Driving in the UK with a US drivers license
Sep 6th 2007, 5:46 am
#16
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 3,338
Re: Driving in the UK with a US drivers license
I use my US license in the UK, was not aware it affected rate (certainly doesnt seem to through the usual travel sites as giantaxe says).
All additional insurance I get courtesy of my credit card - this makes for very substantial saving, as this area is really where the hire car companies try and stiff you.
All additional insurance I get courtesy of my credit card - this makes for very substantial saving, as this area is really where the hire car companies try and stiff you.
Sep 6th 2007, 8:04 am
#17
And YOU'RE paying for it!
Joined: May 2007
Location: kipper tie?
Posts: 2,328
Re: Driving in the UK with a US drivers license
They won't accept a US address though. So I'm not sure how that works once you leave the UK.
I was once stopped for speeding in Colorado (I was just passing through and had a Texas license at the time). I gave my UK license
which would have worked if I had the correct change on me. The cop fined me $70 and followed me to a gas station to break a $20 I had. On route his brain must have started to warm up and he figured I couldn't buy a TX car without a TX drivers license. He ran my name (maybe even having to get dispatch to call TX DMV?) and found out I had a TX license 
When I stopped at the gas station to get the correct change he said "do you have a TX drivers license?"; oh shit I thought. So I calmly said "yes officer". He asked why I didn't show it to him and I said it was at home in Texas (I said had forgotten it). I had complied with the law and shown a valid (UK) drivers license. The SOB but my TX license number on the ticket though
I was once stopped for speeding in Colorado (I was just passing through and had a Texas license at the time). I gave my UK license
which would have worked if I had the correct change on me. The cop fined me $70 and followed me to a gas station to break a $20 I had. On route his brain must have started to warm up and he figured I couldn't buy a TX car without a TX drivers license. He ran my name (maybe even having to get dispatch to call TX DMV?) and found out I had a TX license When I stopped at the gas station to get the correct change he said "do you have a TX drivers license?"; oh shit I thought. So I calmly said "yes officer". He asked why I didn't show it to him and I said it was at home in Texas (I said had forgotten it). I had complied with the law and shown a valid (UK) drivers license. The SOB but my TX license number on the ticket though
The Colorado question is interesting as to whether they can choose which non-CO license you show if you're not a CO resident and legally entitled to both. I suspect it's the sort of fine legal issue which a highway patrolman would really enjoy looking up at great length...
Sep 6th 2007, 8:23 am
#18
Joined: Apr 2005
Location: Milwaukie, Oregon
Posts: 9,977
Re: Driving in the UK with a US drivers license
I've just returned from good old blighty and I had a quandary whilst I was there. I rented a car with my DE license, but I also have a DVLA issued one with my old address in the UK. Obviously, I don't live at that address any more.
The question that I have is what would happen if I was to be pulled for speeding or other illegal car related offenses whilst I was there? Would the police really believe my DE license or would they try to trace a UK license (particulary because I still have northern accent)? Do they fine on the spot or would it be too much trouble for them?
Any experiences by you lot?
The question that I have is what would happen if I was to be pulled for speeding or other illegal car related offenses whilst I was there? Would the police really believe my DE license or would they try to trace a UK license (particulary because I still have northern accent)? Do they fine on the spot or would it be too much trouble for them?
Any experiences by you lot?
