A friend of mine is in a lot of trouble!

[JadedLegend3]

He's from Puerto Rico and we'll call him Juan because it's the most generic hispanic name I can think of right now.

Juan moved here about two years ago to make more money to send to his family in Puerto Rico. He has three children there. Juan is 24 and unmarried, but that's just another issue entirely.

Juan tried to take the PA license exam numerous times, both in English and in Spanish, but failed every time. The English is too hard and the Spanish is too Spanish (Puerto Ricans have their own dialects). Yet, Juan insists on driving a car. He even bought a new one from a dealer, and I've yet to figure out how he did that without a license.

Well, the other day, Juan was in a car accident. He's fine, but it was bad enough that the police came. The po-po discovered that Juan was not only driving without a license, but that he in fact does not have a license.

Juan is now in a bit of trouble.

Does anyone have any idea what will happen to him? I'm concerned for him...even though he was being an idiot and I told him not to drive without a license. :g2f:


Jacqui :love:

[trubador]

Depends on his visa status, I would think. (?)

[JadedLegend3]

I don't think you need a Visa if you're from PR. It's owned by the US, right? So why would you have to have one? :dunno:



Jacqui :love:

[I-am-so-Johns-girl]

You go to jail for driving without a licence. :(

[trubador]

Oops... my bad.... PR is a territory (forgive my brain fart). :rollin:

Well, how bad was the accident? Was another car involved? Was anyone hurt? What was the $ damage? Who was at fault (he has at least partial fault because he had no license, and also no insurance, but if someone hit him then the fault is split... I think)?

I don't think jail time is in his future, if there were no major injuries. Court for sure. A fine big time. Restitution to the victim (depends on whether the other party has their own insurance and it covers accidents by uninsured motors). Lose the opportunity to get a license for a certain period of time. But he might be able to plead in court the language problem in taking the test. Could help mitigate the situation if he can prove that he is "able" to drive/pass the test.

All IMHO. But, what the frell do I know, anyway??? :P

[JadedLegend3]

Stupid Juan!!! I told him not to drive w/o a license!!! :irate: Why are men dumb?


And trubs, I don't yet know all the specifics. He wasn't hurt at all and he has a little car, so I'm thinking the other person must be okay. I'm going to try to find out more soon.



Jacqui :love:

[Mazinger]

Did he have a license in Puerto Rico? Since PR is a part of the U.S. It might be valid here as well?

[JadedLegend3]

Originally posted by Mazinger
Did he have a license in Puerto Rico? Since PR is a part of the U.S. It might be valid here as well?

He does have a license in PR, however, it's in PR. It's not here. And don't ask me why he doesn't have it sent here...I don't speak Spanish, and he speaks partial English. Conversing is fun...especially while consuming alcohol! LOL



Jacqui :love:

[trubador]

It could help (court-wise) that he have his PR license in his possession. He should have his family send it to him via FedEx (and also fax or e-mail the necessary info from the PR DMV). You know.... PR is a territory...... He's got a valid license from there.... He thought it was valid for the U.S...... He's tried to take the test here in the U.S. anyway.... blah-blah-blah.....

I know you can't really plead "ignorance of the law" but he might be able to stretch it enough to limit any court-related issues/problems.

[JadedLegend3]

Thanks for the advice. I'll pass it along.


Jacqui :love:

[Nicola]

Hey, my Canadian Drivers License is good in Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Mexico, England and Scotland as well as the States. I don't see why his PR license would be any different.

[Jul]

and what can happen to him depends on what the laws of the state of PA are... i know in some states, if you go to a state to reside in it, you have to go within a certain number of days in order to get a new license...

[divinedaydreams]

But if he already had a DL in PR then he should be ok, as long as its not expired. Did he have insurance? He could get in pretty big trouble if he doesn't. He needs to have that DL before he goes to court. They will drop the charge, many would lower the fine if you can provide proof that you get something after the fact. So if he doesn't have insurance I would get it before the court date too. Try talking to a local PR group. They may be able to have someone go with him to DMV and translate for him. Another plus when he gets to court if he shows up with his PA DL. But it may not be necessary if he can show is PR DL. Some states don't require retesting to get a new DL as long as your old one if valid. He may not even be required to get a PA DL. Some states only require if your a resident and what they mean by that is if you recieve aid, buy a house, or register to vote in that particular state. I'm an AZ resident living in CA. I rent and am registered to vote in AZ so I don't need to change my DL.

[waltersgirl]

in California, the car he was driving would be impounded for unlicensed driver. his ability to get a driver's license would be automatically suspended for a year were he to try and get one. he would also be held criminally and civilly liable for the accident. if the car he was driving is owned by someone else and they loaned him the vehicle with the knowledge that he was unlicensed, they are also liable for any damages.

Could help mitigate the situation if he can prove that he is "able" to drive/pass the test.

actually, no it wouldn't. it would probably make things worse because then it would show that his lack of a license was a matter of negligence on his part.

also, as far as his Puerto Rican license is concerned, Jul is correct. once you establish residence in another state/territory, you are obligated by law to get a license in that state. in Pennsylvania, that time is 20 days from the day that you move to the state.

he's in a world of hurt . i hope he's profusely thanking whatever deity he believes in that he didn't kill anyone.

[DRD2001]

I was the victim of a hit and run driver. I tracked his sorry, selfish, inconsiderate, arrogant and dangerous butt down. He had no license or insurance. Everyone wanted me to feel sorry for this poor immigrant who deliberately and knowingly violated the law. Needless to say, I didn't.

[chri-baby]

HIs first move I would think is to get the best lawyer he could afford!

Sorry for his troubles.

[divinedaydreams]

A driver's license a good driver does not make.

Insurance though is a definite must.

