Heads up for Canadian drivers in Florida

[Lisa Anne Colling]

You are right Ted! Doesn't take long before things get blown up. My mom just said that this is applying to out of state drivers as well. So if you consider all those Canadians and Americans from other states, it really makes no sense. I think they know it was an error and that is why we are just hearing it now. Someone broke the story and with social media it has gone crazy before they have had a chance to fix itand from what I have read today they will have the law changed by summer. We go in a few weeks and I'm not going to worry about it. Like I said our friends had police look at thier license and said nothing. Most of the rental car places are also not asking for this, so call to check to make sure you can still rent without one. My nephew works for Enterprise and they are saying we are good.

 

[pigletto]

You are right Ted! Doesn't take long before things get blown up. My mom just said that this is applying to out of state drivers as well. So if you consider all those Canadians and Americans from other states, it really makes no sense. I think they know it was an error and that is why we are just hearing it now. Someone broke the story and with social media it has gone crazy before they have had a chance to fix itand from what I have read today they will have the law changed by summer. We go in a few weeks and I'm not going to worry about it. Like I said our friends had police look at thier license and said nothing. Most of the rental car places are also not asking for this, so call to check to make sure you can still rent without one. My nephew works for Enterprise and they are saying we are good.

The thing is the law passed as of January 1st. So they've had ample time to correct it and haven't. Also in the links provided Florida law enforcement is saying they WILL enforce it.
They've done a rotten job of providing information at any rate and it blew up because they made it a law and let it sit for over 6 weeks without any correction.

I think it's entirely more reasonable to suspect they simply aren't liking the backlash and complaining from their number one source of revenue. It's a mighty big error to let just sit hanging out there. It blew up because it's ridiculous and they did nothing to manage it. Now the only place in Canada that is authorized to sell these permits is reporting on their websites and in their offices that you can and need to get them there. You mean there was NO communication between the lawmakers and the one outlet for dispensing the document needed for said law? Ridiculous.

I don't think it unreasonable for people to discuss and report on a law. Its up to the lawmakers to make sure that it's correct to begin with not everyone else to wait and see if they really really mean it.

 

[Lisa Anne Colling]

And what do you do if you are leaving on Sunday? I have 2 co-workers heading down to Florda this Sunday. They are headed to CAA this morning to get the license. Should they hold off until tomorrow?

I think it has to be a personal decision on what you are comfortable with. Is there a chance you may get pulled over and got a police officer in a bad mood who decides to charge you, could happen. But from what I am hearing they are not enforcing this and as I said we had friends who did not get charged after an accident last week for not having a IDL. They will be changing this law and know it was worded wrong.

 

[Lisa Anne Colling]

The thing is the law passed as of January 1st. So they've had ample time to correct it and haven't. Also in the links provided Florida law enforcement is saying they WILL enforce it.
They've done a rotten job of providing information at any rate and it blew up because they made it a law and let it sit for over 6 weeks without any correction.

Florida news is saying they do not gather again for thier sessions until after March. I'm not sure how American governemnt works, but I'm sure it is alot like ours. SLOW. LOL! Info is lacking and has really thrown everyone for a loop. No one in my parents park has this and they were a little freaked out, even the snowbird association didn't know. Everyone has to do what they are comfortable with.

 

[Goofy4Golf]

YMMV.

CAA updated its site:

http://www.caa.ca/travel-documents/idp/

Basically, the intent was for non-English licenses. Until the wording is made clear, the recommendation is to get an IDP.

Treat it like an insurance policy in the event that you are stopped by an unhappy officer that decides to interpret the law as worded.

 

[Jennny]

My snow bird parents have seen this on the news down there today as well. Florida news is reporting that this was worded wrong and that it was meant for non english lisence and that it will not be enforced. When thier state government gathers again after march they will be rewording this so called law. We had friends there last week, who were in an accident and obviously had to show a DL and they were not charged for not having a IDL. At this moment 99% of snowbirds do not have this, not to mention the Spring breakers leaving soon. The snowbird association is pretty busy today as all these snowbirds are worried! My parents concern was if you are considered driving without a valid DL, how does that effect your insurance if you are in a wreck? I wouldn't rush out today and get an IDL in a panic. Florida officials will say something in concrete by tonight with all these news stations breaking this story. I'm sure once the snowbird association gets wind, they will be mighty mad and you don't want to mess with those birds! LOL!!

As always, I find my disfriends most helpful! I knew that if we waited for a bit, the dust would settle and more would come out of this. Thanks!

 

[mkmommy]

I think it has to be a personal decision on what you are comfortable with. Is there a chance you may get pulled over and got a police officer in a bad mood who decides to charge you, could happen. But from what I am hearing they are not enforcing this and as I said we had friends who did not get charged after an accident last week for not having a IDL. They will be changing this law and know it was worded wrong.

I am more concerned about the car rental agencies requiring it .

So is this Disney's attempt to get you to take Magic Express and not leave WDW!

 

[Ted in Halifax]

I'm left with the nagging question ... who gave the authority for CAA to issue the permits in the first place. It is an association of members, but not a public body. Can they access legal driving records? What if I don't want CAA to have my information since they are not an organization that is covered by government privacy laws, yet I have no option to go to anyone else?

Lots of question swirling in my mind; however, what I've decided to do is:
a) Not rent a car ... I will taxi to the outlets and take magic express
b) Not revisit this issue ... I find it sours my vacation planning
c) Wonder who gave CAA the authority to participate in what I see as a registry of motor vehicles activity.

That's all for me folks!

 

[bankr63]

Wow, Myrtle Beach is looking better and better. Sorry Disney, I'll take my vacation money elsewhere next time.

