Road trip US - correct IDs missing

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Accepted answer

During a police traffic control, as in all countries, you must have the documentation required by the local law.

In most cases this will be a valid driver's licence and papers for the car.

For a foreign lincense some countries (and some US States) require a IDP (international drivers permit/license).

Depending on the situation, a police officer could also demand documentation of citizenship and/or legal status through an National ID or passport.

In the US the last is less likely, unless you run into a control done by the United States Border Patrol, where - as a visitor - a passport may be required.

What may happen to you if you cannot supply the needed documentation will depend on the laws of the local authorities, which can differ greatly.

Assume: no joy will fall upon you.

Upvote:2

In the US, police are state or local officials, not national officials (with rare exceptions, such as on military bases). Their main concern is enforcing state laws and local ordinances, not enforcing immigration rules. I don't think I've ever read the phrase "police traffic control" before. Police do occasionally set up checkpoints where they stop each car and speak briefly to the driver. During these stops their main concern is to see if the driver appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

If an officer requests a driver to show a driver license, in some states the officer will accept a foreign license by itself; in other states the officer may require it be presented together with an international driving permit.

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