Would it be legal or illegal?.....

[Scom 5]

No you are not a visitor

Thank you... That's how I viewed it too, but just wanted to be extra sure.

[Darnell 8,478]

Thank you! The term "Visitor" can seem rather vague when you are applying for AOS. I appreciate your quick response

for the states that allow this 30 day stuff,

i always read 'Visitor' to be:

1. a B1 or B2 visa holder or

2. someone who came in on a ESTA/VWP thingie or

3. A Mexican or Canadien who legally crossed over the border

and

never a holder of a K-1, CR-1, K-3, CR-2, IR-1, IR-2, IR-5

But that's me.

You ain't a visitor.

Some folk in some states do it regardless, not getting caught, but there was a UK fella (Novembro's husband) who POE'd holding a CR-1 visa, up in Minnesota that had the same issue, got a fine, and rapidly went through the written test/driving test.

Any one that says 'it's allowed, on an immigrant visa' is not right in the heid, IMO.

Edited February 4, 2014 by Darnell

[Scom 5]

for the states that allow this 30 day stuff,

i always read 'Visitor' to be:

1. a B1 or B2 visa holder or

2. someone who came in on a ESTA/VWP thingie or

3. A Mexican or Canadien who legally crossed over the border

and

never a holder of a K-1, CR-1, K-3, CR-2, IR-1, IR-2, IR-5

But that's me.

You ain't a visitor.

Some folk in some states do it regardless, not getting caught, but there was a UK fella (Novembro's husband) who POE'd holding a CR-1 visa, up in Minnesota that had the same issue, got a fine, and rapidly went through the written test/driving test.

Any one that says 'it's allowed, on an immigrant visa' is not right in the heid, IMO.

Thank you I will definitely wait until I have SS# and Green card, and a US License before taking to the roads.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Someone in California had an issue on returning from Vegas wedding got popped for driving as a resident without a California lic. It was an expensive lesson in the word resident

[kzielu 1,149]

Hi Everyone

Very random Question... Mississippi Law states that as a UK Driving license holder I am legally allowed to drive in America...but only if I am a "VISITOR". As someone who has applied for AOS and awaiting my interview date (March 4th) would I, in the eyes of law, be recognized as a visitor? My first reaction would be no, but wanted to throw the question out there and get some opinions and advice.

(FYI - Never driven here as I never wanted to take the risk, but out of interest called Mississippi highway patrol who stated as a visitor of the united states a UK driving license holder can legally drive here)

I really wouldn't worry about and just drive. Police isn't going to evaluate your immigration status. Very early in my journey I got stopped at sobriety checkpoint and state trooper didn't quite like my foreign license (haven't had time to get OH one yet), but eventually let me go. Worst thing that could happen was I would have had switched places with my wife that was sitting right next to me.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Thank you... That's how I viewed it too, but just wanted to be extra sure.

And a different opinion....My husband drove on his UK license until he got EAD. Before that he was not allowed to get any kind of license. Yes he even got stopped by the highway patrol. No, they know nothing of immigration laws. Biggest mistake was saying I moved here in October. He should have said I am visiting and applying for residency. That would have saved a very long explanation on immigration to him. No repercussions other than a speeding ticket issued on his UK license. He was not cited for "failure to get a TX driver license" but the officer did say he was going to go by the driver license office in the morning and see if what we were saying was true...that he was not allowed to have a license yet.

Once you get a greencard, you won't need EAD. Sometimes the greencard is faster than EAD. Unusual but it happens.

[Ontarkie 14,229]

~~Duplicate post merged, no need to post the same/similar question in multiple places~~

[rascalflatt 6]

Thank you! I have received my green card interview date but still waiting on EAD.. is this generally normal do you think?

I think I will sit pretty and not take the risk then Thank you for advice.

Hey

You're overthinking it a bit. When you get your EAD, go get a state driver license. You'll have to sit the test but it's a piece of cake compared to ours. Really easy.

Until then, you have no option but to drive on your UK license. I did for months, never thought twice about it. What else was I supposed to do?!

Good luck!

[Scom 5]

Hey

You're overthinking it a bit. When you get your EAD, go get a state driver license. You'll have to sit the test but it's a piece of cake compared to ours. Really easy.

Until then, you have no option but to drive on your UK license. I did for months, never thought twice about it. What else was I supposed to do?!

Good luck!

Yes LOL, its not pleasant trying to get a UK license that's for sure... I had 5 driving tests in my 20's... failed miserably and gave up... then when I hit my 30's I took up driving lessons again and passed with flying colors the first time round... but the test was in FOUR parts!!!

1. Written test

2. Hazard Perception test

3. Actual driving test

4. Tell me, show me test.

WOW!!!

[Tosh Love 77]

This is totally unrelated but when I visit family in the UK I refuse to drive and get cold sweats when anyone suggests it. My brother on the other hand has no qualms driving here when he visits. Is the left hand side vs right hand side switch not a problem for you? It scares me to death.

[Scom 5]

This is totally unrelated but when I visit family in the UK I refuse to drive and get cold sweats when anyone suggests it. My brother on the other hand has no qualms driving here when he visits. Is the left hand side vs right hand side switch not a problem for you? It scares me to death.

The roads here terrify me LOL!!! Everything is different to how it is in the UK.. its mind boggling , But I do look forward to getting a US Driving License and getting back out there driving

[Tosh Love 77]

The roads here terrify me LOL!!! Everything is different to how it is in the UK.. its mind boggling , But I do look forward to getting a US Driving License and getting back out there driving

[novedsac 355]

If you reside in Mississippi, then you're no longer a visitor. Most states have reciprocal agreements with other states and some countries in terms of accepting a driver's license. Most states allow a new resident 30 days or so to acquire an in-state driver's license and change the registration/title of their motor vehicle(s).

Sometimes that's difficult with all the other stuff that needs to occur during an inter-state move, but usually the only way one gets caught is the result of a nosey and troublesome neighbor or they get pulled over for some traffic violation and/or accident. The consequences are usually a heft fine and, more importantly in the case of an car accident, you may be considered 'uninsured' if it appears you were avoiding the requirements to save on an insurance premium, states excise taxes or something else.

Funny, these things usually seem trivial and innocent, but a small bump in the day could turn into a nightmare very quickly.

Always best to ensure you are properly licensed, registered and insured prior to getting behind the wheel.

[rin and john 71]

Unfortunately not. I have to wait for my SS# and green card before I can trade my UK driving license for a US Driving license... Luckily the Mississippi Highway patrol also confirmed that I do not need to re-take my driving test, but I do need to take a computer test at a cost of $7 (Relief )

According to their website, a SSN is not required.

http://www.dps.state.ms.us/driver-services/new-drivers-license/non-u-s-citizen-information/

[Gosia & Tito 199]

Unfortunately not. I have to wait for my SS# and green card before I can trade my UK driving license for a US Driving license... Luckily the Mississippi Highway patrol also confirmed that I do not need to re-take my driving test, but I do need to take a computer test at a cost of $7 (Relief )

IANAL and don't live in Mississippi, but I'd think you are a visitor (for driving purposes) until you can trade your DL, based on their own rules that require you to have a SSN and GC to do the trade.