Florida now requires Canadian drivers carry an international driving permit

[riverbendviewgal]

This is too much!!!!!! I have two couple friends down there now....They will be worried. but the good news they already had decided just before going that they won't be going back next winter..They are choosing Europe in the future.

so Florida will be losing more money read the comments on this article as well. We are quiet people but we do stick to our morals and beliefs. Now I am going out for a delicious Tim Horton coffee.

This just in from the department of red tape you didn’t know existed: Canadians are now required by law to have an international driving permit in addition to their regular licences when driving in Florida.
The state law quietly came into effect on Jan. 1, but no one in the tourism industry really noticed until a British journalist called this week.

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/02/14/florida_now_requires_canadian_drivers_carry_an_international_driving_permit.html

[Brickbat]

1. Whenever I boycott a state that I might have visited, I call the Department of Tourism and tell them

about my decision. They're usually horrified and disappointed. I tell them I know it's not their fault, but encourage them to pass along my feedback. So I encourage your couple friends to do the same.

Are you bringing back enough coffee and Timbits for the rest of us?

[riverbendviewgal]

4. I am in Canada now

They are in Florida.

I do my touring now in UK..and Europe...

A million Florida Concealed Weapon permits is big deterrent for me to ever go back to Florida.

I love my Timmy almost as much as my Canadian One Payer Health care.

[Brickbat]

7. Oh, I knew you were in Canada...

when you said "I'm going out for coffee" I mean are you bringing enough here to DU to share?

[riverbendviewgal]

9. I am not that swift I guess

If I could I would....and we got excited when we saw a Tims down in the states....

It is home....

[onehandle]

2. I assume this has something to do with 'English only' wingnuts in Floridabama. nt

[riverbendviewgal]

5. They are nutwits

and they are the ones who probably wear their guns in public.

[L0oniX]

3. "Don't let the door hit ya in the arse!" -quote- all the waitresses & waiters who you didn't tip.

[riverbendviewgal]

8. You are a very insulting person

I was a waitress as my husband and sons. We tipped at least 20 percent when we dined out. and we understood the problems servers have. You are very gross.

All my Canadian friends are good tippers.

I know what a person makes in Florida as a waiter. TWO BUCKs and hour....and they must share their tips...AND THEY HAVE NO BENEFITS.


I worked in Florida in 1968....for FIFTY CENTS an hour.

I know what good tipping is..
You are insulting..

[L0oniX]

11. Bullshit!

[nadinbrzezinski]

14. Why the personal attack?

Not that I alert or anything.

[IdaBriggs]

15. I did. nt

[L0oniX]

16. Personal??? I'm quoting from the many waitesses and waiters I talk with. n/t

Nothing I said was or is "personal". The fact is that there is a lot of resentment from the service industry here because Canadians for the most part do not tip or they tip way under 20% ...and that IS personal.

[nadinbrzezinski]

19. Well the same can be said of many Americans.

By the way, check tipping guides...they state 15% is adequate. We tip more, but 20% is for large parties or five star restaurants.

So blame the writers of tipping guides.

[LiberalFighter]

22. Why do a personal attack on her?

She says she tips and you are not taking her word?

You do realize that other countries don't have tipping because they pay their food servers better?

[SwissTony]

32. Yep. I'm an Aussie and when I moved to Europe, I had to learn how to tip.

In Oz, if I caught a taxi and if it cost $9.50 I'd give the driver $10 and say "Thanks, mate". (S)he'd say "Thanks".

Same in a restaurant. I'd leave loose change on the table or chuck it in a tipping jar.

In Holland, tipping is not such a big deal either. A little more than Oz. But I do tip. My kids tell me off because I'm too generous.

[WinkyDink]

42. I don't remember "tipping" as part of European culture.

[SwissTony]

44. It's not really.

If you do, it's appreciated. If you don't, it's not a problem. I just found leaving loose change a bit cheap if it's just a matter of Euro cents. So, I just add a couple of Euros. Nothing flamboyant.

