Driving in France with a U.S. Driver's Licence
#1
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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.
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.
#3
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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.
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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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
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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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.
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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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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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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