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Three years ago, the internet lit up when an email began circulating warning Quebec drivers that roadblocks were being set up throughout the state of Georgia, specifically targeting and ticketing Quebecers from not driving with an English-language drivers license.

While the email proved to be a hoax, and there were no roadblocks, it is true that Georgia has a law that anyone driving with a non-English driver’s license would also be required to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) or be subject to a fine of up to $500.

With so many Qubecers heading south for the winter break, a number of agencies jumped in, including the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec SAAQ, and the Canadian Snowbird Association jumped into the conversation.

Three years later, Georgia has announced that it will terminate the requirement for an IDP with respect to non-English driver's licence holders to possess an International Driving Permit (IDP). The policy will change effective Jan. 1, 2017, at which time Québec travellers will need only present their passport and provincial driver's licence if asked.

"Having this requirement revoked is a huge win for the snowbirds of Québec, many of whom travel through the state of Georgia on an annual basis," said Bob Slack, president of the Canadian Snowbird Association.

A similar policy was also overturned in Florida in 2013, when the CSA actively petitioned government officials to rescind a law requiring that all foreign drivers hold an International Driving Permit in order to drive within in the state.

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