[L0oniX]

48. We are a country of liars. I don't believe anyone just because they say something.

[sdfernando]

78. I don't believe you...you are lying.

[L0oniX]

80. I thrive off of your hatred. n/t

[sdfernando]

83. LOL...I don't hate you

I don't even know you. Just pointing out how you don't believe anyone on this board, they are lying, yet you are also on this board, so what does that make you....a lier. At least by your logic it does.

[Capt. Obvious]

28. USA! USA! USA! USA!

[riverbendviewgal]

29. I know an American Lady from NJ

who now lives in a gated community in a very fancy dancy house in Florida and she leaves ZERO for tips.

[LanternWaste]

41. I'm quite certain you may actually believe ,,,

I'm quite certain you may actually believe that your anecdotal evidence is objective enough to form a sound judgment of the situations, and thus, speak for the many rather than simply for yourself.

Bless your little heart... (that's personal too!)

[Bake]

81. Broad brush much?

I think the personal attack was quite uncalled for. WFT!?!

Bake

[L0oniX]

82. Aw your right I'm sorry ...please forgive me

[Bake]

85. How did this turn into a tipping thread anyway???

Again, uncalled for. And pardon me if I'm skeptical about your apology.

Bake

[SoCalDem]

84. But they buy stuff and help the economy

Apparently tipping is not the custom in Canada since their waitstaffs are paid decent wages. perhaps many of them do not think the waiters are little more than serfs..

[sharp_stick]

23. Both concise and idiotic

well done with a single word.

[rhett o rick]

60. Wow. What a compelling argument. Is that all you've got? nm

[BlueJazz]

10. I was thinking the same thing. The waiters and waitresses won't lose....

...more than a few dimes

[L0oniX]

12. They don't leave a tip for the hotel/motel maids either. n/t

[nadinbrzezinski]

20. How many Americans do?

I've talked to more than a few hotel maids...this s a problem, as in widespread.

For the record, we always do. Hell, when we go visit my mom we tip the taxi driver, which is not tradition in Mexico...they are always surprised.

[L0oniX]

45. I always tip the maids at least 15% ...and resturaunt workers 15 to 20%...and I am not wealthy.

[nadinbrzezinski]

46. You are an exception as far as maids

And we do as well, but I am a rare bird.

[laundry_queen]

49. You are definitely the exception

I worked as a chambermaid for 3 years in high school. We always had a huge contingent of Americans come through because of hunting season. Never got a tip from any of them. The only tips we received were from the Japanese tourists, who always left 1 loonie under every pillow used.

[L0oniX]

51. Gee I am a dumb ass then I guess. Stupid me tipping maids.

I guess I have some sympathy ...since I have worked as a dish washer.

[dsc]

68. I tip maids but no where near 15%

I usually give a few bucks not the 7 or so that would be.

[L0oniX]

70. For me it depends on how long my stay is. If I see that they are doing a good job and...

don't get intrusive I tip them well. I've spent a week at a place several times in various areas and even got to know some of the help ...after that it's kinda cold to not tip them.

[dsc]

71. well yeah a long stay

I generally don't stay long

[NCTraveler]

30. This is very well understood in the area of Florida I live in.

I truly love the Canadians who come down and visit. I am not slamming them. Tippers they are not. overall they are very tight with their spending. But it is not cheap to come down from canada and spend 2 weeks or more here in Florida, that is why I am understanding to it.

[L0oniX]

47. +1

[laundry_queen]

50. That's because here

our servers make a living wage AND get 'free' (at the point of service) health care. Believe it or not, some Canadians buy into the "USA IS #1" hype and it wouldn't occur to them Americans are really struggling and the wait staff get shitty wages and can't afford their own health care. Plus, most of the people who go down to Florida are elderly and on fixed incomes, and when I worked in the restaurant industry 20 years or so ago, I was lucky to get 5% from older people (at the time the standard was 10% - they probably don't even realize it's gone up). It was simply a different era.

