Driving in Laos
 

Is it ok for a foreigner to drive a rental car in Laos?
I will be traveling between Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang and surroundings.

Yes but you will need a international drivers license issue by your country.

Yes it is ok. You will not need an international driver's licence as no such thing exists. You will also not need an international driver's permit - your own country's licence will do.

There is no such thing as an <i>"international driver's permit"</i> as well and the proper name is "International Driving Permit" but that's not really the issue here.

Hm.. My mistake re the wording for the International Driving Permit but I strongly suggest that you obtain an international driving permit if you are to drive outside of your country.

From the United Kingdom government: <i> "You need an International Driving permit to drive In Laos" source: https://www.gov.uk/living-in-laos

From DriverAbroad.com: <i> "You need an International Driving permit to drive In Laos". source: http://www.driverabroad.com/countrie...-in-asia/laos/

http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/Fre...%20driving.htm

http://jclao.com/driving-laos-license-need/

From living in Lao for 9 years: " "You don't need an International Driving permit to drive In Laos". sic. It is actually Lao, not Laos.

Lancaster Lad, your link to Stefan's web site - JCLao, is for those who live here, not for those who hire a car here.

In case the OP is from a member country of the ASEAN community: http://www.asean.org/communities/ase...ur-9-july-1985

Here's another official document from the Netherlands embassy in Bangkok citing the particular Laotian law on the requirement for foreigner driving while in Laos:

<i>"If an agreement does not exist between Laos and the Country of issuance of the license, an
international license is required.  Foreigners must have an international driving license that has
been issued overseas valid for one year11 or they must apply for an international driving license
issued in Lao PDR.12   To transfer a license to an international driving license from Lao PDR,
foreigners must submit an application for the Department of Transport.13  The application for
transfer must be certified by the organization for which they work with, and accompanied by a
copy of their overseas driving license and photos.14 This process generally takes about 1‐4
weeks".</i>

The above quote is from the Laotian government: Regulation of the Ministry of Public Work and Transport No. 3416/MCTPC dated September 4th 2002 on the
Management and Testing of Driving Licenses for Land Traffic, Art. 9 & Appendix 1.

So Hanuman thinks that Wikipedia is a reliable source. Are you aware that anyone can (and does) write entries into Wikipedia. It has as much credence as toilet paper. Did you by any chance write the entry you cite?

VB, most countries require an international drivers license - even if you don't know what it is. What is required by law and what happens in practice may well be different. I wouldn't rely on your word to tell me what the law is, but I hear that you haven't been asked for one. This is one of those things where you might not need it until you really need it - like a fender-bender accident. I've heard reports from people who were never asked for the document until they were in some sort of accident. At that point, they risked arrest (or at least large fines) for not having the IDL.

Why would you discourage someone from getting the IDL when it is cheap and easy?

Of topic, but Kathie - actually most of the countries in the world, at least those most tourist often visit do not require an international driver's permit. The two popular ones that DO require it are Japan and Italy. Otherwise, I have driven in about a dozen countries and none of the other ones require it.

"VB, most countries require an international drivers license - even if you don't know what it is."
"
I do Kathie but apparently YOU do not. I repeat "there is no such thing." It is a permit, not a licence and in fact means that you have shown your national licence to a responsible body, such as the RAC. They issue you with a PERMIT which is in fact a translation of your licence as well as being evidence that you have a licence.
Many, (most?) countries do not require an IDP.

rkkwan - I think you might be mistaking and think that the country you're driving in does not require an IDP. Even in my own country you can get away with renting a car or motorbike without a proper license but is it legal - NO. To be safe you can always ask the proper authority, like the embassy of the country you're intending to drive in.

I've just found another website on the subject and this one cite the UN resolution, latest and still current update 1968. It also explain that there is no proper, or official name for an international driver's license and can be useful for any foreign travel.

http://www.international-drivers-lic...un-convention/

This is from the US DMV and I hope it will help clear up the point on whether an international driver's license is require or not:

<i>"International Driving Permits
In most cases, a driver’s license issued in the U.S. won’t be recognized abroad. However, if you need to drive for a short-term period, you have options.

Many governments accept the international driving permit (IDP), which allows citizens of a foreign country with a valid driver’s license to drive while traveling in a foreign country.

What Is an International Driving Permit?
The International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that grants someone the privilege of driving a motor vehicle legally while abroad. It does not replace your government-issued driver’s license."</i>

http://www.dmv.org/international-driver-permits.php

Hanuman - That's is a private website. Not from any government agency.

