Florida law enforcing international drivers permit to be repealed
Posted Feb 14, 2013 02:24:06 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Officials in Florida will not be enforcing a law which states all foreign visitors, including Canadians, need an international drivers permit while driving in the state.
According to “Canada Calling” radio personality Prior Smith, it’s expected the law will be formally repealed by the spring. In the interim, the law will not be enforced.
The law in effect in Florida until the spring requires Canadians to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in that state, in addition to a regular driver’s licence.
The state legislature passed a law requiring all non-resident drivers in Florida to carry such a permit as of Jan. 1, 2013.
The new law — intended to make it easier for Florida police officers to read international driver’s licences — reportedly even took the Florida tourism industry by surprise.
The new law applies to drivers renting cars as well.
Drivers can only obtain an IDP from the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), and you must be 18 years old and have a valid Canadian driver’s licence. Applicants need two passport-type photographs. The fee is $25 and the permit is valid for one year.
It’s a standardized document that translates your licence details into 10 different languages.
According to a report in the Toronto Star, any non-resident pulled over in Florida without an IDP would be considered to be driving without a valid licence.
Legislators are reportedly working on revising the law to exempt people with English-language licences; but proposed changes wouldn’t come into effect until the summer.
The CAA is urging drivers to get the permit if they are heading to Florida for the March Break.
There are up to three-million Canadian snowbirds in Florida.
