We have also gone to AAA and gotten international driving licenses before our trips to Europe. I thought I heard on a RS program that that is not necessary. Do we need an international driving license for any reason? Thanks.!
Posted by
Green Bay
21153 posts
Depends on where you are going. Italy, yes.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Technically, it's a permit, not a license.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
The International Driving Permit is a translation of your valid American drivers license. Whether or not a country requires one, it's a good idea to have it if you are driving abroad in areas where English is not the national language. Italy and Spain both require one.
Posted by
Midwest
2768 posts
I know that in Spain it is required. People have told me that they have been stopped and not needed it, but I'd rather not take the risk. I was never stopped by police, and sometimes the car rental agency asks, sometimes not. If the countries you will be driving in require it, get it. Even if someone says it's not needed, if the law says you have to have it then why take the risk? It's like $15.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10601 posts
An IDP is required in France now too. I get one anytime I am traveling to a non-English speaking country. Never assume you won't have to drive on a trip. In October I had to rent a car in Germany to get to Frankfurt for my flight home. The trains were on strike.
Posted by
Portland
3643 posts
Our car rental company in Athens asked for it while we were doing the paper work. Also, roadside stops by various law enforcement agencies are common in Italy We were stopped last year; and I was glad I had the IDP to show the officer, as he didn't speak English. Never did understand what they were looking for; but they were still there, flagging down cars, when we left the town a couple of hours later.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
359 posts
Actually Rick says that it IS required.
Posted by
OP
105 posts
Thank you all!
Posted by
Beverly Hills, MI
813 posts
As of now you must have an IDP in Austria, France, Italy, Spain and most of the former eastern block countries. If the cops catch you without one the results (fines & possible vehicle impoundment) run from bad to very bad and if you have an accident the results run from very bad to unthinkable because the insurance company can void the insurance because the vehicle was being driven by an unlicensed driver. Don't be lazy, cheap or stupid ...get the IDP.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
ms,
As the others have mentioned, an I.D.P. is compulsory in some countries (whether the rental agency asks for it or not). You didn't say which countries you'd be driving in, but a few points to consider.....
- A recent post here related the story of a traveller to Spain who was not able to produce an I.D.P. when requested by Police. The result was a fine of €250 (if I remember correctly), which was collected on the spot!
- If you're driving in Greece and become involved in an accident (even if not your fault) and don't have an I.D.P., your holiday will become very unpleasant and very costly in a big hurry.
For the paltry sum of about $25, an I.D.P. is a good idea!