Community Forums

harris155 · 02-14-2013, 08:07 AM

Just heard on CTV and read in the Toronto Star that Florida quietly changed the law on January 1st this year and requires that international drivers now require an International Drivers License. This includes Canadians.
The idea is that the licenses are translated into English so the authorities could read them.
They seemed to skip that most Canadian, Ontario licenses are already in English.
Here is the link...
Florida now requires Canadian drivers carry an international driving permit | Toronto Star

Maybe they should be translated into Spanish for Florida.

Clayobx · 02-14-2013, 08:23 AM

As a native Floridian let me apologize for our ever so thoughtful politicians. But hey, they are politicians! I would not be concerned about going to jail. The issue as to one's insurance might force me into purchasing the required liscense. However, by the time you do purchase this instrument, this law will have been reconstructed.

**CLIFFTALL** · 02-14-2013, 08:28 AM

There are regulations everywhere that some will not like. I had to leave a lot of things behind when I crossed the Canadian Border. I decided to obey their law and enjoy their Country.
Cliff

Arch Hoagland · 02-14-2013, 08:35 AM

Italy also now requires it.

When I was in Italy I didn't think anybody had a drivers license.

**CLIFFTALL** · 02-14-2013, 08:44 AM

Here's an article that says legislators are working on exempting English - Language Licenses .
http://m.680news.com/2013/02/14/cana...ce-in-florida/. Now can I bring in more than 50 cigars and one bottle of booze.

Cliff

harris155 · 02-14-2013, 08:54 AM

I do agree that while travelling ignorance of the laws is no excuse.
I do realize that we have to obey the laws in the country we are visiting.

We now require Passports and have got them and would have got an International Drivers Licence if I knew one was required at the same time.

We are learning of this law just now and it has been in place for 6 weeks now.

The news reports say that car rental companies, CAA and other travel agencies that you would normally go to for travel information were not aware of the requirements.

When you cross the US boarder in a car or RV and asked where you destination will be you should not be allowed entry if you do not have the required documentation to operate there.

FlyingDiver · 02-14-2013, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harris155

When you cross the US boarder in a car or RV and asked where you destination will be you should not be allowed entry if you do not have the required documentation to operate there.

There is no way that ICE is going to try to figure out if you're going to be legal in some random state, or any states you pass through on the way there.

MaverickBBD · 02-14-2013, 09:47 AM

Having lived in a northern border community for forty plus years I think it is a great idea and should be adopted nationally. Having had to deal with I.C.B.C. and the lack of reciprocity on the part of B.C. and canada to U.S. and Wa. state traffic laws it has become a major problem. Just look at the blue and white licence plates (or blue plate specials as we call them) willfully violate traffic laws due to any enforceable sanction once they cross back across the border.

FlyingDiver · 02-14-2013, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaverickBBD

Having lived in a northern border community for forty plus years I think it is a great idea and should be adopted nationally. Having had to deal with I.C.B.C. and the lack of reciprocity on the part of B.C. and canada to U.S. and Wa. state traffic laws it has become a major problem. Just look at the blue and white licence plates (or blue plate specials as we call them) willfully violate traffic laws due to any enforceable sanction once they cross back across the border.

How do you think that requiring an IDP is going to change any of that?

MaverickBBD · 02-14-2013, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingDiver

How do you think that requiring an IDP is going to change any of that?

How about failure to pay traffic fines and/or provide adequate insurance will result in the revocation of driving privileges which in not currently an option with current canadian licences.

FlyingDiver · 02-14-2013, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaverickBBD

How about failure to pay traffic fines and/or provide adequate insurance will result in the revocation of driving privileges which in not currently an option with current canadian licences.

The IDP is just a translation (into multiple languages) of the original driver's license. It can't be "revoked". Requiring the IDP changes nothing, as long as they actually get one. If they don't, and they don't pay the fines now, I still don't see this changing that.

justlkn · 02-14-2013, 10:25 AM

Actually it has been in the books for quite some time. There was a reciprocity list of approximately 18 countries that were exempt from the IDP requirement and Canada was on the list. The reciprocity exemption has been eliminated. The idea is not only to be able to see in English the license holder's name and DOB but to show that at least when the IDP was issued the license was valid, not to raise extra funds. No other country gains from the purchase of an IDP other than the country it was purchased in. US does NOT have the capability to check and see if an out of country license is valid at the time of a crash or traffic stop. For example it takes one week to get results of whether a Canadian license is good or not using INTERPOL.

HappyCCRVr · 02-14-2013, 02:01 PM

Strange, I see an expiry date on my driver's license. Also a home address.
In Canada, the driver's license is not 'Canadian' per se, but rather, Provincial.

laurier · 02-14-2013, 02:50 PM

This is a great idea.
I was just looking for reasons to go to Texas the next winter.

As a side comment I just feel outrageous the rate that some campground do charge. For me it does not make much sense when I can find a decent hotel room at a lower price......in the same area