[kechara420]

Originally posted by Nicola
Hey, my Canadian Drivers License is good in Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Mexico, England and Scotland as well as the States.It's good in Egypt? Really? How bizarre. U.S. drivers licenses aren't, and Americans are required to take a driving test there in order to get a license and be allowed to drive. Huh. The things you learn ... :shrug:

[JadedLegend3]

He may only have a permit in PR. I'm going to go to his work tomorrow and talk to him about it.

The car is not in his name, and he is not covered by any insurance. It's all in his girlfriend's name.

He hit another car, and no one was hurt, but the woman is furious. She evidently called him at work the other day just to bitch him out.

I think things do not look well for him.


Jacqui :love:

[BaseLine]

Originally posted by kechara420
It's good in Egypt? Really? How bizarre. U.S. drivers licenses aren't, and Americans are required to take a driving test there in order to get a license and be allowed to drive. Huh. The things you learn ... :shrug:

Doesn't that have to do with the fact that a U.S. drivers license is only valid for cars with automatic transmissions?

[JadedLegend3]

Originally posted by BaseLine
Doesn't that have to do with the fact that a U.S. drivers license is only valid for cars with automatic transmissions?

I don't think that's true at all. My dad drives a manual transmission car, and so do quite a few of my friends. He has a US license. I don't know.



Jacqui :love:

[Kurt_eh]

Originally posted by JadedLegend3
Stupid Juan!!! I told him not to drive w/o a license!!! :irate: Why are men dumb?

Jacqui :love:

Don't know about the d/l insurance issues, but this question is easy to answer, especially with a Farscape quote:

"Not much, I'm a guy!" (Rasphody in Blue)

:D

[JadedLegend3]

:rollin:

[divinedaydreams]

Originally posted by BaseLine
Doesn't that have to do with the fact that a U.S. drivers license is only valid for cars with automatic transmissions?

My car is a manual, although I know a lot of people who can't drive manual.

I think everyone should be required to learn to ride a motorcycle before they drive a car. Motorcycle riding makes you much more aware of your surroundings and your limits. I think it would make safer drivers or at least weed the bad ones from the gene pool.

[bouyantman]

biker chick's...oh,happy,happy,joy,joy!http://www.my-smileys.de/smileys_1/fies_sei.gif

[JadedLegend3]

:g2f:



Jacqui :love:

[divinedaydreams]

He is awful isn't he. :rollin:

[LiLOrion]

Originally posted by JadedLegend3
The car is not in his name, and he is not covered by any insurance. It's all in his girlfriend's name.

He hit another car, and no one was hurt, but the woman is furious. She evidently called him at work the other day just to bitch him out.


So now does this mean his girlfriend can be in trouble as well for letting an unlicensed driver drive her car?

Granted her insurance isnt going to pay for anything, since he was unlicensed which means any payment for damages to the other woman's car will be expected to come outta his own pocket. I wonder if her insurance will even pay for HER vehicle damage (if there was any). She might have to claim he took the car without her knowing it in order to get them to pay.

[LiLOrion]

Originally posted by divinedaydreams
I think everyone should be required to learn to ride a motorcycle before they drive a car. Motorcycle riding makes you much more aware of your surroundings and your limits. I think it would make safer drivers or at least weed the bad ones from the gene pool.


I dont think having everyone learn to ride a "crotch rocket" would make anyone a better driver. There'd probably be accidents on every corner, every day. Although I'd like to see someone put make-up on while driving a motorcycle. :)

[DRD2001]

Very good point. Generally speaking, I believe the owner of the vehicle is responsible for anything that happens regarding the vehicle. The girlfriend is going to suffer too and her insurance will go up. She cannot, however, claim he took the car without her permission and expect anything unless she files a police report for the theft of the car against him. Otherwise, people would claim that everytime a friend borrowed a car and did damage.

Something else to consider. Sometimes back and neck injuries do not materialize for a day or two. I was in a mild fender bender, not my fault, but 2 days later I had 5 letters from lawyers looking to represent me for any physical injuries.

[JadedLegend3]

Originally posted by DRD2001
Very good point. Generally speaking, I believe the owner of the vehicle is responsible for anything that happens regarding the vehicle. The girlfriend is going to suffer too and her insurance will go up. She cannot, however, claim he took the car without her permission and expect anything unless she files a police report for the theft of the car against him. Otherwise, people would claim that everytime a friend borrowed a car and did damage.


I wouldn't put it past her. She kicked him out a year or so ago because he went to PR to visit his kids. They're his, not her's.



Jacqui :love:

[LiLOrion]

Originally posted by DRD2001
Something else to consider. Sometimes back and neck injuries do not materialize for a day or two. I was in a mild fender bender, not my fault, but 2 days later I had 5 letters from lawyers looking to represent me for any physical injuries.


I hear that! We rear-ended a lawyer, (the "accident" was his fault) a police officer saw the whole thing. My mom and I felt fine until a couple days later when I woke up with a neck pain like you would NOT believe.

Now, the way this woman that he hit is acting with the calling him up at work and all, I would not put it past her to play that game, whether she is hurt or not. Some people are just sue-happy cause they think it will put them on easy street.

[divinedaydreams]

Originally posted by LiLOrion
I dont think having everyone learn to ride a "crotch rocket" would make anyone a better driver. There'd probably be accidents on every corner, every day. Although I'd like to see someone put make-up on while driving a motorcycle. :)

I do not or would never ride a crotch rocket. But by learning to have to really keep an eye out for the rest of the bozos on the road I'm a much safer driver. Clean driving record to this day. I was rear ended but it was completely not my fault. I was at a complete stop with no one behind me, lights on, clear day, dry roads, turn signal on, red truck, and wam! Woman tried to pass me on the shoulder in her mini van. Shoulder was only 3 foot of dirt on a country road. I didn't even see her coming.