On the other hand, when my daughter delivered papers, the assisted living apartments for the elderly were on her route, and they ALWAYS tipped her on holidays, whereas most younger people never tip the paperperson. So, it's likely just different life experiences.

[NCTraveler]

53. I fully understand your points and agree to an extent.

Most Canadians I know do have fond thought of the US and at the same time are well versed on our deficiencies. Most of the ones I know are well aware of how our servers are paid and are still not very good tippers.

Many of the Canadians who come down are on fixed incomes. Not all, but many. That is why I wanted to add that I understand why some are fairly tight with their money. They come down her, stay at a rental home or hotel, eat out regularly, go to theme parks, ect... That can become extremely expensive.

I have a very good relationship with a number of Canadians who come down and visit during the winter. They have always been kind to me and they are great for our economy. I don't think what I am saying is a slam on them. They help our economy greatly and it is appreciated.

Servers seem to have different feelings toward them. There is even a derogatory term for them throughout the industry. It is directly related to tipping.

[GoneOffShore]

17. When I worked in restaurants I never had a problem with Canadians tipping.

Rich people and once-a-year Ma & Pa Kettles were the worst tippers.

[L0oniX]

18. Maybe its a regional thing then. I'm in St. Pete. n/t

[GoneOffShore]

21. Ah, it's the "snowbird" thing - That I get.

Early bird specials and crap tips.

I'm sure if there were BYOB's it would be worse.

"I'm not tipping just because they opened my wine and brought extra glasses."

[Maine-ah]

25. not regional....

at best, 5% or less from anyone that visits from outside the U.S., not just Canadians - and I'm in Maine. Once and a great while though....I'll get one that knows how it works. But, they're here spending money in our small businesses and tourist traps and they help the local economy. Good with the bad I guess....I get more pissed off at those who are from the U.S. and know better, and yet still leave a very low tip, or no tip at all.

[ScreamingMeemie]

26. It's not a regional thing, and it is an epidemic in Michigan (across the border and easy to get to

for an evening dinner). When I waited tables (for a very short time) I got in the habit of handing back whatever small change (which usually worked out to between 2 and 5 percent of the tab) was given to me with a,"You probably need this more than I do." We were encouraged (this was in the late 80s) to do this by management who were under the impression that perhaps our Canadian friends needed educating on servers' wages. I will say that they were typically more polite than their American counterparts. So there's that.

[SidDithers]

31. Oh, it's you...

Sid

[appleannie1]

77. "Your attitude might have something to do with your lack of tips.

[dembotoz]

6. should cut down on the lines at disney

[riverbendviewgal]

13. I loved Disney

and a good tip ...don't go to the big line venues first...wait till the end of the day...then you don't wait at all. That happened last march for us.

But another tip, if you ever go to the Toronto area, go to Canada's Wonderland amusement park. Their roller coasters are awesome. better than Space mountain. My teenage sons thought so.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

27. Disney sucks.

You aren't missing anything.

The fact that crap hole is the first thing that out-of-staters think of when they think of Florida is quite tragic.

[riverbendviewgal]

33. Well it is fun for those who don't live in the big cities like Toronto

actually Canada's wonderland is much better...but You see Disney World so much on TV you go there for the experience in Disney. I was lucky to live near CW and get season's passes...We got to see a lot of concerts there in the 80s....awesome...saw 12 big name acts the course of one summer for 10 bucks a ticket because we had the pass.
My sons were teenagers and were not that impressed with Disney.. CW spoiled it but that is how it goes.

I think Las Vegas is a big Disney World and I am not impressed with Las Vegas.
I loved the Grand Canyon and San Diego...That beach is wonderful.

I don't gamble and don't do shows. and I can eat good food at home. and shop the shops at Bloor Street West and Yorkville for your fancy stuff. so the first visit to Las Vegas was enough...I don't desire to see it again.

I Love the Beaches...I have been all along the WHOLE Coast of Florida and the East Coast of the USA to most of the beaches. I love the fishing too..
and that is it.
My favorite beach in the whole world still is Wasaga Beach...the world's longest fresh water uninterrupted beach . It is on Lake Huron in Ontario.

