International Driver Permit requirement in Florida

Just got this from the AA website about IDP
they say you should have a IDP for the USA

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/ov ... untry.html see USA and loook under J

Note J says recommended; the position seems to be that the IDP is now mandatory.

Copied and pasted from the RAC website:

USA

An International Driving Permit is not a legal requirement but is recommended

?| ?| ?|

The only safe thing to do is pay the £5.50 or £8.00 through the AA and get an IDP.

If I have read this right the OP states FL but the AA are just quoting just USA.
I have driven and still drive in a lot of states in the US plus have been unfortunate enough to been involved in hire-car minor dings that have had insurance details passed, plus the odd speeding violation, the last one only three weeks ago and have never been asked for a IDL, granted some of the officers look at my license and ask me explain what the parts of the license mean. Still would have thought local law enforcement would be asking for them.
Does anyone one know a date when this AA page was updated?? I may have to fork out £5.50 to be safe!!

......Just to add to my last post. Cut from the AA page.
"Recognised internationally, an IDP normally allows the holder to drive a private motor vehicle when accompanied by a valid UK driving licence."
I think the key word here is "Private". Is a rental classed as private??

[Darren Wheeler]

......Just to add to my last post. Cut from the AA page.
"Recognised internationally, an IDP normally allows the holder to drive a private motor vehicle when accompanied by a valid UK driving licence."
I think the key word here is "Private". Is a rental classed as private??

That's not mentioned in the Statute, and I'd rather take the Statute's view than the AA's.

Reading deeper, there is no mention of IDP under the section on rental car. All the rental company have to check is the licence, not if a IDP is required.

http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2012/322.38

Just posted on VH's FB page. Interesting what their reply will be.

For £5.50, it simply isn't worth taking the risk.

An accident can have multi million pound consequences. That will completely destroy most famlies' lives.

£5.50 is cheap.

Having just picked up a car at MCO a few hours ago, there was no mention of this.

I would have thought that if / when it becomes state law, and America being the litigious place it is, that its the car rentals responsibility and obligation to make sure they rent a car to you legally.

IE correct minimum insurance cover and correct licence requirements are in place ?| ?|

We used to have a rental business in the UK and your driving licence entitlements were studied very closely before you were even allowed to sign the docs never mind set foot in a vehicle.

I must admit thought, it makes me kind of nervous knowing that small changes in local law / administration take time to sink into every person in the chain, whether it be driver, hirer or police officer and as we have found out, are interpreted very differently by everyone.

David

welcome to the sunshine dave !!!!

It sounds so easy doesn't it - go to your nearest Post Office that issues an IDP.
I have just checked on the AA site and my nearest is 40 miles away !!!! It also looks like I would have to drive there first to actually get the application form as the one you can download online is for the AA only .....
Or have I missed something ?! ?| :0

welcome to the sunshine dave !!!!

thanks - fantastic flight, landed 5.40, in car joining the toll road at 6.05, checked in, showered and at restaurant by 7.20 y) y)

TR to follow.

David

Have you tried the branch finder on the Royal Mail Website rather than the AA Which appears (to me) to be a rather limited list

Mind the Post Office says you need to collect a form but nothing to stop you filling it in there and then

Have you tried the branch finder on the Royal Mail Website rather than the AA Which appears (to me) to be a rather limited list

Mind the Post Office says you need to collect a form but nothing to stop you filling it in there and then

That's what I did.
I took a photo, uk license, passport to the PO. They gave me the form. Takes two minutes to complete. The person on the counter then prepared and issued the IDP. Took 15 minutes max. I was lucky in that I have a PO that does this with in 15 drive.
I actually also had to get a photo and went to my local chemist, but the PO also has a photo booth.

Have tried the PO branch finder and entering my postcode and that of other nearby towns brings up the remark that my details do not bring up any matches ! That is until I enter the town given on the AA list which is 40 miles away.
One would think that more post offices could offer this relatively simple service.

All this IS only Florida though???

That's what I did.
I took a photo, uk license, passport to the PO. They gave me the form. Takes two minutes to complete. The person on the counter then prepared and issued the IDP. Took 15 minutes max. I was lucky in that I have a PO that does this with in 15 drive.
I actually also had to get a photo and went to my local chemist, but the PO also has a photo booth.[/quote]
[quote][/quote]


Spill,
Was your IDP processed and given to you at the Post Office? As I read on the Post Office website that the identification documents (passport and UK license) would be sent off with the application form to be processed. I need an IDP as I have my own car in Florida but reluctant to part with my ID documents as I will need them in the next 3 weeks!

Suzy

[Darren Wheeler]

All this IS only Florida though???

So far, unless any other state decides to follow suit.

That's what I did.
I took a photo, uk license, passport to the PO. They gave me the form. Takes two minutes to complete. The person on the counter then prepared and issued the IDP. Took 15 minutes max. I was lucky in that I have a PO that does this with in 15 drive.
I actually also had to get a photo and went to my local chemist, but the PO also has a photo booth.

Spill,
Was your IDP processed and given to you at the Post Office? As I read on the Post Office website that the identification documents (passport and UK license) would be sent off with the application form to be processed. I need an IDP as I have my own car in Florida but reluctant to part with my ID documents as I will need them in the next 3 weeks!

Suzy

Suzy,
It was all done over the counter and I was issued my IDP on the spot.
I totally understand you not wanting to part with your docs. I was the same when I went in as I wasnt too sure what they would do, but for me it all worked fine. Maybe if you use a PO without this facility, they have to send stuff away - not sure.
Good luck.

wanna bet no car hire company enfoces it...I will call the guy I know at hertz later and see what he has been told

that might be the case but if you get stopped will the police

By the sound of it, it's easy to get from the PO, just worth getting and then no issue or worry?

By the sound of it, it's easy to get from the PO, just worth getting and then no issue or worry?

That is what I am going to do. Better safe than sorry. The DIBB are actively seeking clarification. I've emailed the USA embassy in London pointing out that their website seems to be misleading given this change to Florida law.

It makes you wonder what other hidden legal gems we are all blithely unaware of. :0

It makes you wonder what other hidden legal gems we are all blithely unaware of. :0

Beware, in FL it is apparently unlawful for an unmarried woman to parachute on sundays. And that's not a joke.

It makes you wonder what other hidden legal gems we are all blithely unaware of. :0

Beware, in FL it is apparently unlawful for an unmarried woman to parachute on sundays. And that's not a joke.

Well TBH I fully support this piece of legislation...... :w

bearing in mind a good % of Floridians drive without a license (was told this by a cop locally)I dont think many will be worrying to be honest

[Darren Wheeler]

I'll be very surprised if the Florida state department of driver and vehicle licensing come back with anything other than a quote of the relevant statute.

Anything else is leaving them wide open in any future legal proceedings.