Reader’s Question:

I am from Mexico and I am going to New York for a business trip. I will be staying there for just a few weeks; however, I would still need to rent a vehicle to aid me in my work. Can I drive even with just my driver’s license? How can I get insurance if I only have my driver’s license?

Arthur

New York, NY

The International Convention on Road Traffic is formed to institute standardized reciprocal privileges on matters such as driving. This convention includes the United States and some 100 countries around the world. It includes an agreement on allowing foreign drivers to drive in the US using a private vehicle, on certain conditions only.

The NY State Department of Motor Vehicles states that a valid foreign driver’s license is considered to be valid too in the state of NY. However, this foreign driver must confirm that he is still a resident of his own country in order for the NYS to verify the validity of the foreign driver’s license. This foreign license is needed to get an international driver’s permit. This permit does not stand as a driver’s license but only a guarantee that the foreigner has a valid driver’s license in his home country.

Most car rental companies allow foreign drivers to rent vehicles provided that they are above 25 years old, have a valid license from their home country, and have an international driver’s permit.

Most insurance companies do not accommodate foreign visitors who don’t have US driver’s permit. There may be some who sell auto insurance policies but you have to show them valid foreign driver’s license and international driver’s permit. If the foreign visitor has an auto insurance policy in his home country, then he may ask the insurance carrier if they can cover a rented vehicle in the US.