JD, I think the problem is with interpreting both the
spirit of the law and the letter of the law. Transit law #241 in article 30(a) grants ALL PERSONS properly authorized to operate a motor vehicle in any foreign country where the requirements are similar to those established in DR law #241 for the concession of a driver's license, and who poses, and carries an authorized and valid foreign driver's license, the privilege to operate a motor vehicle of the same type authorized by the foreign driver's license in the Dominican Republic for up to 90 days from the date of arrival.
Quote:
LEY 241 DE TRÁNSITO DE VEHÍCULOS
Art. 30.- Personas exentas del requisito de licencia.
a. Toda persona que esté debidamente autorizada para conducir un vehículo de motor en cualquier país extranjero donde se exijan requisitos similares a los establecidos por esta Ley para la concesión de licencias de conductor, y que posea y lleve consigo una licencia autorizada y en vigor en dicho país extranjero, estará autorizada para conducir tal tipo de vehículos de motor en la República Dominicana, durante los primeros noventa (90) días desde su arribo.
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If we briefly analyze Law #241 Art. 30(a) it would become obvious that the phrase 'Toda persona' (all person) refers to all person that LEGALLY entered DR. This phase implies that the migratory status of 'ALL PERSON' granted the previllage to operate a motor vehicle in the DR under Law #241 Art. 30(a) is in compliance with all migration laws and regulations.
I think that law #241 Art. 30(b) is written with the same spirit and that 'Toda persona' means: All person in the country in compliance with all migration laws and regulations. I think there is some confucion in law #241 Art. 30(b) in the following fragment, "...sin cumplir otro requisito..." (...without satisfying any other requirement...). The fragment is specific to Law #241 and the requirement excemptions pertain ONLY to transit law #241 and not any other law or regulation. I think the state must first recognized you legally before any state documents are issued you.
If a person is here on a tourist visa/card the 90 days granted by Art. 30(a) to operate a motor vehicle with a foreign license is more than enough. If more than 90 days is required Law #241 Art. 30(b) may be used to exchange the foreign driver's license but the person must first adjust their migratory status (apply for residency)
Quote:
LEY 241 DE TRÁNSITO DE VEHÍCULOS
Art. 30.- Personas exentas del requisito de licencia.
b. TodaLEGALLYprivilege perconfusionsona que poseyere una licencia de conductor de las señaladas en el inciso anterior, podrá solicitar y obtener una licencia de conducir, sin cumplir otroexceptions requisito que el pago de los derechos correspondientes, presentando una certificación del representante diplomático o consular del país de donde procede dicha licencia, acreditado en la República Dominicana, certificando que la referida licencia es válida, y un certificado médico expedido según se dispone en el inciso a) del artículo 32.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by J D Sauser
I just called a lawyer and asked him to check if we could get a driver license for a Swiss National without a cedula (no residency permits whatsoever). He just called me back and told me that he had called "the office" in Santiago as well as the one in Santo Domingo and the one needed to have a cedula in order to get a driver license.
I am not inclined to take that as a definite no, because I don't trust the power of asking and especially not by phone.
I told him that the law said otherwise. He thought that it may but that these secretarias had poder reglementaria... which effectively would allow to do as they see fit? I don't buy that yet either.
Anyway. I am herewith offering USD 200.oo + taxes, fees and costs to whom ever will help me to effectively get a LEGAL DR driver license for my non-resident Swiss business partner. We provide the original legal Swiss driver license, authenticated by the Swiss consulate and certified by canceleria in Santo Domingo.
... J-D.
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NotLurking