International Driver License needed in Europe?
Nov 1st, 2005, 10:53 PM
#3
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There are only two countries in Europe that require the IDP, Italy and Slovenia, according to the latest information in the New York Times. Italy because for some reason they think that their police, for some reason, don't seem to understand any other language besides Italian, and Slovenia just because then can. Or maybe they feel left out for some reason?
Nov 2nd, 2005, 04:01 AM
#4
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Hi ct,
An IDP is like insurance, you don't need it until you need it.
You won't need an IDP to rent a car, except for Italy and Slovenia.
However, if you are stopped by a police officer you might have to produce an IDP.
It's easy to get and not expensive.
See http://www.aaasouth.com/travel_drivers.asp#idp
An IDP is like insurance, you don't need it until you need it.
You won't need an IDP to rent a car, except for Italy and Slovenia.
However, if you are stopped by a police officer you might have to produce an IDP.
It's easy to get and not expensive.
See http://www.aaasouth.com/travel_drivers.asp#idp
Nov 2nd, 2005, 04:05 AM
#5
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On our trip to Italy last year, as we were driving through the countryside on a remote two-lane road and were stopped by two armed police standing in the middle of the road, we were exceedingly happy that my husband had taken the 10 minutes necessary to obtain the permit from our local AAA office. He was also asked for it when we picked up our rental car.
Not sure what would've happened if we didn't have it, and glad we didn't have to find out. As the previous poster said, you don't need it until you need it. WE've never bothered with one in extensive driving through England, Ireland and Wales, but now we have it and will take it on future trips.
Not sure what would've happened if we didn't have it, and glad we didn't have to find out. As the previous poster said, you don't need it until you need it. WE've never bothered with one in extensive driving through England, Ireland and Wales, but now we have it and will take it on future trips.
Nov 2nd, 2005, 04:11 AM
#6
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<<now we have it and will take it on future trips...>>
In what seems to me to be a rather egregious case of rip-off, your IDP expires in 12 months, as I recall... even though none of the info on your DL has changed and its expiration may be years away.
I've never heard any urban mythology as to what would happen if one were to present an "expired" IDP.
Best wishes,
Rex
In what seems to me to be a rather egregious case of rip-off, your IDP expires in 12 months, as I recall... even though none of the info on your DL has changed and its expiration may be years away.
I've never heard any urban mythology as to what would happen if one were to present an "expired" IDP.
Best wishes,
Rex
Nov 2nd, 2005, 04:34 AM
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It all depends how "stubborn" those officers in Austria are. I have an old West German license. You wouldn't think you'd have any problems as it's in German.
Yet, some want to see the IDP. My alternatives are 1) getting a new license (no way!) or 2) taking an idp with me (mine expired a few months ago (3 years validity) or 3) taking a copy of the austrian law, making clear to them that my license is in fact valid!
Some Gendarms know the regulations, but unfortunately some don't and arguing with them won't lead to anyting...
So get the IDP!
Yet, some want to see the IDP. My alternatives are 1) getting a new license (no way!) or 2) taking an idp with me (mine expired a few months ago (3 years validity) or 3) taking a copy of the austrian law, making clear to them that my license is in fact valid!
Some Gendarms know the regulations, but unfortunately some don't and arguing with them won't lead to anyting...
So get the IDP!
Nov 2nd, 2005, 09:16 AM
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For general info:
According to the Austrian National Tourist Office website, an IDP is required in Austria. It might be that there was a recent change and the website hasn't been updated since, but it is still there.
According to the Austrian National Tourist Office website, an IDP is required in Austria. It might be that there was a recent change and the website hasn't been updated since, but it is still there.
Nov 2nd, 2005, 12:24 PM
#11
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> IDP is required in Austria
It's not needed for Germans, (any valid license, even the oldest one) and as far as I know for all EU member countries (EU standardized license) too, but then all that counts is what the officer says.
It's not needed for Germans, (any valid license, even the oldest one) and as far as I know for all EU member countries (EU standardized license) too, but then all that counts is what the officer says.
Nov 2nd, 2005, 02:33 PM
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The thing is that my license is older than the officer checking it. They don't know their own laws, havn't see such a document before and can't tell weather it's valid or not. This is anything but uncommon in Austria! The IDP clears things up. Did you ever try arguing with a state official knowing you're right and he is wrong? ;-)
Nov 3rd, 2005, 06:05 AM
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We rented a car at Avis in Palermo last May and no one mentioned the IDP. Chances of an officer asking to see your permit are pretty small. And if they do ask, I doubt that they would arrest or fine you for lack of it. That said, you can get one for about ten dollars from the AAA with two photos.
Nov 3rd, 2005, 06:34 AM
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ekscrunchy:
If you are stopped by a policeman in Italy and you don't have the IDP, in fact it is HIGHLY likely you will be fined.
Whether or not the car rental agency asks you for it is completely irrelevant. Italian law requires you to have it - end of story.
If you are stopped by a policeman in Italy and you don't have the IDP, in fact it is HIGHLY likely you will be fined.
Whether or not the car rental agency asks you for it is completely irrelevant. Italian law requires you to have it - end of story.
