UK Drivers License is valid for 12 months in the USA?

Question

I got stopped by a US Maryland Police Officer for speeding (50 in a 40 zone at 10pm at night). I gave the Officer all my details including my UK License. He asked how long I've been in the USA and I replied about 7 months now, and that a UK License is valid for up to 12 months.

He came back with a ticket not for speeding, but for driving without a License, saying I had 60 days from port of entry to change my license to a Maryland one.

This ticket has potential jail time attached to it, and according the UK USA Embassy website my UK License was valid for a whole year!

I've been in the USA since September, but I have been going back and forth for over 4 years now. I've been pulled over before and this is the first time I've encountered this.

Is the UK License still valid for 12 months in the USA? And did the Officer make a mistake when he gave me a ticket for driving without a License?

Seems an easy case to dismiss in court? Or should I start to worrying?

Answer 1

I worked in the car rental industry as a manager in a very large airport for years. As far as I know, if your primary place of residence is in the U.K. and you are traveling back and forth from there to here, your U.K. license is still valid. I would get an attorney and fight the charges. Even if not, your license would still be good from the U.K.

Get an attorney that has knowledge in this area, not one who will be guessing his way around. It seems with a good attorney, you should be able to get the charges dismissed.

Answer 2

Hi There,

The U.K or an International licence is valid in any country for up to a year, get a lawyer and go to court and the ticket should get "binned".

Answer 3

You are in America, where the court system is similar to going to the circus... I'd be crapping my pants about now, as you may get the chair.