The primary goal of the Diplomatic Motor Vehicle Reciprocity program is to obtain favorable treatment and cost savings for U.S. diplomatic personnel abroad. Restrictive motor vehicle practices imposed on our Embassies overseas include:
All of these restrictions consume U.S. Government resources and adversely affect the morale of U.S. personnel overseas. They also impose severe financial burdens on mission staff, often on those who are the lowest paid in the diplomatic service. The Reciprocity program provides a mechanism to reduce needless expenditures accrued in complying with arbitrary host country restrictions, while improving the capabilities of our overseas missions.
The DMV receives information on current motor vehicle practices in other countries either by detailed surveys sent to U.S. missions abroad or through daily issues that are brought to the attention of OFM. The DMV evaluates the motor vehicle practices imposed on U.S. diplomats in other countries; based on this evaluation, a country specific reciprocity policy that mirrors the motor practices imposed on U.S. personnel. The Diplomatic Motor Vehicle Reciprocity program encourages countries to extend more equitable treatment to U.S. missions and personnel abroad.
The Office of Foreign Missions does not apply reciprocity to issues involving public safety, minimum insurance liability limits or motor vehicle operation standards. The Office of Foreign Missions' conduct in these areas is governed by U.S. law to the extent that it does not conflict with international law and treaties.
