Driving in the US

[Jay-K]

Hi Guys,

will be visiting the state next week,
looking forward for it,

As most of you are from the US, may you share your knowledge if you dont mind

There are some question I would like to ask:
(long story short)

-Am i permitted to drive with my local Indonesian Driving License?
-I will be taking a rental for this 1 Week trip, do you guys have any recommendation of good ones in LA, I hope I could get something decent to color my first US driving trips.

Thank You guys,

[Pig Farmer]

Some rental car agencies require that you have a local drivers license and an international driving permit. Just reach out to the rental agencies to find out what is required. You may even find the information on their websites. I got an international permit here in the USA from AAA before heading to Italy. It literally took 2 minutes. They just asked to see my drivers license and for me to fill out some paper work... There was no special training or test. I don't know if you have something similar to AAA in Indonesia, but you could start by asking your auto insurance company.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Not sure about rental but if you get stopped by the cops without a local driving license, you are in trouble.
I know in Nevada they stopped accepting international driving licenses not sure about the rest of the states.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Not sure about rental but if you get stopped by the cops without a local driving license, you are in trouble.
I know in Nevada they stopped accepting international driving licenses not sure about the rest of the states.

Straight from the Nevada DMV website.... (IDK.. maybe they haven't updated it. ?)


Can I drive in Nevada with a driver license or instruction permit from another state or country?

Yes, Nevada honors licenses and permits issued by the appropriate government agency in another state or country. An International Driver License is not required for foreign visitors. Drivers under 18 must obey the restrictions listed under Nevada Teen Driving.

http://nevadadmv.state.nv.us/faqs.htm


Jay-K I highly recommend you to have a international driver's license along with your home country's driver's license.

Also... most rental car companies you have to be over 25 years old - to rent a car. Same over here in Germany.

No good roads in LA. Maybe head over to Santa Barbra(and North!) I would drive up to SanFran or San Jose/Santa Cruz for some good mountain roads.

Dackel

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Straight from the Nevada DMV website.... (IDK.. maybe they haven't updated it. ?)


Can I drive in Nevada with a driver license or instruction permit from another state or country?

Yes, Nevada honors licenses and permits issued by the appropriate government agency in another state or country. An International Driver License is not required for foreign visitors. Drivers under 18 must obey the restrictions listed under Nevada Teen Driving.

http://nevadadmv.state.nv.us/faqs.htm

One of my friends from Cyprus got in trouble because he had one international and one local driving license ( local from Cyprus). Cop told him he needs one from the US

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

One of my friends from Cyprus got in trouble because he had one international and one local driving license ( local from Cyprus). Cop told him he needs one from the US

IDK. I think as long as your friend is a tourist... and is not staying in the US for more than 90 days... he would be ok with his home country's DL and international permit.

Perhaps the reason why the cop wants him to get a US driver's lic is bc then he can give him a TICKET!

Dackel

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

IDK. I think as long as your friend is a tourist... and is not staying in the US for more than 90 days... he would be ok with his home country's DL and international permit.

Perhaps the reason why the cop wants him to get a US driver's lic is bc then he can give him a TICKET!

Dackel

[Rikx1M]

I agree with Dackel... Take 101 up to and beyond Santa Barbara to Santa Maria is really nice... Stop in either Solvang or Casmalia and eat dinner at Hitching Post.... Amazing steak!

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

One of my friends from Cyprus got in trouble because he had one international and one local driving license ( local from Cyprus). Cop told him he needs one from the US

What a load of crap. That is 100% false. Cop is just pissed the ticket will go unpaid. 'Merican cops don't realise there is an entire world out side of 'mericuh.

I have driven in many foreign countries (all over EU, Central America, South America) have never needed anything other that my Ontario licence. First time I rented a car in EU I went and got my "International Licence". Really is no reason, have never bothered since.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

What a load of crap. That is 100% false. Cop is just pissed the ticket will go unpaid. 'Merican cops don't realise there is an entire world out side of 'mericuh.

I have driven in many foreign countries (all over EU, Central America, South America) have never needed anything other that my Ontario licence. First time I rented a car in EU I went and got my "International Licence". Really is no reason, have never bothered since.

I use my my US driver license anywhere in the world without a problem. I think the cop either misunderstood the law or he was just having a really bad day.

[Jay-K]

Originally Posted by Pig Farmer

Some rental car agencies require that you have a local drivers license and an international driving permit. Just reach out to the rental agencies to find out what is required. You may even find the information on their websites. I got an international permit here in the USA from AAA before heading to Italy. It literally took 2 minutes. They just asked to see my drivers license and for me to fill out some paper work... There was no special training or test. I don't know if you have something similar to AAA in Indonesia, but you could start by asking your auto insurance company.

Hi I will be using my local driver license I suppose,
thanks bro

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Not sure about rental but if you get stopped by the cops without a local driving license, you are in trouble.
I know in Nevada they stopped accepting international driving licenses not sure about the rest of the states.

are you sure?
because lots of my friends has already done that.

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Straight from the Nevada DMV website.... (IDK.. maybe they haven't updated it. ?)


Can I drive in Nevada with a driver license or instruction permit from another state or country?

Yes, Nevada honors licenses and permits issued by the appropriate government agency in another state or country. An International Driver License is not required for foreign visitors. Drivers under 18 must obey the restrictions listed under Nevada Teen Driving.

http://nevadadmv.state.nv.us/faqs.htm


Jay-K I highly recommend you to have a international driver's license along with your home country's driver's license.

