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Driving in France with a U.S. Driver's Licence

Driving in France with a U.S. Driver's Licence

Old Sep 29th, 2005, 10:49 AM
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Driving in France with a U.S. Driver's Licence

This is probably a painfully common question - but I couldn't find anything with seach.

Can I drive in France with a U.S. drivers liscence. If not - what do I need to get?

As always - thanks for any input.
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Old Sep 29th, 2005, 10:52 AM
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Not a problem, but if you plan to cross over to Italy, you need the International Driver's Permit.
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Old Sep 29th, 2005, 11:02 AM
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To clarigy - you will need you Internatinal Drivers Permit - which is just a translation - as well as your own license.

We always carry the International Permit - since you never know when you'll come across a cop who doesn;t speak english and is more comfortable with the translation.
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Old Sep 29th, 2005, 11:14 AM
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Where does one get one of these International Driver's Permits?

Thanks.
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Old Sep 29th, 2005, 11:23 AM
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AAA..we've never bothered in France though. Italy is another story !
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Old Sep 29th, 2005, 11:27 AM
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I got my international license at AAA but you can get the form online and send it in. Just do a search on international drives licenses.
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Old Sep 29th, 2005, 11:38 AM
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You do not need an international driver's permit for France. You DO need it for several other European countries. If you're just going to drive in France, I wouldn't bother.
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Old Sep 30th, 2005, 04:15 AM
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Hi r,

You will only need an IDP if a cop asks you to produce it.

Details on how to get one at
http://www.aaasouth.com/travel_drivers.asp#idp

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Old Sep 30th, 2005, 04:34 AM
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From the French embassy in the USA:

DRIVING IN FRANCE
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. In addition to that, it is recommended (not required) to carry an International Driving Permit or attach a French translation to your US driver's license. Also, you are to be at least 18 years old to drive in France.
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Old Sep 30th, 2005, 04:42 AM
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OK, here I am -- the guy who gets aggressive with those who say things like "I've never NEEDED an IDP in Italy". As I always say, since it is the law you should have one. But it is NOT a law in France in there really is no need to get one for there. The idea of it translating your driver's license really is a silly idea. What policeman who doesn't speak English can't recognize things like birthdates and home address? The translation part of the IDP only "translates" the obvious -- there is no specific language translation of special remarks you may have on your license such as codes for requiring eye glasses or points against you.
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Old Sep 30th, 2005, 04:48 AM
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You gave me my morning laugh , Patrick!

I also wonder why the heck anyone would renew an IDP! It says the exact same thing as the old one!
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Old Sep 30th, 2005, 07:13 AM
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jody, you renew the IDP for the same reason you renew any identity document. They are dated. If stopped, none are valid if out of date.
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Old Sep 30th, 2005, 07:19 AM
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In my state's Secretary of State drivers license info it says that my state has a recipricol agreement with France to honor each other's driver's license. Don't know about your state. Actually this type of agreement is more for people who will be residing in France so that they don't have to go thru hoops to get a French license and vice versa - as a tourist your regular license should be sufficient - get the IDP if you want but like others say it isn't apparently required in France.
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Old Sep 30th, 2005, 07:34 AM
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Bob:

Since you didn't tell us the name does that mean it is a "state secret?" Sorry..couldn't resist.
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