§17A-2-10b. Same – Entry into reciprocal agreements with certain foreign countries.

(a) The commissioner shall seek to enter into reciprocal agreements with the proper authorities of the foreign countries specified in subsection (e) of this section, which agreements shall provide for:

(1) The recognition of valid driver’s licenses of citizens of said foreign countries in this state when such citizens are lawfully present in the United States; and

(2) The recognition of valid driver’s licenses of citizens of this state by the authorities of said foreign countries.

The commissioner shall only enter into such reciprocal agreements upon a determination that the requirements and qualifications for the issuance of a driver’s license in the foreign country are at least as stringent as those of this state. Following the entry into a reciprocal agreement, a citizen of the country that is party to the agreement, who possesses a valid driver’s license issued by the appropriate licensing authority of that country, and who is otherwise lawfully present in the United States, may, subject to the terms of the relevant reciprocal agreement, operate a motor vehicle in this state without obtaining a West Virginia driver’s license.

(b) Any person operating a motor vehicle in this state with a foreign driver’s license granted recognition by a reciprocal agreement entered into under this section must comply with the compulsory motor vehicle liability insurance and financial responsibility laws of this state.

(c) A citizen of a foreign country that has entered into a reciprocal agreement with this state pursuant to this section shall not, by virtue of having his or her foreign driver’s license recognized for use in this state, be registered to vote in this state pursuant to §3-2-11 of this code.

(d) The commissioner may, in his or her discretion, set registration and other fees for the recognition of foreign driver’s licenses under reciprocal agreements entered into pursuant to this section.

(e) Reciprocal agreements with the following foreign countries are hereby authorized:

(1) The Republic of Ireland; and

(2) Japan.

(f) The commissioner shall propose rules for legislative approval in accordance with the provisions of §29A-3-1 et seq. of this code providing for the entry into reciprocal agreements pursuant to the provisions of this section.