Florida implements new requirement for Canadian drivers
Posted: Feb 14th, 2013, 8:44 am
Canadians and other non-U.S. residents who travel to Florida have been mandated to carry an international driving permit (IDP) because of a state law that took effect Jan. 1.
The law requires non-residents driving in Florida to use an IDP, issued by their home country, in conjunction with their standard driver's licence.
The Canadian government says an IDP allows licensed motorists to drive in other countries without further tests or applications. It is proof a driver has a valid driver's licence in his or her country of residence. The government also warns that you may be required to have a valid IDP to drive in some countries and car rental agencies may require you to have one.
Montrealer Julie Klein just returned from Florida, and said she had no idea her Quebec licence was invalid, even though she checked with her insurance company before leaving.
"I'm happy I didn't get questioned or pulled over," she said.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website states the new law "applies to any vehicle, including rental vehicles, [and] must be in the customer's name and from their country of residence."
An international driver's licence must be obtained through the Canadian Automobile Association for $25, and is valid for one year. http://www.caa.ca/
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2013 ... cense.html
The law requires non-residents driving in Florida to use an IDP, issued by their home country, in conjunction with their standard driver's licence.
The Canadian government says an IDP allows licensed motorists to drive in other countries without further tests or applications. It is proof a driver has a valid driver's licence in his or her country of residence. The government also warns that you may be required to have a valid IDP to drive in some countries and car rental agencies may require you to have one.
Montrealer Julie Klein just returned from Florida, and said she had no idea her Quebec licence was invalid, even though she checked with her insurance company before leaving.
"I'm happy I didn't get questioned or pulled over," she said.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website states the new law "applies to any vehicle, including rental vehicles, [and] must be in the customer's name and from their country of residence."
An international driver's licence must be obtained through the Canadian Automobile Association for $25, and is valid for one year. http://www.caa.ca/
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2013 ... cense.html