Markus

It seems that the state of Florida has a new policy which requires any non US Resident to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their normal driving license when driving in Florida, be it in their own car or a rental car.

It is said that this is so the poor Florida police don't have to deal with driving licences in languages they don't understand / cannot read.

More info here (just the first non Canadian link I found - it's just popped up on a few local news sites this morning)

I thought it worth mentioning as there were a couple of threads about Florida fairly recently, and so it's something to take into consideration.

billythekid

If you are on a 90 day Visa Waiver you dont require this.

stevebt

iTrader: (8)

I was only in America 6 weeks ago and there was no mention of it then and I had a hire car.

Markus

Sure about that? this is the actual statute about it, section 2 mentions the IDP side of things, but I do not see anything about 90 day visa (guessing this is the I-94W green form thing?)

We (Canadian Citizens) do not need to fill out an I-94W, and so I cannot see how an exemption would be made if you have a valid I-94W but not if you do not require one at all.

nik52wrx

When did it come into force?
I was in Orlando last August and there was no mention of it.

Nik

billythekid

Leave it with me then - will get it from the horses mouth, I have contacts in the Florida Highway Patrol..

Markus

It went live on 1st January 2013.



Curious to hear what they say, as the link I posted was to the Florida statute that references this requirement. Unless I am mistaken that statute represents the law of the state of Florida.
It is quite possible that if a cop pulled you over and you showed them your license and passport that, upon seeing the I-94W stub in there, they might let you off. However I think that would mean they are effectively ignoring thier statute of law

stevebt

iTrader: (8)

I had a hire car in America at that time and notyhing was said to me.

billythekid

Well I got an interesting answer.

Yes its now the law - I did not know so you learn something new every day.

But... they are not enforcing it at the moment. This is because of some reciprocal agreements we have with the US and each state must comply with this agreement apparently. So, FL are now looking to change this law already so they dont cause an international incident LOL!

So thats where its at right now. There should be some clarification in the next few months of how this will effect Brits.

markjmd

iTrader: (11)

Anyone with a full UK DL is pretty much entitled to an international license automatically. The only real hassle is you have to renew them every year.

Rescue Dude

iTrader: (11)

Advice here;

http://www.theaa.com/getaway/idp/index.html

I hear they are going to change the law allowing anyone from a country with licences in English to not have to get an IDP but at the moment the law states you HAVE to have one.
It's not worth taking a chance at the moment so I'd get one if I were going. It's only £5.50.

billythekid

The county mounties are defo not enforcing, as they have to attend court for all their citations they dont need any more court appearances!

On a different subject, my main worry would be insurance. Thus, if it were me, I would get a permit just for that reason as I dont fancy having an insurance claim turned down etc.

Apparently they are hoping to have the amendment in place for the busy tourist season i.e May onwards - so might be worth checking again in May.

Leslie

When I went for a driving test over there because my licence was not acceptable, it took just over five minutes and basically I had only to show I could reverse into a parking space.

Les

jods

Apparently the USA and UK have a Geneva Convention law, part of which declared that no IDP was required for UK citizens in the US.

Florida Gov has issued a new statement since they have now "remembered" this:
http://www.flhsmv.gov/IDP.htm


Some insurance companies have already amended their documentation and therefore may still not pay out at the moment, if there is an accident. I guess this insurance part can still be enforced as it is a requirement of accepting/purchasing the insurance. So you don't legally need the IDP to drive in the US, but you may need one to purchase insurance (which would not contravene the Geneva conventions since the convention is not about insurance).