International travellers need special license in FL

[iluveeyore]

Not sure if this has been posted, but those of us visiting from outside the US, whether you are driving your own car or a rental, now need an international license to drive a car in the state of Florida - $25 plus passport photo - apparently the law was passed Jan. 1/13, but no one heard about it! Google it, they are trying to get Canadians exempt, but for now, it is law!

[gmeh1]

Originally Posted by iluveeyore

Not sure if this has been posted, but those of us visiting from outside the US, whether you are driving your own car or a rental, now need an international license to drive a car in the state of Florida - $25 plus passport photo - apparently the law was passed Jan. 1/13, but no one heard about it! Google it, they are trying to get Canadians exempt, but for now, it is law!

I looked this up on the FL DMV website and this is what it said:
New Law Impacts International Drivers

During the 2012 legislative session, the Florida Legislature amended section 322.04, Florida Statutes, to require visitors from outside the United States to have an International Driving Permit in order to drive lawfully in Florida. This change took effect Jan. 1, 2013.

It has come to the Department’s attention that this requirement may violate the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic (1949), an international treaty to which the United States is a signatory. Treaties to which the United States is a party preempt state laws in conflict with them.

Therefore, the Florida Highway Patrol will defer enforcement of violations of the amended statutory section until a final determination of the alignment of the amendment with the treaty can be made. Non-resident visitors to Florida who wish to drive while here will be required to have in their immediate possession a valid driver license issued in his or her name from another state or territory of the U.S. or from their country of residence. However, the FHP will not take enforcement action based solely on the lack of an International Driving Permit.
http://www.flhsmv.gov/IDP.htm

[iluveeyore]

Thank you for that - they are freaking out on the Canadian thread!! Will repost it there!

[Greysword]

Although FHP will exempt people from this law, will the rental car agencies? Seems like if they do make an exemption, they may be opening themselves to liability they may not be willing to accept.

For instance, people might fight car damage claim by the renter (or an accident claim by another person or court) by saying the car renter should not have given them the car in the first place. You know it will happen.

[gmeh1]

Originally Posted by iluveeyore

Thank you for that - they are freaking out on the Canadian thread!! Will repost it there!

You are most welcome.

[gmeh1]

Originally Posted by Greysword

Although FHP will exempt people from this law, will the rental car agencies? Seems like if they do make an exemption, they may be opening themselves to liability they may not be willing to accept.

For instance, people might fight car damage claim by the renter (or an accident claim by another person or court) by saying the car renter should not have given them the car in the first place. You know it will happen.

I would expect that the renter should take the responsibility of asking that question when renting the car. Since it appears that this asinine law is in direct conflict with the Geneva Convention, it will be interesting to see what happens with the law and the rental car companies.
Leave it to FL to shoot themselves in the foot with this absurd law. a large part of our economy comes from the tourist industry, this makes no sense what so ever.

[hydrotony]

Local Tampa news had a story about it tonight explaining that it will not be enforced. See link below.

http://www.wtsp.com/news/topstories/...t-not-enforced

[gmeh1]

Originally Posted by hydrotony

Local Tampa news had a story about it tonight explaining that it will not be enforced. See link below.

http://www.wtsp.com/news/topstories/...t-not-enforced

Yep and the DMV put this out yesterday.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: DHSMV COMMUNICATIONS
FEB. 14, 2013 (850) 617-3102
FLORIDA’S DOORS AND ROADWAYS REMAIN OPEN TO VISITORS
~ Highway Safety agency reassures visitors that travel to the Sunshine State is business as usual ~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Whether you fly or drive to Florida, visitors can be assured the Sunshine State is
doing business as usual. Earlier today, DHSMV released a statement to media around the world that the Florida
Highway Patrol will defer enforcement of a law that requires visitors from outside the United States to have an
International Driving Permit to drive lawfully in Florida. The statement explained that the law may potentially
conflict with an international treaty.
The Department understands the concerns of the international community and is working with its partners to
ensure that visitors are not inconvenienced. Visit Florida, AAA, Canada Automobile Association and law
enforcement agencies around the state are helping DHSMV get the message out that Florida’s doors and
roadways are open as usual to all visitors.
The Department will be working with the Florida Legislature in the coming months to ensure that the law
reflects Florida’s rich history of welcoming our friends from around the world to the Sunshine State.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides highway safety and security through
excellence in service, education and enforcement. The Department is leading the way to a safer Florida through
the efficient and professional execution of its core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and
titles and operation of the Florida Highway Patrol. To learn more about DHSMV and the services offered, visit
www.flhsmv.gov, follow us on Twitter at @FDHSMV or find us on Facebook.
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