Actually, years ago when I got my first IDP for a trip to Venezula, I looked at the history of the IDP. Originally it WAS kind of like a driver's license before most governments started issuing them. They were issued by the Auto Clubs in each country because they were better organized and better connected than most governments. Over time the legislated licenses came into existence everywhere, and the IDP morphed into a translation and assurance from a "responsible" body that the person actually had a valid license. (how easy it would be to forge a license from "Upper Timbuktu" and go driving in Florida!)

Keep in mind that most authorities only issue their licenses in their native language, an IDP is actually a more commonly recognizable document.

Is the FL law poorly thought out - yes! Is there reason to expect collusion from the motor associations, No. AAA and CAA make more from selling vacation packages to FL than they ever will from issuing IDP's. I'm sure they think this law is as poorly executed as the rest of us.

I guess I'll have to go get another IDP this week, let's hope Florida fixes this soon or my vacation dollars will go to another state next year...

 

[maryliz]

From the Globe and Mail ...

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news...international-driving-licence/article8666459/

Sounds like they're going to have this cleared up before we drive down in August.


Happy Valentine's Day to all my Canadian Dis'ers !

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

From the Globe and Mail ...

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news...international-driving-licence/article8666459/

Sounds like they're going to have this cleared up before we drive down in August.

I am another August traveller that's hoping this will be a non-issue by the time our travel date rolls around.

 

[greenclan67]

I'm left with the nagging question ... who gave the authority for CAA to issue the permits in the first place. It is an association of members, but not a public body. Can they access legal driving records? What if I don't want CAA to have my information since they are not an organization that is covered by government privacy laws, yet I have no option to go to anyone else?

Lots of question swirling in my mind; however, what I've decided to do is:
a) Not rent a car ... I will taxi to the outlets and take magic express
b) Not revisit this issue ... I find it sours my vacation planning
c) Wonder who gave CAA the authority to participate in what I see as a registry of motor vehicles activity.

That's all for me folks!

Wow Ted, I think husband had the same list of a,b,and c! I agree with the above. We will be renting a car in just over 2 weeks. Will we get one, not sure. We will wait and see next week. I just can't get past the CAA thing!

 

[minnie mum]

Actually, years ago when I got my first IDP for a trip to Venezula, I looked at the history of the IDP. Originally it WAS kind of like a driver's license before most governments started issuing them. They were issued by the Auto Clubs in each country because they were better organized and better connected than most governments. Over time the legislated licenses came into existence everywhere, and the IDP morphed into a translation and assurance from a "responsible" body that the person actually had a valid license. (how easy it would be to forge a license from "Upper Timbuktu" and go driving in Florida!)

Keep in mind that most authorities only issue their licenses in their native language, an IDP is actually a more commonly recognizable document.

Is the FL law poorly thought out - yes! Is there reason to expect collusion from the motor associations, No. AAA and CAA make more from selling vacation packages to FL than they ever will from issuing IDP's. I'm sure they think this law is as poorly executed as the rest of us.
...

This was always my understanding of the evolution of the IDP as well. Different countries now handle the issuing of IDPs in different ways. When we were living in Germany, we didn't go through an auto club to get the IDP. And I'm pretty sure that the Brits get theirs from a different source as well.

As for privacy laws etc- I don't see the problem. They are only using the information that is already present on your drivers license. When all is said and done- it's just an authorized multilingual translation of your valid DL.

I'm glad this is all a tempest in a teapot. We'll fork over the $$ for this year. But I'm glad we won't have to do this every year- it would really add up. Heck it would end up costing twice as much as your passport if you had to do this yearly!

 

[Sunseeker2012]

Well, all I can say is that I'm happy that I have been reading this Forum because I would of never known this. I sent my Husband this morning to CAA and he picked up the form, cost $35. I'm not taking any chances and I rather have the IDP.

 

[ferris198]

Newstalk just heard from Florida officials, police I believe, but they will not be inforcing it

 

[Fundytrail]

I'm left with the nagging question ... who gave the authority for CAA to issue the permits in the first place. It is an association of members, but not a public body. Can they access legal driving records? What if I don't want CAA to have my information since they are not an organization that is covered by government privacy laws, yet I have no option to go to anyone else?

Lots of question swirling in my mind; however, what I've decided to do is:
a) Not rent a car ... I will taxi to the outlets and take magic express
b) Not revisit this issue ... I find it sours my vacation planning
c) Wonder who gave CAA the authority to participate in what I see as a registry of motor vehicles activity.

That's all for me folks!

It appears the Federal Government gave CAA the authority to issue IDP

http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/documents/international-driving-permit

Just spoke with friends currently in Florida and it has been all over the news today and this was the first they had heard of the requirement.

 

[Vixey]

I just got this from CBC.

CBC News Alerts @CBCAlerts
Florida hwy patrol: Won't enforce rule on int'l permit . New rule may violate Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.

 

[abdmom]

I just got this from CBC.

CBC News Alerts @CBCAlerts
Florida hwy patrol: Won't enforce rule on int'l permit . New rule may violate Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has the same info on its website. DHSMV

I'm not getting an IDL unless this isn't cleared up closer to my March break trip.

 

[damo]

#BREAKING No Need For Special Driving Permits
Posted By: Newstalk 1010 · 2/14/2013 2:25:00 PM

You can breathe a sigh of relief.

If you're heading to Florida, you don't need one of those International Driving Permits.

News broke on Thursday morning, that any driver who wanted to motor around the Sunshine State would need the special permits, sold in Canada only at CAA.

Lineups at outlets in Toronto stretched as long as two hours just to file the papers.

Early Thursday afternoon the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles sent an email:

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.

 

[My 2 princesses]

Yeah came back to post the same thing. Looks like it won't be happening after all!