There are different sources of authority, including international treaties and state and federal laws, which govern the operation of commercial and non-commercial vehicles by persons licensed in foreign countries. The licenses of residents of foreign countries that are considered valid are listed below. An international driving permit is not required. For licenses that are not in English, an interpreter may be required to determine the license’s validity.
Courts and law enforcement should not seize and destroy foreign drivers’ licenses pursuant to section 625g of the Michigan Vehicle Code.
1943 Convention on the Regulation of Inter-American Automotive Traffic
Residents of countries that are signatories to the 1943 Convention may drive in this country if they have a valid non-commercial or commercial driver’s license issued by their country of residence or an authorized political subdivision of that country. These countries include:
- Mexico
- Honduras
- Brazil
- Nicaragua
- Colombia
- Panama
- Costa Rica
- Uruguay
- El Salvador
1949 Convention on Road Traffic
Residents of countries that are signatories to the 1949 Convention may drive in this country if they have a valid non-commercial driver’s license issued by their country of residence. These countries are numerous, and a list of these countries can be located at the Michigan Department of Secretary of State Website.
Commercial Drivers’ Licenses Issued by Canada and Mexico
If a driver has a valid commercial driver’s license issued by Canada or Mexico, the license must be honored as required by federal law (see 49 USC 31301 et seq.and 49 CFR 383.23).
Special Reciprocity Agreements with France and Germany
Pursuant to MCL 257.302a(2) of the Michigan Vehicle Code, the Secretary of State has determined that the standards for licensing operators in France and Germany correspond substantially to those of the State of Michigan. Therefore, reciprocal driving privileges were extended to France, effective January 4, 1991, and to Germany, effective November 10, 1997. Persons holding valid driver licenses issued by France or Germany may operate passenger vehicles in Michigan on such licenses, if they are not receiving compensation for such operation. The privileges extended to France and Germany have not been withdrawn.
