Virgin Holidays/Dollar/Customs

Hi all,
I have a query that i wonder if anyone has experience of.

In Jan this year with VH i went to MCO and hired a car through Dollar. In April i received from Dollar in the states a letter saying i had several toll violations which amounted to approx $125, i was given 21 days whereby if i hadnt paid i was advised debt collection agency's would be employed. Intending to pay this off i waited until i had the sufficient funds available. Needless to say i forgot all about it and have heard nothing since.

I have to travel to the states next week but am a little curious about whether or not this will hinder my entry under the VWP. The way i understand it Dollar have paid the fines to Florida state on my behalf. But has anyone any idea if this will be somehow registered on the customs database and have a negative effect on my entry?

Any advice is gratefully appreciated.

We have had the same thing happen with Dollar although the 'claim' was for much less. Its a try on by Dollar as we hadnt even travelled through the tolls they stated. IMHO forget about it and all will be ok.

Two and a half years ago I was 'bullied' into a Sun Toll lane by a maniacal driver in FL (and having no TAG got the obligatory flash). I tried to pay the fee at the next toll with no success (still on the same freeway). Toll booth operator said a summons would be sent via Dollar . Never received one but was a tad anxious on my first return journey to the USA. They let me in (charmingly as it happens)and I've been back to the USA six times since.Still a free woman.

[Scrooge]

US customs does not answer to Dollar rent a car, they don't work with or for them either, you will be fine, don't give it a second thought...though I would never rent from Dollar again...One slightly interesting off topic thing, we rented a car a couple of months ago down in Miami for the day, included was the electronic pass for the toll lanes, they charged a flat fee for this and seeing as we manged to drive close to 400 miles that day through many toll booths I am happy to say Avis took a bath on this...and gave me 1000 VS miles as well [y]

[Nottingham Nick]

I bow to Scrooge's superior knowledge of the relationship between Dollar ans the US Customs, but would be tempted to add a word of caution.

The OP seems to accept in his post that he is liable for the fines that were imposed for toll violations. Before saying that everything would be okay I would like to know the status of the fines.

Drawing from the UK parallels - if the fines are classed as a civil debt, then I wouldn't be too concerned. If however the issue is classed as a criminal court matter, then failure to pay the fines can lead to warrants being issued here - is it the same in the US? I tend to think in this case, because they threatened debt collectors, rather than a warrant - it is probably civil.

I may be over reacting but it IMHO it is a slight risk to go back without first making sure it is okay. You are returning to the same state that the violations happened and, whilst $125 is hardly the crown jewels, if process has been issued, it will still be recorded.

You will in all probability be fine, but if there is a problem, saying 'They said on V-Flyer I would be fine' probably won't go down too well with the person on the desk. [;)][:D]


Nick

[Scrooge]

It would be classified as a civil debt not a criminal debt, what I find strange is that Dollar just didn't go ahead and charge the credit card you used.

Thanks for the replies guys.

I do accept the fines, when i rented the vehicle i was asked by the rep if i wanted to pre purchase a card which meant i wouldnt have to pay any tolls. I said yes and simply drove through tolls assuming i had pre paid. It was only when i received notification of the fines that i checked my docs and saw that in fact i hadnt had the pre paid card. Of course i simply took this as a mistake on my part in not checking before i drove through the tolls. Thus accepting liability.

My mind has been put to rest slightly, but to err on the side of caution i have emailed Dollar asking how i can (if i can) still pay.