traffic citation question

[tafn430]

I'm not sure how to answer question 16 on the form N400 . "Have you EVER been arrested, cited, or detained by any law enforcement officer
(including INS and military officers) for any reason?"

I have received a couple of traffic tickets in my 13 years in the US. The only ones I can remember receiving are one in 1993 , Feb 1997 and one more after that, probably more than five years ago. I don't remember the exact month or year for that one. All were either paid or dismissed with defensive driving. I even got a certified letter from the Department of Motor Vehicles which shows a clean record.
If I mark yes to this question of "EVER" being cited, I don't know what dates to put for some since I honestly cannot remember them (don't even remember the year for one of them). Or should I mark "NO" since the driving record dosen't show anything. Please advise on how to answer this question.

[immihelp]

You need to mention them only if they are serious ones like drunk driving, reckless driving etc.

You don't have to mention the ones about little speeding, failure to stop etc.

[tafn430]

So do you suggest I answer yes or no? Or answer yes but don't list?

[immihelp]

If those are those small violations, you don't have to mention them. Answer 'No'.

This is based on my personal experience while applying for my citizenship and based on the conversation with USCIS officer who interviewed me.

I had mentioned no while applying. Later came to know that I might have to mention that. Collected all the information before interview. Talked to interviewing officer at the time of interview. And she told me that I did not have to mention small traffic tickets. I offered to give that information to amend the application, but she said no need. And I passed the interview. Became citizen.

[Gowda05]

Traffic - Reckless driving

I believe i had reckles driving in VA (state I was only driving through) as I got into an argument with a black lady cop; when she told me "I am sure you always broke rules in TX, i told her that she was prejudiced and can't do that when issuing me a ticket for speeding; so she upped the charge to reckless driving. ANyway as she was getting cranky I paid the fine ($150 or something) - by mail and that was it. So would this be a black mark in getting a citizenship? what are the consequences of listing reckless charge. Or is there a way to verify if it was indeed reckless driving ?

[immihelp]

There is no way to verify it as you were not being videotaped while you are driving or caught.

I have answered rest of your questions in another thread.