International Driver Permit Law Repealed
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
By: Matthew Peddie

April 2nd, 2013 | WMFE- Governor Rick Scott signed a bill Tuesday repealing a controversial law that required all foreign drivers in Florida to have an international driving permit- in addition to a valid license. The law was enacted in January- prompting an outcry from thousands Canadian tourists who flock to the Sunshine state each winter.

[Image: I-4 traffic]

The international driving permit is a standard translation of a driver’s license into 10 different languages- requiring foreign drivers to have one in addition to a valid license- was supposed to help local law enforcement.

But drivers from countries like Canada and the UK who already carry driver’s licenses in English balked at having to get additional documents.

After an uproar from drivers and amid fears the new law could hurt tourism, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles said the law would not be enforced.

Gov. Scott was joined by Consular staff from countries in North America, South America and Europe as he signed House Bill 7059 repealing the law.

Canadian Automobile Association vice president of public affairs Jeff Walker said Canadians can now go back to doing what they’ve always done and "drive with peace of mind using their provincial license."