Quebec driving permit in Georgia

[Gaetan]

I was told that Georgia has enforce the request of having an english driving permit this was also started in Florida last year but they did not enforce it because of the money brought in the state by snowbirds,
Is this a reality?
I have renewed my international driving permit.
Gaetan

[silversand]

Packer wrote:
We have relatives in Atlanta and none of the family from Quebec who visit there have ever had an issue.

...that's because perhaps none of them have ever been stopped by LEOs in Georgia ?

:B

[John_Joey]

Gaetan wrote:
I did gel an IDL, I was just wandering why would Gorgia act like this the only state in the USA
Gaetan

Can't answer that, other than 9-11 changed the way people think. On our side of the border (IMHO) we do not travel enough outside of our borders. This can lead to a very limited view of the world and the people in it. Maybe the powers in Georgia are in that group.

I'm happy to hear you got an IDL, it's a simple thing to do, and something I do prior to renting a car overseas just to avoid any issues.

[Community Alumni]

I drive everywhere in the US with my Quebec permit. We have relatives in Atlanta and none of the family from Quebec who visit there have ever had an issue.

[Gaetan]

I did gel an IDL, I was just wandering why would Gorgia act like this the only state in the USA
Gaetan

[John_Joey]

Spend the $20 and get an IDL. ...........

[Tequila]

Just tell them you could not understand the rule because it was written in English.

[Pangaea_Ron]

Yep, not legal. It seems pretty specific about that... It needs to be in English.

[SARGUY]

How is a LEO in Georgia supposed to deal with a person that he stops for speeding for example when he is handed a Drivers License printed in a language that he does not understand and can t read. So I guess illegal aliens can just use their Mexican or Guatemalan Drivers Licences also. What about all the OTR truckers from Quebec that travel through Georgia, are they also driving on a license nor recognized in that state.

[Pangaea_Ron]

Or avoid Georgia, and write to them (and the many Chamber of Commerces involved) about the tax dollars that they are losing by this requirement that is outside the norm.

[Old-Biscuit]

Drivers From Other Nations

Georgia recognizes valid driver licenses issued to and held by residents of other countries as long as the "Out Of Country" license is valid (not expired). Generally, you may drive in Georgia for up to one year on a valid foreign license. Please note that if the driver's license issued to you in your home country is not printed in English, then you will also need a valid International Driving Permit (IDP).


Information for Non-US Citizens

Non-US citizens holding a valid foreign driver’s license are allowed to drive in the state of Georgia for tourism or business purposes. If the foreign license is not printed in English, the driver must also have an International Driving Permit (IDP) or similar translation issued in accordance with the provision of the Convention on Road Traffic, any similar treaty, international agreement, or reciprocal agreement between the United States and a foreign nation. Non-US citizens must obtain an IDP from their home country prior to coming to the U.S.

Non printed in English....need IDP

Don't see anything about 'fines' but I'm sure they will fine you accordingly if not in compliance. Probably have to do a court appearance. Could have trip delayed. Could have vehicle impounded.
They could..........well best not have to find out :B

Get your IDP BEFORE trip then come and enjoy!

[ScottnSherrie]

On the CAA Quebec web site it says the Quebec DL is good everywhere in North America...except Georgia. It is on the page about getting an International Driver's Permit.

So, maybe there is something to this technicality.

I would worry about this if you haul illegal contraband, are caught driving drunk, speeding excessively or get stopped in some podunk speed trap town. In other words, they might tack that on if you did something really bad or are unlucky enough to get stopped in a town that gets most of their revenue from traffic fines.

[Pangaea_Ron]

This says that a "foreign" driver's license is allowable. but that all documents must be in English.

Georgia Department of Drivers Services

[I_am_still_wayn]

Having lived in Georgia most of my life and a retired law enforcement officer from Georgia, I can tell you I never heard of such a thing. I have a steak dinner bet that this is just rumor without merit!

[retispcsi]

Why not telephone or email the Georgia Highway Patrol. They will be able to give you and answer or the number or email address of the department to contact for clarification.