Host nation police authorities in Germany, particularly in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, recently started to enforce a new policy concerning driver's licenses for personnel of the U.S. Forces and their dependents. According to this policy, the driver is only in possession of a valid license to operate a privately owned vehicle (POV) in German public traffic if in possession of a valid U.S. driver's license and a valid U.S. Forces certificate of license (USAREUR license). If the U.S. driver's license has expired, some German authorities may consider the individual to be operating the vehicle without a license, regardless of a valid USAREUR license. In Germany, driving without license is a criminal offense. U.S. Forces personnel in Germany should be aware of the present situation. If possible, those who have a U.S. State driver's license should ensure it is valid and renewed in a timely manner. U.S. Forces military and civilian personnel or family members who wish to convert their U.S. driver's' license to a German license or obtain a German license should contact USAREUR vehicle registry. U. S. Forces personnel that experience any problems should contact legal assistance.
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