Follow-up to post about driving on an international drivers license

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

There was a post sometimes last week, when an OP asked about what were the consequences of driving on an international driver’s license if he was out of status.

I had posted that there could be the consequences of the law enforcement reporting him to ICE if he is caught. I am posting a link to another website where a Poster has stated that this is exactly what happens when a friend was stop for a traffic violation. This person may not have been driving on an international license, but they were stop for a traffic violation.

http://immigrate2us.net/forum/showthread.php?92935-Friend-got-picked-arrested-today-need-information-please!!!

[RICARDO4EVA2 194]

read it .. hmmm. message to all Dont drive w if you are not authorized.

great job with your research .

[bogart 3]

Hi.. I was the OP of that thread. I just read link the u posted above and his case is way different with mine. He entered illegally and not petitioned and not married to a USC.. I entered legally but overstayed though but fortunately im married to USC and petition has been filed. My IDL is insured and valid. One more thing, im residing in SD california..

There was a post sometimes last week, when an OP asked about what were the consequences of driving on an international driver’s license if he was out of status.

I had posted that there could be the consequences of the law enforcement reporting him to ICE if he is caught. I am posting a link to another website where a Poster has stated that this is exactly what happens when a friend was stop for a traffic violation. This person may not have been driving on an international license, but they were stop for a traffic violation.

http://immigrate2us.net/forum/showthread.php?92935-Friend-got-picked-arrested-today-need-information-please!!!

Edited March 3, 2011 by bogart

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

Bogart the point of the theard is that the law enforcement can report you to ICE. It doesn't matter how you enter, if you are out of status, then you are out of status. The states doesn't matter either.

[bogart 3]

I guess you are right. Thank you for the information.. It couldve been worse if i didnt ask for an advice like this.. I really appreciate it. All i have to do now is wait for my EAD so i can get an ssn then apply for a cali DL. Thanks again!

[Myopia 93]

This is what the State of California says about driving on the IDL

International Driving Permits

The State of California does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a valid driver license. California does recognize a valid driver license that is issued by a foreign jurisdiction (country, state, territory) of which the license holder is a resident.

The IDP is only a translation of information contained on a person’s foreign driver license and is not required to operate a motor vehicle in California. Citations issued to a person in California who has an IDP, but does not have a California driver license will be placed on the Department of Motor Vehicle database.

The IDP is also called an International Driver License, International License, etc.

Now the problem with this is you are no longer a resident of your home country as you have applied to be a resident here in the US.

The University of Berkely has this to say

Tourists may drive (rental cars) in California for one year as long as they have a valid driver's license from their home country or an International Driver's license.

One Year Allowance

So you would have had a year to drive on your license and you would not have been reported to ICE but you would be placed on the DMV database if you had an accident.

There was a thread on VJ about this very thing.

VJ thread

At this point I would heed the advice of the other posters and don't bother driving on the IDL if a year has passed.

Its not worth it.

Edited March 3, 2011 by Myopia