I love to travel...and saw so much of the USA and met many nice peopel AND TIPPED GOOD. .now my traveling is to be to Europe. Time for a change.

[spinbaby]

35. I love Disney World

I visit three times a year. Also the other Disney parks around the world--love Tokyo DisneySea.

[CharlieVicker]

63. I wish I could visit Disney World more often, but it's a long trip.

[ScreamingMeemie]

40. My daughter works for Universal and her boyfriend works for Disney.

The benefits are very good, and Disney is gay friendly in both employment and guest-services. I'm going to have to disagree with you there. I think it's kind of awesome that it's the first thing I think of.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

72. I'm glad they have good jobs and all, but there are a lot better places in Florida than WDW

And it's a shame that WDW and South Beach are all some people think of when they hear Florida.

Plus I'll never get over the land grab Walt Disney pulled on Florida to get WDW built. And for what? An overpriced amusement park and all the sprawl that enveloped Central Florida as a result.

[uppityperson]

24. I get one when I visit family in Europe, they are inexpensive and a good thing to get, though not

mandated as far as I know. Having it mandated by a state is a different thing.

[NCTraveler]

34. Seems like the reason behind the legislation was in good faith...

Just not the full thought put behind it. The reason for this legislation is to make sure foreign persons are carrying an ID that is in English. I see nothing wrong with that. We can't expect law enforcement to be well versed in the worlds languages.

I believe this piece of legislation will be amended in short order to exclude all foreign IDs that are in english.

"The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles confirmed it is looking to “clarify the law” so that English-language licenses would be acceptable."

This is not "too much" as you say. I hope your friends will enjoy Europe where they will probably have to get an IDP.

[Maine-ah]

36. an international drivers permit costs $15. At least in the U.S. -$25 in Canada.

is it really that difficult?

http://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html


http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/documents/international-driving-permit

An International Driving Permit, or IDP, is a special driver's licence that allows licensed motorists to drive in other countries without further tests or applications. It is proof that the holder possesses a valid driver's licence, issued by a competent authority, in his or her country of residence. The IDP provides you with additional photo identification and includes a multilingual translation of your valid Canadian driver’s licence. You must contact the Canadian Automobile Association to apply for an IDP.

The IDP is valid in all countries that have signed the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic and is recognized in many countries that are not signatories to the Convention. You may be required to have a valid IDP to drive in some countries and some foreign car rental agencies may require you to have one to rent a car.

A Canadian IDP is only valid outside Canada and is valid for only one year from the date of issue. You must reapply if you need another one.

[riverbendviewgal]

39. I have one

I got it last September to drive in the UK..I didn't...LOL. maybe next time.
My son and daughter in law drove me all over. or I took the Tube. that is amazing.

[WinkyDink]

43. I traveled to/drove in Europe often from 1973-2000. Never needed an IDP.

[ManiacJoe]

54. Does Florida have the authority to pass such a law?

On the face of it, this would seem to be a federal-only issue.

[Maine-ah]

56. you would think so, but it's a state issue.

http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Foreign-Visitors-Driving.shtml

If you plan to drive when you visit the United States, check the driving rules in the state(s) you'll be visiting to verify that you can use your non-U.S. driver's license. You should get an International Driving Permit (IDP), which translates the information contained on your official driver's license into 10 languages.

[spin]

38. I seriously doubt that this law will be enforced against Canadians. ...

I've lived in Florida for 44 years and I have seen a number of poorly written laws here. This is definitely one.

[treestar]

52. what for?

what problem is this addressing?

But then it's not that hard to get the international permit, and it would be needed in Europe too, most likely.

[OceanEcosystem]

55. Canada is, technically, a foreign country.

While I'd prefer to see Canadians not have to abide by such an international-driving-permit requirement, technically, Canada IS a foreign country, so the U.S. states and U.S. government would be well within their rights to require an international driver's permit.

