Intal Driver License Colombia-USA

Gator says on Jun 12, 2008, 14:05:

As long as you have a valid Colombian license to go with it. Without a valid license from a state or government, in Colombia's case one issued by SETT (Servicio Especializado de Tránsito y Transportes), you really don't need an international license. I would Google Maryland's drivers license department to be sure of that state

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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nbenjamin says on Jun 12, 2008, 15:49:

As a matter of course. A colombian drivers license will generally be accepted in any part of the country - but just call your local DMV.

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Catfish35 says on Jun 12, 2008, 15:58:

As former Law Enforcement in Maryland. I would urge you to understand that if you choose to drive on this type of license AND break any traffic law you are most likely going to be detained and forced to post a bond usually in the amount of the violation before a District Court commissioner. The reason for this is because states do not have what they call a reciprocal act with any foriegn countries as they do with other states in the USA. This reciprocity insures that you will appear and or even pay the fine. So in other words if your caught speeding and get pulled over, if the officer decides to prosecute, he is going to make you post if not and he writes you a ticket you can just throw it out and return to Colombia and there is nothing anyone can do to you..unless your caught driving again here because you will most likely have a warrant for failing to appear.
Just be careful, besides most officers do not know what the hell an International Drivers License is let alone ever seen one.

"So many guns, and so few brains". sam spade

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Terry2 says on Jun 12, 2008, 18:40:

Colombia has drivers licenses? I thought all you needed was a horn!

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Gator says on Jun 12, 2008, 19:35:

WorldEditor is in error.

The International Driving Permit (IDP) (sometimes erroneously called the International Driver's License, is only proof that you hold a valid driver licence in your home country at the date of issue of the IDP and should be carried with your domestic driver licence. It is a useful travel document and is required or recommended for many countries when hiring a motor vehicle. This permit only verifies that you hold a valid license in your home country. It is your foreign driver's license that allows you to drive in the United States.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR COLOMBIAN LICENSE BE CARRIED WITH THE PERMIT AT ALL TIMES. The International or Inter-American Permit by itself not valid for driving in the United States.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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Gator says on Jun 13, 2008, 06:51:

An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued outside of the United States of America is recognized by States within the US but only as a SECONDARY DOCUMENT in conjunction with a valid foreign issued driver's license. It is the foreign license that typically is acknowledged as validation that the person has driving privileges allotted to them by their home country and thus in the US while they are in it for that one year period.

The IDP is simply a translation of a license issued by the country of residence to help people traveling to avoid language barriers between foreign drivers and law enforcement. IDPs are useful, but the issuing of these permits is not well regulated in all countries so there is a potential for fraud. This is likely why States require a valid foreign license instead of just an International Permit.

Even IDPs issued in the USA are not checked by the issuing agency, usually the AAA, to determine is the license is valid and has not been suspended or revoked.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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pedro (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 13, 2008, 06:55:

sloopskipper says on Jun 13, 2008, 08:32:

Yep, Gator. I have read the same, that it is ONLY a translation of the verbage on your driver's license.

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Gator says on Jun 13, 2008, 08:40:

"Most US cops do not read Spanish and are satsfied with JUST your IDP."

Hopefully you will not get stopped in Miam-Dade County

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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Gator says on Jun 13, 2008, 10:17:

What's the used, but I believe I know what poster this is(was) he was banned
Other readers follow what advice you want to.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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vicshere says on Jun 13, 2008, 10:41:

got the same feeling gator...i have a good idea who it is

listo

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houstongal (Trustee board) says on Jun 13, 2008, 10:42:

any hints boys?

"It is now official: there's no place on earth where you will not find a Peruvian band." David Sedaris

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sloopskipper says on Jun 13, 2008, 17:19:

Gator, what does "blowhard" really mean? It's been a while since I have heard that, but seems maybe you know one?

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