New law may contravene the Geneva convention

Florida highway patrol will not enforce a new law that requires Canadian motorists to carry an international permit while driving in the state.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles said February 14 that the new law that went into effect at the beginning of the year may, in fact, contravene the Geneva convention, and they've thus decided not to enforce it until details are sorted out.

The new law, designed to help law enforcement understand foreign licences, would have required any non-U.S.-resident to carry an international driving permit along with their driver's licence when motoring along Florida roads, the Toronto Star reports. 

Florida legislators apparently did not think to make an exception for English-language licences from other countries, including Canada, or stop to consider how the law might impact the tourism industry there.

When they reconvene in March, the Florida legislature hopes to add an exception for Canadians specifically; but even though state law enforcement has promised not to enforce the law, the Canadian Automobile Association suggests getting an international permit if you plan to visit Florida just in case, largely for insurance coverage purposes.

The CAA also notes there is still some confusion as to whether local police forces in Florida could or would enforce the law, and how the new law affects rental car companies' policies.

(Toronto Star)