a 90 Kph zone, resulting in a citation. A passenger recorded the incident on her phone. The officer issued a document offering the option to pay a $250 fine within 30 days or to enter a plea. The document further stated that failure to comply would prevent the renewal of my car insurance until the fine was paid. I placed the document in the glove box of the rental car and continued my journey.


Regrettably, I forgot about the document when I returned the car at the airport. I recently discovered a photo of the citation on my phone, but I am now well past the 30-day deadline.


Can anyone advise if a speeding offence in Canada can impact me in the UK and what potential consequences I might face?


I am planning to return to Calgary in June 2025 and am concerned about the possibility of being detained upon arrival.


Thank you for any guidance you can offer.

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slapdash

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Re: Caught for Speeding - in Canada!
« Reply #1 on: July 06, 2024, 06:37:12 am »
There is very unlikely to be any legal method of chasing you here.

There is some slim chance you may get some collection letter if they trace whatever ID was given to rental agency or at the scene back to you and your address.

There is probably a method on the states website of getting in contact. If you feel like resolving it.

It is unlikely to cause any problems on reentry to Canada, but they could be tightening up.

You are possibly banned from driving in whichever territory. That's a common thing with unpaid violations. It's possible there is a warrant.

Expect this to move to The Flame Pit.
« Last Edit: July 06, 2024, 06:39:33 am by slapdash »

cp8759

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Re: Caught for Speeding - in Canada!
« Reply #2 on: July 06, 2024, 09:47:34 am »
As above, if you want to resolve the matter the obvious first step is to get in touch with the authorities and see if they'll accept payment by phone or online. The worst case scenario I can imagine is that you've been prosecuted and convicted in absence and the court has imposed a higher fine, but still you should be able to just pay it.

However you might want to seek advice from a Canadian website in the first instance.

There is absolutely zero chance of any repercussions on your UK licence and there is no mechanism for the fine to be enforced in the UK.
I practice law in the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, London Tribunals, the First-tier tribunal for Scotland, and the Traffic Penalty Tribunal for Northern Ireland, but I am not a solicitor nor a barrister. Notwithstanding this, I voluntarily apply the cab rank rule. I am a member of the Society of Professional McKenzie Friends, my membership number is FM193.

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Pressman

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Re: Caught for Speeding - in Canada!
« Reply #3 on: July 15, 2024, 05:20:23 am »
Thank you for your input. It appears that we can conclude this matter here, as there is no prospect of any further action being taken in the UK.