OK thanks I didn't see the banner at the top! Here's the official version, pretty much the same wording:

http://travel.state.gov/content/pass...checklist.html

And here's a paragraph from the Californian DMV on what they say about the proper name to call the international driver's license:

<i>"The IDP is also called an International Driver License, International License, etc"</i>
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#BDLP

Very different wording, Hanuman. But anyways, this is not the proper forum for such discussion. I will leave it at that. And again, I have absolutely no idea about driving in Laos.

rkkwan I just read the opening paragraph under "International Driving Permit" only.

From the private website: <i>"International Driving Permits
In most cases, a driver’s license issued in the U.S. won’t be recognized abroad. However, if you need to drive for a short-term period, you have options.

Many governments accept the international driving permit (IDP), which allows citizens of a foreign country with a valid driver’s license to drive while traveling in a foreign country."</i>

From the State Department website: <i>"If you plan to drive overseas, you may need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). Many countries do not recognize U.S. driver’s licenses, and it is illegal to drive without a valid license and insurance in most places. You should check with the Embassy of the country where you plan to travel, to find out more about the driver’s license and car insurance requirements. Foreign embassy and consulate contact information can also be found on the Country Specific Information for each country."</i>.

I just noted the point about how many countries do not recognise US driver's license.

UK FCO Travel Advice for Laos, specifically driving requirements, linked me to this...

http://www.theaa.com/getaway/idp/

LL that's the same website I posted a link to earlier but to the page with the IDP requirements by country - FOR UK citizens.

An IDP is simply a translation of your license. Do you especially need it when driving in Australia on a US license? Not really. Is it a good idea when driving in a country that uses a different language? Yep, especially a different alphabet. It just makes life easier. That's all. Doesn't grant you the privilege to drive.

Hobbert, Here's a copy and paste from your, I believe you are an American citizen, embassy in Bangkok about Americans driving in Thailand:

<i>"For an international driver's license (can only be done at The Department of Land Transport)

An international driving license is accepted as long as it is valid, but a foreign license is not accepted in Thailand. If you are a resident and eligible, you should obtain a Thai Driver’s License.</i>

Note the comment <b> "a foreign license is not accepted in Thailand". </b>

http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/driving_in_thailand.html

Why does this topic inspire people to bicker so? There was a thread earlier this year (hundreds of resupplies!) on the Europe board on whether an IDP/IDL was required in France. Despite direct quotes from the law by people who live in France, because some people had not been asked for it when they rented a car, they insisted it could not be the law. I think this discussion is just the same thing.

People want to argue about whether it is an IDL or IDP - we all know what is being referred to and the laws and regulations refer to it differently.

I think the people who are "arguing" are the ones who have driven in foreign countries without and IDL or IDP and did not know that they were doing it illegally. Now they are afraid to admit it or something along that line. There are countries with mutual agreements and will accept each other's driver's license but most will require and IDL. All is fine until you've committed a driving offence or are involved in an accident then it will be too late.

Not hard to get an IDL or IDP and they are valid for a year and don't weigh much or cost much.

Since Kathie mentioned France, I specifically looked up the US State Department link that Hanuman gave:

http://travel.state.gov/content/pass...checklist.html

I scrolled down to "Do you plan to drive overseas", and found this link for specific country info:

http://travel.state.gov/content/pass...h/country.html

I typed in "France" and got this link:

http://travel.state.gov/content/pass...ry/france.html

I opened the part that says "Travel and Transportation" and get this link for a page from the US Embassy in Paris:

http://photos.state.gov/libraries/fr...is-driving.pdf

Direct quote from first paragraph:

"If you are a temporary visitor to France (less than 90 days,) you may drive with a valid U.S. driver's license. In addition to having your U.S. driver's license, visitors are strongly advised to carry an International Driving Permit or attach a French translation to their U.S. driver's license. Also, you must be at least 18 years old to drive in France."

I rest my case.

Also from the link provided above:

http://travel.state.gov/content/pass...ry/france.html

It does direct you to the French National Tourist Office:

http://int.rendezvousenfrance.com/en...-around-france

Under "Cars" it says <i>" To drive in France, you must be in possession of: A) your national driving license (if you're not an EU citizen, you must have your international driving license); B) a certificate of registration, which is called "la carte grise" in France, and C) a certificate of insurance ." </i>

So to be safe why not just get the IDL or IDP?

