Ontario Woman Arrested for Driving in Georgia (U.S.) With Canadian Driver's License

An Ontario woman is looking for an apology from the Georgia police officer who arrested, handcuffed and charged her because she was driving with a Canadian licence.

"It was the most horrendous incident of my life," said Emily Nield. "It was mortifying. I was terrified the entire time."

About a month ago, the 27-year-old was driving through Georgia to Tennessee, where she had just completed a master's degree in geology. Nield's route took her along the I-75, which is often used by Canadians making the trek to and from Florida.

Canadian driver's licences valid in Florida, after all
That's where she was pulled over for speeding, and the officer asked to see her licence. Nield handed over her Ontario driver's licence, but wasn't prepared for the officer's reaction.

"She kept saying, 'No, Canadian licences are not accepted,'" said Nield. "I was flabbergasted. I just kept saying this can't be right — a Canadian licence is always valid."

Nield told CBC Toronto she was then asked to prove she was Canadian and although she had copies of her passport, Nexus card, and birth certificate on her phone, the officer wanted to see an original hard copy.

Original Quill wrote:Classic southern xenophobia.  Anyone who is not white American, is a suspect Jew or even high-yeller   .

eddie wrote:

Original Quill wrote:Classic southern xenophobia.  Anyone who is not white American, is a suspect Jew or even high-yeller   .

I’m not saying you’re wrong about the reason, but she doesn’t look non-white to me?

Original Quill wrote:

eddie wrote:

I’m not saying you’re wrong about the reason, but she doesn’t look non-white to me?

But she could be Jewish or high yeller.

WhoseYourWolfie wrote:

Original Quill wrote:

But she could be Jewish or high yeller.

Even if she were the same shade as the cop, that Canadian accent would be a giveway..

Maybe that cop will harass all non-Southerners simply because "they talk funny !!!"