Traffic violations and such...

[JulietBravo]

I was just curious about the medical application. On the form, there is that area where you are suppose to say I have had a traffic violation, a DUI, etc. I was wondering about how long do you have to keep admitting those offenses? For example, I ran a red light over 5 years ago. I got an open container 3 years ago. Just simple things like that, do I have to admit that for each medical? Do these offenses ever reach an expiration point?

[My Flight Surgeon]

Forever! That is why it is now best to complete the 8500-8 on-line at http://medxpress.faa.gov so you don't have to rememebr what you put down last time.

They never expire and the FAA accesses the Natioal Driver's Record system so don't lie.

[MichaelMimiaga]

I understand what your saying here, however for instance in California certain violations come off your record in 3 years. So if I had a "failed to signal turn" violation, from 10 years ago that hasn't been on my record for 7 years and no record exists according to DMV, do we have to put that? If yes, how far back do we go? Traffic violations as a minor, like 16 years old?

[My Flight Surgeon]

The question asks "ever". If you want to not answer the question and they find it in the files be ready for a series of letters form them requesting copies of all court records. etc.

My advice is to not play games with the FEDS! You will be the one who loses.

[wheelsup]

I don't think you'll run the risk of not getting a medical if you report speeding tickets. I think the FAA really only cares (ie will take action) with DUI's and drug charges, although MFS could explain better.

[ILSstud]

If you read the fine print on the form where it explains the FAA's interpretations for terminology used on their form it states that one does not have to "report individual traffic convictions if they did not involve alcohol or a drug, suspension, revocation, or denial of driving privileges" ...I was confused about this part as well when I went for my last medical as I had one or two speeding tickets. My AME said that it was not necessary to report....however, when in doubt I would report....

[My Flight Surgeon]

Simply, here is the issue. If the tickets show up on the national driver registry and you have not reported them, then they start to wonder what else you may not have reported. I personally wouldn't want to be on their radar screen. Everyone must make their own decision but they must also live with any consequences of that decision.

[ILSstud]

Hmm....I would agree I just did what my AME said...should I be worried now? Report them on my next medical? I mean I followed their directions where it says these types of tickets "do not need to be reported"....

[milski]

Originally Posted by My Flight Surgeon

Forever! That is why it is now best to complete the 8500-8 on-line at http://medxpress.faa.gov so you don't have to rememebr what you put down last time.

How does that work actually? I renewed my medical just a couple of days ago (Thanks, Dr. Forred. ) and when I click on the 8500 form, it start with an empty one. Is there a way for me to retrieve what I put in it the last time?

[germb747]

The form says you don't have to report individual traffic offenses unless your license was suspended, denied, cancelled, or revoked, or you attended an educational or rehabilitation program. So, I guess if you ran a red light and did defensive driving, you'd have to report it since you attended an "educational or rehabilitation" program. But, if you just paid the fine or did deferred adjudication, then you wouldn't have to report it.

[avi8tor]

The only thing that shows up on the NDR is violent vehicular crimes, DUI's,DWI's, suspensions, and revocations.Moving violations are only shown on your states drivers abstract, and are only on there for a certain amount of time. However your court records will show all of your moving violations forever.

[ILSstud]

awesome thanks guys!

[Doug Taylor]

Originally Posted by ILSstud

awesome thanks guys!

And slow down, Speedracer.

[ILSstud]

Originally Posted by Doug Taylor

And slow down, Speedracer.

Thanks dad....

[Doug Taylor]

Take out the trash while you're at it, son!

[ILSstud]

yo not my daddy!...let's go on Maury....you and mama need a paternity test!....you ain't the boss of me I'll do what I want!

[MichaelMimiaga]

I guess my next question is, do we have to report a suspension if the suspension was not a direct result of a traffic violation, but rather a failure to pay fines?

I know some of my questions may sound dumb, but I had a slightly troubles driving record in the past, no dui's or anything like that. Just some speeding tickets from when I was literally a kid.

[My Flight Surgeon]

Just report it and explain it well in box 18. Don't play games with the feds.