International driver's license

Susan,

The International Driver's Permit (note the differenece in wording) IS compulsory in Italy. This must be used in conjunction with your home D.L., as it's not a license as such.

While you may never be asked for it, failure to produce an I.D.P. can result in fines on the spot! Failure to pay the fines can result in the car being impounded (and that includes rental cars). If you have the misfortune of being involved in any sort of "incidente", you'll want all your paperwork to be in order.

On a related note, be sure to have a look at the information here (in other posts) regarding the ZTL areas that exist in many towns in Italy (especially Florence). Also, a GPS along with a good Map are really a good idea.

Happy travels!

Greg,

You might want to check your information on what is "mandatory" in Italy, for example this item from the official Italian Tourism website:

"Driving License Regulations
Italy recognises driving licenses and other traffic documents that are valid in other countries. U.S. and Canadian driving licenses are valid in Italy but the license must be accompanied by a translation or an international license (check your local AAA in USA or CAA in Canada). For motorists not in possession of an International Driving license, the ACI (Automobile Club d'Italia) will issue a declaration upon presentation of a U.S. or a Canadian license. The declaration is obtainable at any ACI offices. Seat belts are compulsory in Italy."

And from the U.S. State Department website:

"U.S. citizens driving in Italy should also note that, according to Italian regulation, if a resident of a non-European Union country (e.g. the United States) violates a traffic law, the violator must pay the fine at the time the violation occurs to the police officer issuing the ticket. If the citizen does not or cannot pay the fine at the time, Italian regulation allows the police officer to confiscate the offender’s vehicle (even if the vehicle is a rental vehicle)." The fines that can be levied include failing to produce a valid I.D.P.

Cheers!

And a good GPS, don't leave home without it!

Susan - The other posters have suggested getting an IDP and I certainly agree - However, It is not Mandatory in Italy!! If you get stopped - Yes - you have a problem. But to rent a car - not needed. I rented 4 last year in Italy - No IDP. Only reason I did not have one was that the particular trip came up in a hurry.

Greg

Greg - be carefull about telling people to circumvent the law. An international permit is required - whether you will have a situation in which it is used is another issue.

I think the confusion is often between requirement and typical experience. Actually since the late forties an IDP has been required by UN Convention for drivers in Foriegn countries that are part of the agreement. Basically what it does is first and foremost validate that the card or piece of paper you produce as a license is actually a valid license, then secondarily provides a translation into multiple languages the vital details of your license.

It is common for Rental Car agencies to not bother with the IDP, since they need the info off your actual license and usually agents have a grasp of English. Police as well may not be concerned, if they can interpret your license.

In the past few years however, several European countries, Greece for one, have made a push to have agents verify that a driver has an IDP, and have implemented fines for those caught without one. Even then, enforcement is not always 100%

The other caveat regarding personal experience is that many did not need one because they had no need to present it. I have to admit that I went with an expired license for nearly 6 months, no problems, because I did not need to show it to an officer, If I had, my story would be different.

"It is common for Rental Car agencies to not bother with the IDP,"

The Car Rental agency told us that this is because they don't need any info on the IDP and it is up to you to "obey the law". However, if you are stopped and asked for it you will probably be fined if you do not produce it.

Thanks to all for your replies. I will definitely get an IDP from AAA.....why take chances? Grazi! Susan