Is a traffic summons a reportable crime or offence?

Posted by dannyg (19 days ago)

I had a traffic summons before to which I pleaded guilty and paid a fine.
Filling out some personnel forms, do I report this as a conviction of crime or offence? as the form requires me to declare it.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by GreenValleys (19 days ago)

Better to declare it than to have it discovered by the authorities when they check.

(I am based in Jakarta)

Posted by Oski (16 days ago)

Depends on the seriousness of the offense.
if it is minor offense. (In the US called infraction, not sure what the British systems call them) such has speeding, illegal turn, etc., it does not need to be reported. They are not considered criminal offense.
In the US systems, there is an intermediate level offense called misdemeanor, (again, not sure if HK's British modeled legal system have an equivalent.) for convictions such as drunk driving, reckless driving, etc. it would be a judgment call. I would say if the conviction did not come with detention, community service or suspended jail terms, you may not need to disclose. Otherwise, you probably should.
Technically, criminal offense means felony conviction. (again not sure the British term.) Only applies to very serious traffic convictions such as repeated drunk driving, hit and run, reckless endangerment, etc. If you had one of those, it needs to be disclosed.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by p.mason (16 days ago)

check out the Rehabilitation Of Offenders Ordinance: http://www.hklii.org/hk/legis/ord/297/s2.html

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by beancurd (13 days ago)

hubby always have minor traffic offense like over speeding, no seatbelt, illegal parking and the latest, 3 months banned for driving and he never disclose any of these when applying for visa or anything. No problem at all.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by GreenValleys (13 days ago)

My point is that if you declare it and it was considered too insignificant to report in the first place then it shouldn't have any influence on the outcome; but if you don't declare it and it is considered significant then you have withheld relevant information (in fct you have made a false declaration which itself is an oiffence). Of course you might not get 'caught' up-front or not even for a long time (as in beancurd's husband's case) but one day...you just never know. In the end it's your call.

(I am based in Jakarta)