I have always acquired an International Driving Permit when going to Europe, but have never actually had to produce or use it anywhere, even in Italy where it is supposedly a requirement. We leave for France and Spain in 2 weeks and will be doing a lot of driving ... am I correct that there is no such requirement for an IDP in those countries? I have been extremely busy this summer with work and some family matters, and it just occurred to me today that I haven't got one for this trip.

Being superstitious, I'm thinking that the first time I don't get one is precisely when I will need it. Any recommendations or recent experiences on this?

Thanks

In France, neither the rental agencies nor the police have any interest in the IDP. The only document that counts for them is your real driver's license.

It wouldn't hurt to have one in case you get stopped. I've been stopped by random checks in Portugal and the Czech Republic. It takes very little time to get one.

It wouldn't hurt, either, not to have one. It's redundant in France.

Required in Spain according to what I've read.

http://madrid.usembassy.gov/mobile//...faq-spain.html

And StCirq reported that if one wears prescription glasses while driving, one must carry a second pair.

My posting refers to Spain.

The IDP is required in Spain, but only by the Guardia Civil, who police the highways. No need in France. The police will probably ignore you once they figure out you're an American, unless you do something wrong.

You are right, Robert but, if you do get caught doing something naughty, it gives the Guardia one more thing to give you grief about. Having had unpleasant dealings with the Guardia Civil in the past, I REALLY would not want to give them any more ammunition!

Hmmmm - Pretty much as I expected, some yes and some no. I know I can get one pretty painlessly at the AAA, will probably end up getting it just to put my mind at ease.

Thanks for your comments.

I was involved in an accident in France (not my fault) and the police didn't even ask for my driver's license or passport until we got to the police station - I drove myself, following them. At the site they were only interested in the paperwork for the rental car. Oh, and they did have both of us drivers blow into a balloon - fortunately this happened before lunch, not after. They may be lax on driver's ID, but they are very strict on drinking and driving.

PS - I believe I did have a IDL, but they weren't interested in it.

Get one for Spain; it's required now. And yes, if you wear prescription glasses, you are required by law to have an extra pair. And for both countries, the appropriate flares and emergency stuff if you should break down. The embassies of both countries have website sections that detail all this.

All that being said, the chances of being charged with an infraction are pretty slim, and certainly no rental car company is likely to even mention this to you (but should have the cars equipped with the proper safety equipment).

Get one, is my advice.

"if one wears prescription glasses while driving, one must carry a second pair".

Only if your driving licence mentions that you have to wear prescription glasses. Not applicable otherwise.

I have been stopped several times by the Police in France and never been asked to produce an IDP. I have asked several policemen about this and as long as your regular driver's license in written in Latin characters, they don't really care if you have an IDP or not. If you license is Japanese or Chinese, you will need an IDP.

Actually, that's not even true. When I worked for Avis in Paris... 35 years ago, we had the official decoding book for drivers licences around the world, including Japanese and Korean (but not the ones in Arabic), which were perfectly legal for renting a car and driving in France. I would imagine that over the years, they have added indications in the Roman alphabet to the licenses.

I just carry my old expired IDP from 2009 with me in Spain (along with my "real" driver's license). Never have been asked for it, although being fluent in Spanish I feel comfortable with the thought of an eventual roadside discussion with the Guardia Civil, should the need ever arise.

In Spain I am told that if you wear eye glasses it is a law to have a spare pair with you in the car in case one pair gets lost, smashed, etc and at police checks you may be required to show them.

>>>I have been extremely busy this summer with work and some family matters, and it just occurred to me today that I haven't got one for this trip.<<<

Take your old one. Like kanadajin, I don't see the point of getting a new one every year.

>>>Take your old one.<<<

I've thought of that too. My last one was from 2011. Been out of town this week, will get back home tomorrow and look for it, but thinking I may have tossed my old one.