- Joined
- Jul 24, 2003
A reply Tim (I assume its Tim) from TripWheels has posted on Dibb. They are admitting its a pointless document but its now law
Elle has also blogged it on their website http://news.tripwheels.com/2013/02/11/international-driving-permit-required-for-florida/
I hope this answers all your questions (some of the old stuff, plus new stuff):
Customers that wish to drive in Florida without obtaining a Florida driver license will be required to have an International Driving Permit to accompany their out-of-country license. This applies to any vehicle, including rental vehicles. The International Driving Permit must be in the customer’s name and from their country of residence.
This is the information from the Florida Statutes:
322.04(c)(1)Persons exempt from obtaining driver license-
(c) A nonresident who is at least 16 years of age operating a motor vehicle of the type for which a Class E driver license is required in this state if the nonresident has in his or her immediate possession:
(2) An International Driving Permit issued in his or her name in his or her country of residence and a valid license issued in that country.
When did the law change, and why? January 1, 2013. The purpose of the permit is for the English translation. Obviously, a license issued in the UK is already written in English, so the permit is admittedly a little redundant but that is technically the law at this point.
What will happen to British drivers who drive without an IDP?
Without an IDP, a driver is therefore driving without a valid license and if stopped, law enforcement has the option of 1/ arresting the driver and taking him/her to jail 2/ giving the driver a citation with a mandatory court appearance.
Hope this helps,
Deputy Communications Director
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Elle has also blogged it on their website http://news.tripwheels.com/2013/02/11/international-driving-permit-required-for-florida/
I hope this answers all your questions (some of the old stuff, plus new stuff):
Customers that wish to drive in Florida without obtaining a Florida driver license will be required to have an International Driving Permit to accompany their out-of-country license. This applies to any vehicle, including rental vehicles. The International Driving Permit must be in the customer’s name and from their country of residence.
This is the information from the Florida Statutes:
322.04(c)(1)Persons exempt from obtaining driver license-
(c) A nonresident who is at least 16 years of age operating a motor vehicle of the type for which a Class E driver license is required in this state if the nonresident has in his or her immediate possession:
(2) An International Driving Permit issued in his or her name in his or her country of residence and a valid license issued in that country.
When did the law change, and why? January 1, 2013. The purpose of the permit is for the English translation. Obviously, a license issued in the UK is already written in English, so the permit is admittedly a little redundant but that is technically the law at this point.
What will happen to British drivers who drive without an IDP?
Without an IDP, a driver is therefore driving without a valid license and if stopped, law enforcement has the option of 1/ arresting the driver and taking him/her to jail 2/ giving the driver a citation with a mandatory court appearance.
Hope this helps,
Deputy Communications Director
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles