DUI Cases using International Drivers Licenses

Monday, May 11th, 2009

Out there, a misconception exists that if you lose your license due to a DUI charge, you can still drive using an “international driver’s license.”

Be very careful. If you see a website that sells an international license and says you could use the license to avoid suspension for United States DUI, don’t jump on it too quickly. It’s best to consult a DUI lawyer before you try it. Based on lawyers’ professional experience, these might be scams.

For example, if you get a DUI in Arizona, the state will suspend your driving privileges in Arizona only. Even if you came from Washington and you own a California drivers license, your driving privileges in Arizona can still be suspended.

This means that you can drive legally from California up to the Arizona border only. It will not matter if you get an Oregon driver’s license in exchange for your California license. The reality still remains that if you drive in Arizona, you’re breaking the law. You’ll only be allowed to do so once Arizona reinstated your driving privileges.

It’s important to note that a “driver’s license” is different from a “driver’s privilege.” A state has the ability to revoke your driving privileges in their state, but not the driver’s license (unless it’s also from the same state, although, motor vehicle compact may also revoke your license in your home state).

Therefore, even if an international driver’s license is valid in another country, it will not reinstate your driving privileges with the state where you got a DUI charge.

Tags: Arizona, California, driver’s license, driver's privilege, dui, DUI lawyer, international driver's license, lawyer, Washington
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