Can I use my New York State Learner's Permit to learn to drive next
week in Michigan? My parents will be accompanying me in the car. Is
this legal? Just as importantly, how likely are the cops to care if
we're pulled over?

---

Clarification of Question by tweebiscuit-ga on 23 Jul 2002 17:25 PDT

I understand that the validity of my license depends on the laws of
the area I'll be travelling to. The problem is that I can't find out
what those laws are. To be more specific, I need to find out whether
my New York State Learner's Permit will be valid in Marquette,
Michigan.

Hi tweebiscuit!

Wow, what a long drive - Marquette is quite a ways from where I live,
in NW Ohio - I hope you don't find it too exhausting coming in from
New York!

I spoke with Darshell in the Michigan Office of the Secretary of State
this morning, and she said that your learner's permit is indeed valid
in the state of Michigan as long as you abide by the criteria under
which it was issued in your home state of New York.

She cites the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code § R257.302a and § R257.303,
Reciprocity with Non-Resident Operators, which states that
non-resident permits will be honored as long as the operator is in
compliance with the rules under which the permit was issued and is in
compliance with local traffic laws.

In other words, as long as you're not speeding, blowing stop signs or
otherwise disregarding basic rules of the road, and another licensed
driver is in the car with you, you're OK.

257.302a Reciprocal operating privileges.
http://www.michiganlegislature.org/mileg.asp?page=getObject&objName=mcl-257-302a&highlight=

257.303 Operator's or chauffeur's license
http://www.michiganlegislature.org/mileg.asp?page=getobject&objname=mcl-257-302a&relation=next


Here's the contact information for the Michigan Office of the
Secretary of State:

Contact S.O.S
http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-13162-25634--,00.html

Good luck on your trip!


--Missy

I already had the answer I wanted from one of the comments, but it was
unofficial, and your answer was so thorough you deserve my three
bucks, and five stars to go along with it. Wonderful job, thank you so
much!

VISITING OTHER STATES 

You may drive with a New York State junior permit or license in
another state only if the laws of that state allow it, and you must
obey any restrictions which may apply in that state. Check with police
or motor vehicle authorities in the state you are visiting.
http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/junlice.htm

I couldn't find anything official.  This compilation, however,
indicates that Michigan does indeed accept out-of-state permits.
http://www.district205.net/thornridge/driver/outside.htm

Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for. Something official
would be better, but this looks pretty trustworthy.