[riverbendviewgal]

58. Welcome to DU

Yes we are another country....Our French speaking province, Quebec, has driver's licenses in French so I guess there is a point here. but there was a comment on the Toronto Star article about these permits from English speaking Canadians and the comment was by a Florida Law enforcement person..."there is no sense to translate English to English"
I found some of the comments hilarious....Take a look, click on comments...and there are a lot of them.
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/02/14/floridas_international_drivers_licence_rule_leaves_canadians_fuming.html

[KamaAina]

57. Canadians are hardly the only ones affected

Miami in particular is a magnet for one-percenters from all over Latin America. Howls of outrage will likely ensue when their Mercedes are pulled over for Driving While Brown and cited for not having an IDP!

[William769]

59. They should also make them take a driving test before being allowed on Florida roads.

We have enough bad drivers as it is, they only make the problem worse.

[JVS]

61. I have a question. Are Quebec's licenses bilingual or in French only?

Because if they're in French only, I can understand the rule being applied to Canada.

[riverbendviewgal]

62. I am not sure

I thought of that too. In that case I can see the reasoning.

[JVS]

64. I was driving up in Montreal a few years ago and turned off a main road onto a residential street.

I got waved over for speeding because I hadn't had time to slow down yet. When the policeman saw my license from one state and my car registration from another state he got a kind of puzzled look on his face and then announced that he was giving me a verbal warning and made sure to inform me that some US states put penalty points on licenses for offenses in Canada. I think he was dreading the paperwork and wasn't quite sure which state he would have needed to contact.

[mick063]

65. Stand your ground wasn't enough?

Florida is becoming very innovative in creating new ways to impact their tourism trade.

[darkangel218]

66. FL has become a police state.

Sickening.

[Separation]

67. I don't see this as a problem.

This isn't just for Canadians. It's for everyone that comes to Florida out of country. Since Florida is an international tourist attraction with people from all over the world it would make sense for people to have to get an IDP. I'm sure cops can't tell a Thai or Saudi or French drivers lisence from a student ID. From what I read its $25, and unless I'm mistaken there is a Provence in Canada that requires an IDP from Americans as well. Much ado about nothing IMO.

[jambo101]

69. Not much info on a drivers license

Usually theres a name,
a birth date
and a license number.
When a cop inputs your drivers license number into his computer i'm sure theres a translate provision for that info.
I think the whole idea was nothing more than a money grab as people from out of country would have been levied a fine for not having this IDP commensurate with driving with no license at all....$300?

[Ganja Ninja]

73. Sorry Canadians, we meant to fuck over Mexicans but we screwed you instead.

You understand, that's what happens in a country where race hatred is routinely used as a political tool by a party that needs every dirty trick in the play book to gain a 51% majority.

[jambo101]

75. Problem solved

My winter break will now be spent in Myrtle Beach..

[Spazito]

74. The law is on hold, it seems it might well be in violation of...

the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic to which the U.S. is a signatory.

"Canadian driver's licences valid in Florida, after all

Florida authorities say a new law that quietly went into place Jan. 1 requiring Canadians and other non-U.S. residents to carry an International Driving Permit has been put on hold.

The law would have required Canadians driving in the Sunshine State to purchase a permit at the cost of $25 Cdn.

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issued a statement on Thursday announcing the statute may be in violation of the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, and therefore the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) will defer enforcement of law.

'We looked into it legally and we're just going to hold on it and then try and get some language in there to clarify it.' "

more

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/story/2013/02/14/florida-license.html

[appleannie1]

76. For a state that depends on tourism they sure know how to keep tourists away.

[Rocky888]

79. This new law applies to ALL foreigners!

It was a canadian who was the first to find out, and that includes us Floridians. This is aimed more at other ethnic groups by our Teabagging guv and legistlature (including pro immigrant Rubio). another biggotted law hiddeen behind their compassionate theatrics for our immigrants. there is definitely more gop trickery behind this sneaky law that will become evident, but, after its too late and the damage done. these scumbaggs sneak thru their most egregious laws every election year, when we are so distracted by the election.