Also rkkwan - from the French Embassy in the USA:

<i>"If you are on a short visit or short business trip (less than 90 days)

You may drive with a valid U.S. driver’s license if it is accompanied by a notarized translation in French. It is strongly recommended that you carry an International Driving Permit. You must be 18 years of age or older to drive in France.</i>

http://www.ambafrance-us.org/spip.php?article376

This is pretty much the same as getting an IDL or IDP and and IDL is probably much easier to get and cheaper than to have your US license notorized and translated into French. If you have driven in Europe or France without the stipulated required documents then you had probably committed an offence.

rkkwan - do note that at the beginning of the link you used to cite your argument it does say:

<i>"DISCLAIMER: The information below relating to French legal requirements is provided for
general information only and may not be totally accurate in a particular case. Questions involving
interpretations of specific provisions or application to a specific case should be addressed to the
French government officials at your local prefecture or sous-préfecture.</I>

rkkwam: " And again, I have absolutely no idea about driving in Laos."
As I said, I have lived here for 9 years and still do so. I know what I'm talking about unlike others who do not live here. By the way, I was in town yesterday and happened to walk past the Avis office. I popped in and asked them, in Lao, if an IDP was needed to hire a car. The answer was as long as you have a valid licence from your own country, no.

I suggest you email them yourself for your own peace of mind. They speak English.

As previously mentioned, if a rental agency will rent you a car without requiring to see you IDL or IDP it does not meant that the Laotian law will permit that. Best way is to contact the nearest Laotian embassy and get verification or you can trust several other countries' government who has in writing stated that an IDL or IDP is required to <b> DRIVE </b> a car in Laos.

As previously mentioned, I have spoken to th companies concerned. If you would rather listen to an argumentative person, who does not even know that there is no such thing as in IDL, that is up to you.

Yes the "companies" will rent their cars to almost any tourist but is it legal to drive in Laos without having the IDL or IDP. If you have an accident will your insurance cover you if you are not licensed to drive outside of your country?

Not difficult or expensive to get so why not just get one before you intend to drive outside of your country.

I always get an IDP when travelling. It only costs £5.50 ($9 US) in the UK. So if you plan on renting a car why wouldn't you? According to the AA, the organisation which issues the IDP, they are "recommended" for Laos.

Whether they are legally required or not I know not and, really don't care that much. What I do know is, that when dealing with officials in many developing countries where corruption is rife it is always considered to be the fault of the visitor if an accident does occur, it is better to be over prepared in term of documentation that to save a few dollars by not having the right paperwork. In the event of an accident it will always be assumed that it is the fault of the foreigner so why risk adding to the problem. If teh police ask for an IDP you need it regardless of the technicality of the law.

I've already posted that link but I don't think VB cares. Anyways here are some more pertinent links:

https://www.gov.uk/living-in-laos
*read under "Driving Licenses and Vehicles".

OK this is from a local newspaper but the page has expired, but cached copy is available. Very good information from the people in charge - in this case its the director of the Department of Transport's Traffic Management Division Mr Somnuk Mektakul.

<i>No driving permit needed for international licence holders

Foreign drivers who hold international driving licences can drive in Laos without permission from police and relevant sectors, a transport official said.

Those who hold international licences do not need to seek any permission before driving in the country, Director of the Department of Transport's Traffic Management Division Mr Somnuk Mektakul said.

Mr Somnuk made the clarification in response to some foreigners being reluctant to drive in Laos because they thought they needed to apply for a special local licence.

“Drivers who hold international driving licences can inform us if they are fined while driving in Laos,” he said.

He said Laos would issue temporary licences to foreigners living or working in the country for longer periods of time but they would have to provide clear details about where they lived and were employed. But he said this kind of licence was only valid inside Laos.

He said foriengers often had two licences – one local and one international – so they could easily move or travel.

Mr Somnuk said in his experience asking people from other countries to translate their own driving licences was considered unacceptable as it violated their privacy.

To provide convenience for people from all nations, Laos also allows foreigners to take a driving test within the country to obtain a domestic licence.</I>

Source: http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...&client=safari

IDP - is basically a certified copy of your own country's driving licence translated into an international format. It isn't actually a licence.

I drive in Lao on my Thai licence which has never proved to be a problem.
As regards other countries, one needs to check if there is an agreement between your own country and Laos as regards driving licences - most will ask for a IDP on top.
As an IDP is easy to get before leaving home, I'd recommend getting one regardless of where one is travelling.
You might also contact the car hire companies in advance and find out what they require.

There was a problem in Thailand that companies were renting out vehicles on production of a national driving licence and then in the event of an accident or claim were stating that for the insurance to be valid, an IDP was required.

BTW - it's a great drive!