International Driving Permit for Florida

[15isto2]

Originally Posted by wilma-bride

Firstly, you are quoting one of my first posts in response to the thread. I did later admit that I got it wrong - so you didn't have to point that out for me, thanks

However, if you read the update on the FDHSMV website (as posted by Wayne above) you will find that the new statute violates the Geneva convention and therefore foregin visitors to Florida will not need an IDP. I will therefore NOT be getting an IDP

Actually it says it COULD be a violation and that ONE law enforcement agency will not actively enforce the law

[chmurf]

Originally Posted by andrewilley

And if you are still technically driving without the required documents by current Florida Law (never mind whether anyone plans to enforce it) might the insurance companies use it as another way to wriggle out of paying claims? They'll milk any excuse.

But at least this will be enough to avoid large numbers of angry stranded tourists at the airport car rental desks.

Andre

yup,

but what's for sure is that I wouldn't want to be that tourist who gets caught by this scary local sheriff who only knows 2 books, the Bible and the state Statutes (revised and up to date version)
(Agreed that if you don't leave the Disney property you're out of harm's way )

Also agreed that even if the law is not enforced, the insurance companies will likely try to exploit that void/loophole/situation to challenge a claim first chance they get.

[wilma-bride]

Originally Posted by 15isto2

Actually it says it COULD be a violation and that ONE law enforcement agency will not actively enforce the law

Actually it says it MAY be a violation - since we're obviously splitting hairs

[15isto2]

Originally Posted by wilma-bride

Actually it says it MAY be a violation - since we're obviously splitting hairs

There is a huge difference between splitting hairs and the factually incorrect information you posted

[chmurf]

Originally Posted by wilma-bride

Actually it says it MAY be a violation - since we're obviously splitting hairs

in the meantime the law is still "active" it has not been suspended. Only one LEA said they would not enforce it, the others also have jurisdiction over part of the roads we'll be using, and they MAY uphold the law

[orangetiggs]

From virgin olidays facebook page

Virgin Holidays
News Flash: The Florida Department of Highways Safety and Motor Vehicles has advised that pending a review, the enforcement of the requirement for UK Drivers to have an International Driving Permit has been deferred. We'll update the Travel Update s section of our website with further information once we know more.

[chmurf]

Originally Posted by orangetiggs

News Flash: The Florida Department of Highways Safety and Motor Vehicles has advised that pending a review, the enforcement of the requirement for UK Drivers to have an International Driving Permit has been deferred.

what a mess ...

The Florida Department of Highways Safety and Motor Vehicles can only speak for it's law enforcement agency which is the FHP

Now for those of us who stay offsite, we'll have to deal with :
- The Orlando PD
- The Kissimee PD
- Osceola Sheriff's Office
- Orange Sheriff's office
and if you ever go outside of I-drive/WDW you'll also have to deal with
- Polk County Sheriff's office
- Lakes Sheriff Office
- Brevard Sheriff Office (for thos who go to KSC)
- Pinellas Sheriff Office (for those who go to Tampa)
(and then you have to include all the PDs of cities you cross (Tampa PD, Clearwater PD, Cocoa Beach PD, you name it)

all of those LEAs have jurisdiction to enforce the IDP law, and none of those have said that they would defer the IDP requirement

bottomline they're still at liberty to put you in jail. And VH's statement is dangerous at best.

[Elise79]

For the sake of £11 we will still be getting IDPs for our trip in 7 weeks. Whilst I am not so worried about the law enforcement aspect I do not trust the insurance companies not to use it as a get out clause as it is still a law that is currently in force.

I think that this has to be the biggest mess of a law ever!

[irenep]

Originally Posted by Elise79

For the sake of £11 we will still be getting IDPs for our trip in 7 weeks. Whilst I am not so worried about the law enforcement aspect I do not trust the insurance companies not to use it as a get out clause as it is still a law that is currently in force.

I think that this has to be the biggest mess of a law ever!

Completely agree with you. Its a total farce and like you I will still go ahead and get one just to be on the safe side. I wouldn't want to end up being the test case for this in a court of law.

[Shazzie B]

Crikey; glad we're just using buses for the Disney part of our trip I'd have to get one if we were driving - I work in Risk & Compliance - can just see the at work if I turned out to be the test case!

[Chilly]

It made the BBC Breakfast news this morning, they had Simon Calder on talking about it, I missed it though but DH saw it. Can't find anything on the BBC website though.

[wayneg]

Thankfully looks like we are back to where we were were before all this flared up. Rental companies have given assurance everyone will be covered on their insurance (with a DL in English) without an IDP ( including Hertz who I go with next)
Simon V has done a lot over in Florida to help resolve this, also others like Tim & Elle from Trip Wheels and lots of pressure from Cananda.
Orlando Sentinel story about it here http://www.orlandosentinel.com/busin...,3666462.story

[Cyrano]

The British Sunday tabloids reaction Mail on Sunday.

[CousinB]

Panic over (for now) - see the latest news at www. Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor vehicles

[NYDisneyKid]

with all due respect,,,i wonder if Brazillians drive the way they act in the parks.