License requirements for car rentals in France

Countries that require an IDP by law can be found at the link below.

http://www.aa.co.nz/motoring/licensingandtraining/international/Pages/where.aspx

It's a good list (in above link), but keep in mind that, technically, it's a list for drivers with a New Zealand driver license.

It's a good list and I still link others to it, but last time I did, a New Zealand driver pointed out what I guess is technically correct--that the list gives advice to those with an NZ license.

No it's not...French officials say it's advisable, but it's not required. I'd check with your rental firm to find out why they have this requirement...you'd hate to get there and have them refuse you your rental car. In any event, they're about $20 at any branch of the CAA....bring along a couple of passport-type photos.

I had not noticed that before Kent and have referenced this link several times when people asked about this subject. Thanks for the heads up. Still a usable link though. I always get an IDP when I plan on driving in Europe. Even if the country in which you rent does not require one you may cross the border of a country that does require one and could be subject to a fine.

Lane: Yep, I hadn't noticed it before, either (before the other person pointed it out last month); and I agree, it's still a useful list.

Another link that may be of interest to you, Laura.

http://www.americansinfrance.net/Driving/New-Rules-Vehicles.cfm

Laura: Even if French law doesn't require it, if the rental company is telling you they are going to require it, that could mean they're not giving you their car if you don't show them an IDP.

Since the company is advising you they want to see it, it's probably going to be the path of greater wisdom to go to CAA and pay the $20.

Well Kent, at least I am in good company by this oversight. :)

Thanks to all for your comments. You are probably correct to, for twenty dollars its worth the peace of mind.

Lane brings up a good point....make sure the warning triangle and the yellow vest are in your rental car before you take it off the lot. If you're stopped by police, it'll be you that's fined...not the rental company. In Spain, for example, you need 2 warning triangles, a reflective vest for each person in the car (kept IN the passenger compartment), and a set of replacement lightbulbs!

Hi Laura,
I was just in France a few weeks ago, and decided to rent a car while over there. We rented from EuropeCar (arranged through internet on Blackberry - cheaper that way) and we did not have, nor were we required to have a IDP.
That's my 2 cents, anyway.

Darren

Thanks Darren. You guys are great with all your responses. Again many thanks.