Suppose you have a valid driver's license from a foreign country. In that case, you can legally drive in California without obtaining a California driver's license or international driving permit (IDP).
However, your license must be lawfully issued in the country where you live, cover the vehicle you are driving, and be at least 18 years old.
Suppose you are only 16 or 17 years old. In that case, you can drive in California for a maximum of ten days after arriving in the state. Still, you might not be subjected to this limitation under certain circumstances.
These exceptions include having a current driver's license issued by your country, obtaining a nonresident minor's certificate from the California DMV, and filing proof of financial responsibility.
For example, if you have a current driver's license issued by your country, obtained a nonresident minor's certificate from the California DMV, and filed proof of financial responsibility. You must have these documents in your possession while driving.
If you are from a country that does not mandate driver's licenses, you can still drive in California under certain conditions. You must be at least 18 years old and driving a foreign vehicle you have owned for 30 days.
If the police find you driving without a valid license, it's crucial to understand the potential consequences. Depending on the circumstances, you could be charged with Vehicle Code 12500(a) VC, which is either a misdemeanor or an infraction.
A misdemeanor carries up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. An infraction for driving without a valid driver's license carries a fine of up to $250.
Driving with a Foreign License - Quick Facts
- You're generally permitted to drive in California if you have a current license from your country of origin.
- The foreign driver's license must be valid and not expired.
- The license must be in the driver's possession when operating a vehicle.
- The driving allowance on a foreign license applies only to visitors.
- If you establish residency in California, you must obtain a California driver's license within ten days.
- You are not required to obtain a California driver's license or international driving permit (IDP).
- Generally, you must be at least 18 years old and have a driver's license lawfully issued in the country where you live, regardless of the age requirements in your home country.
- If your country does not require or issue driver's licenses, you can drive your foreign vehicle in California without a license if you are over 18.
- Your driver's license must cover the type of vehicle you drive in California, such as a car, motorcycle, truck, etc.
- Some rental car agencies might require international and foreign driving permits.
- If you are 16 or 17, you can generally only drive in California for up to ten days after you enter the state, but there are exceptions.
- If you plan to stay longer, you must obtain a nonresident minor's certificate from the California Department of Motor Vehicles and keep it while driving.
What are the Limitations?
Notably, as discussed, California permits the use of foreign licenses. Still, there are some limitations and considerations toy should know, such as the following:
- If your license is not in English, you should consider carrying an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official license translation, which is not legally required.
- An IDP can be helpful when interacting with law enforcement, but it must be obtained from your home country.
- You must adhere to California's minimum insurance requirements. You are responsible for ensuring that your insurance policy meets the standards, whether from your home country or purchased as a traveler.
- The permission is for foreign drivers if they are temporary visitors.
- If you plan to become a California resident, you must obtain a California driver's license.
- Your foreign license, such as a valid motorcycle license, must authorize you to operate the vehicle you will drive in California.
What is an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required to drive in California, and it's not considered a valid driver's license. You can obtain an IDP only in your country of residence.
You cannot drive simply with an IDP and no accompanying driver's license, but they are used for the following reasons: However, an IDP can be helpful for several reasons:
- It's a valid form of identification.
- To translate your ID if your driver's license is in a foreign language.
- Some insurance and rental car companies will require an IDP for foreign drivers.
What are the Penalties for Driving Without a License?
California Vehicle Code 12500(a) VC is the law that makes driving without a valid license a crime. It can be charged as a misdemeanor or infraction (wobblette).
VC 12500 says, "(a) A person may not drive a motor vehicle on a highway unless the person holds a valid driver's license under this code, except those persons expressly exempted.
(b) A person may not drive a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle upon a highway unless the person then holds a valid driver's license or endorsement issued under this code for that class, except those persons who are expressly exempted under this code, or those persons specifically authorized to operate motorized bicycles or motorized scooters with a valid driver's license of any class, as specified in subdivision (h) of Section 12804.9."
An infraction carries a fine, a misdemeanor carries up to six months in county jail, and a fine of up to $1,000. Non-citizens' immigration status could be at risk and face deportation.
As noted above, if you have a valid driver's license from a foreign country, you can legally drive in California without getting a new license or international driving permit. Contact our law firm for more information. The Hedding Law Firm is based in Los Angeles, CA.
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