20Offender taken to have been convicted

20 Offender taken to have been convicted

(1)  If an alleged offender –

(a) pays a penalty in part or in full; or

(b) applies to the Director or to the issuing authority for a variation of payment conditions; or

(c) takes no action under section 15(1)(a) , (b) or (c) or section 17(1)(a) , (b) or (c) or is refused an application under section 15(1)(b) or section 17(1)(b) and does not elect to have the infringement notice heard and determined by a court within the time allowed –

he or she is taken to have been convicted of the offence.

(2)  If a person pays a sum of money to the Director in respect of a specific infringement notice, the offender is taken to have been convicted of the offence or offences specified in that infringement notice.

(3)  A conviction under subsection (1) is not to be regarded as an admission of liability for the purpose of, nor in any way affect or prejudice, any civil claim, action or proceeding.