Also... most rental car companies you have to be over 25 years old - to rent a car. Same over here in Germany.

No good roads in LA. Maybe head over to Santa Barbra(and North!) I would drive up to SanFran or San Jose/Santa Cruz for some good mountain roads.

Dackel

Originally Posted by Rikx1M

I agree with Dackel... Take 101 up to and beyond Santa Barbara to Santa Maria is really nice... Stop in either Solvang or Casmalia and eat dinner at Hitching Post.... Amazing steak!

where is this, will get use the GPS,
is iphone enough lol

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

What a load of crap. That is 100% false. Cop is just pissed the ticket will go unpaid. 'Merican cops don't realise there is an entire world out side of 'mericuh.

I have driven in many foreign countries (all over EU, Central America, South America) have never needed anything other that my Ontario licence. First time I rented a car in EU I went and got my "International Licence". Really is no reason, have never bothered since.

Yes,
as long as we follow the rules right?

thanks for the reply guysss

[mayhewjr]

I actually work at NY DMV. Most (I would presume all) states recognize "foreign" licenses, because under STATE law all other states are just as "foreign" as another country. However, local police are not always cognizant of this and having the International Driving Certificate may help, especially when your license document is not in English. If you get charged with unlicensed driving with the International Cert., then it's just a mistake on the officer's part and should be dismissed in court.

[Jay-K]

Originally Posted by mayhewjr

I actually work at NY DMV. Most (I would presume all) states recognize "foreign" licenses, because under STATE law all other states are just as "foreign" as another country. However, local police are not always cognizant of this and having the International Driving Certificate may help, especially when your license document is not in English. If you get charged with unlicensed driving with the International Cert., then it's just a mistake on the officer's part and should be dismissed in court.

hi thanks,
wow sounds so complicated,
thanks for sharing,

sorry to ask again,
what kind of charges could be brought up to me if I don't have the International License,

[1MSPEEDY]

An International License is advisable but please remember that you can be ticketed in the US and you are required to address or pay any charges. Failure to address or pay will result in the issue of a bench warrant or equivalent that can be exercised at any time you return to the state. I always pay my tickets received in the US.
I received speeding tickets in France and Switzerland last summer and have paid both to avoid serious problems in the future:-)

[mayhewjr]

Originally Posted by Jay-K

hi thanks,
wow sounds so complicated,
thanks for sharing,

sorry to ask again,
what kind of charges could be brought up to me if I don't have the International License,

The charge would be driving without a license. You could fight it in court by proving that you were licensed, but the International License/Certificate might save you from having to endure the process.

[VO_1M]

Just be ready to pass those idiots that hang out in the left lane ... People here think they are entitled to the left lane for cruising at the speed limit and make you pass around them! At least that is the case in New York and probably in Cali also

[1MSPEEDY]

Originally Posted by VO_1M

Just be ready to pass those idiots that hang out in the left lane ... People here think they are entitled to the left lane for cruising at the speed limit and make you pass around them! At least that is the case in New York and probably in Cali also

Canada is infected with those drivers as well

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by Rikx1M View Post
I agree with Dackel... Take 101 up to and beyond Santa Barbara to Santa Maria is really nice... Stop in either Solvang or Casmalia and eat dinner at Hitching Post.... Amazing steak!

Originally Posted by Jay-K

where is this, will get use the GPS,
is iphone enough lol

On the way back use Rt1 instead of Rt101.

https://www.google.de/maps/dir/Los+A...5116!3e0?hl=en

[Jay-K]

Originally Posted by 1MSPEEDY

An International License is advisable but please remember that you can be ticketed in the US and you are required to address or pay any charges. Failure to address or pay will result in the issue of a bench warrant or equivalent that can be exercised at any time you return to the state. I always pay my tickets received in the US.
I received speeding tickets in France and Switzerland last summer and have paid both to avoid serious problems in the future:-)

Okay,
will it be okay if I showed my Passport? without license?

Originally Posted by mayhewjr

The charge would be driving without a license. You could fight it in court by proving that you were licensed, but the International License/Certificate might save you from having to endure the process.

Wow,
I will only be in the state for 8 days..

Originally Posted by VO_1M

Just be ready to pass those idiots that hang out in the left lane ... People here think they are entitled to the left lane for cruising at the speed limit and make you pass around them! At least that is the case in New York and probably in Cali also

Okay sir!

[MightyMouseTech]

Just drive and don't worry about it.

You will have no problems unless you get pulled over by some ID-10-T cop, and then, it won't matter what paperwork you have.

Just remember, it is law to flash your lights and honk at every police car you see, and raise your middle finger to them. This is a sign that you are OK.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

IDK. I think as long as your friend is a tourist... and is not staying in the US for more than 90 days... he would be ok with his home country's DL and international permit.

Perhaps the reason why the cop wants him to get a US driver's lic is bc then he can give him a TICKET!

Dackel

It's surprising how many cops don't know all the laws that they are supposed to be helping to enforce.

Cops are people. Some are smarter than others, and some definitely are wrong about things.

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

It's surprising how many cops don't know all the laws that they are supposed to be helping to enforce.

Cops are people. Some are smarter than others, and some definitely are wrong about things.

Yup. Have had a couple arguments with police about whatever. Amazing how little a few of them know. Most of them are good, but just like normal people, there are some that are dumb as bricks.