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Requirements to ride the US Requirements to ride the US
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 4 Mar 2013
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Exclamation Requirements to ride the US
Hi guys, is there any european that rode the US with a european plated bike which could be able to tell me if at the border custom asked for:

international driving licence
carnet de passage
motorcycle insurance specific for the US

I get the feeling entering the US is not as easy as the the rest of the counties I rode into but if someone went there and could share an experience, that might help.

Cheers

Gionata Nencini
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  #2  
Old 4 Mar 2013
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Read Paperwork | Horizons Unlimited - that tells you NO carnet for USA.

international driving license (IDP) also in the blue bar thingy towards the top of the screen ... please read them all ... but again typing it here ....

The IDP = translation of your license into various other languages. The Americans use English, if your license is already in English you won't need a translation eg if your are from the UK.

-------------- Suggest you read the blogs of people who have traveled there ... Travel Stories/Blogs | Horizons Unlimited ?

Ok?
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  #3  
Old 5 Mar 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Warin View Post
The IDP = translation of your license into various other languages. The Americans use English, if your license is already in English you won't need a translation eg if your are from the UK.
However,
 Not all the police officers you encounter will be satisfied with a foreign license even if they can read it. While not required, it can't hurt (and may help) to have an IDP. Do you want to be arguing legalities on the side of the road with a cop who thinks he knows the intricacies of international agreements?
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  #4  
Old 5 Mar 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris of Japan View Post
However,
 Not all the police officers you encounter will be satisfied with a foreign license even if they can read it. While not required, it can't hurt (and may help) to have an IDP. Do you want to be arguing legalities on the side of the road with a cop who thinks he knows the intricacies of international agreements?
surely not, but I was more concerned about the insurance as my international in in english already
do they issue a temporary importation permit? for how many days?
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  #5  
Old 5 Mar 2013
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At least one state (Florida) just passed a law requiring IDP for anyone with a foreign license--this includes Canada, oddly enough. It's worth keeping in mind.

Immigration and customs do not enforce insurance regulations. Police do, whether state or local. Most states require third party liability insurance--maybe all states do by now. In any case, you'll need it. Most buy from Progressive on line, with some stating a preference for (uh, let's make that Geico). You don't say anything about where you're entering (land border, ship, air), but I would strongly recommend not placing rubber on public roadways without first securing insurance.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
Last edited by markharf; 5 Mar 2013 at 10:15. Reason: sheer, unadulterated, foolishness
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  #6  
Old 5 Mar 2013
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Common sense ... going .. going
Quote:
Originally Posted by markharf View Post
At least one state (Florida) just passed a law requiring IDP for anyone with a foreign license--this includes Canada, oddly enough. It's worth keeping in mind.
Arrr ... well I suppose the Canada will soon require Americans going there to have IDPs too ? ...

Maybe each state will require other state divers to carry them too
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  #7  
Old 5 Mar 2013
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You need approval for temporary import from the EPA. Below is the instructions I've just had from them.

The guys that man the imports@epa.gov email address seem pretty helpful and quick to respond to queries. Apparently it takes anywhere between a week and a month to produce the actual letter once you send them the information below.

[Edit: It's valid for up to a year]

Quote:
To obtain a Nonresident Temporary Importation Approval Letter from EPA; please provide
the following information in a letter that is signed by the requestor/importer:

1. Your full name, current foreign address, phone number, Fax number, and email address
(if applicable)
2. Your U.S. address, phone number, Fax number, and email address (if applicable)
3. Vehicle year, make, model and Vehicle Identification Number
4. A statement explaining the reason for your visit to the United States.
(work/school/vacation).
5. The date of the importation
6. Location of the vehicle and the Nonresident at the time of request.
7. The duration of the importation.
8. Proof of ownership (Registration or title documents from country of origin).


A signed compliance Memorandum will be issued to the owner by EPA once we approve
your exemption request. The exemption will not be issued until we receive a signed copy
of the memorandum.


Please mail, fax, or email your application to:
EPA Imports Line Operated by:
Imports Group David Hurlin
Light Duty Vehicle Center Ronald Schuyler
Compliance Division Michael Stephens
2000 Traverwood Drive Contractors, URS
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Phone: (734) 214-4100
Fax: (734) 214-4676
Email: Imports@epa.gov
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  #8  
Old 22 Apr 2013
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RE: Common sense ... going .. going
DON'T forget the brain bucket!

A (very) few of the states allow you to ride helmet-less.

(Notably Arizona, Texas, Illinois, plus a few others)

See: Motorcycle and bicycle helmet use laws
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