LancasterLad

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

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

Hanuman

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.

Hobbert

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.

Hanuman

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

Kathie

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.

Hanuman

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.

rkkwan

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.

Hanuman

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?

Hanuman

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>

Vientianeboy

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.

Vientianeboy

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

Hanuman

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.

Vientianeboy

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.

Hanuman

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.

crellston

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.

crellston

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice...y-country.html

Hanuman

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".

Hanuman

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

khunwilko

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.

khunwilko

BTW - it's a great drive!