kybourbon

From the Italian toursim web site:

Driving License Regulations

Italy recognises driving licenses and other traffic documents that are valid in other countries. U.S. and Canadian driving licenses are valid in Italy but the license must be accompanied by a translation or an international license (check your local AAA in USA or CAA in Canada). For motorists not in possession of an International Driving license, the ACI (Automobile Club d'Italia) will issue a declaration upon presentation of a U.S. or a Canadian license. The declaration is obtainable at any ACI offices. Seat belts are compulsory in Italy.

KL467

I rented a car in Nice, France, in July 2007 with a New York driver's license.

alanRow

Last time I looked (which was about 3 days ago) there were about 9 European countries that required an IDP - including Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece & Austria

Here's a slightly out of date list, though a trip to the AAA website should get you the current situation

http://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpapplc...d=212&secure=N

sheri_lp

It was my understanding that in the event of an accident or something, you will need that license. Jeez its only 15 bucks...and its kind of cool to keep it with your passport!

NeoPatrick

KL467, with all due respect, what does being able to rent a car without one mean? The point of the law for having an IDP is that if you are stopped for a traffic infraction or in the event of an accident you MUST have one.

And suggesting as some might that because you have never been stopped or asked for one therefore you don't need one is the same as saying you might as well cancel all your car insurance at home if you've never had an accident and never used it because then you clearly don't "need" it.

JN

I bought one for our trip in Germany, even though German law doesn't require it. I felt the $27 ($15 for the license, $12 for the photos) was a small price to pay just to be safe and to cover us had we decided to drive into Austria.

KL467

NeoPatrick, the France 2007 travel book that I used states the following: If your driver's license has been renewed within the last year, play it safe: get an International Driving Permint ($10 through AAA), bring along the old license with your new one, or carry other proof that you've had a license for more than one year.

kybourbon

KL467 - AAA does not make the driving laws in European countries. They are a travel agency.

jay

Actually mine just came in the mail yesterday. I cost $17 plus the $6 or so for the passport photos at Walmart. It is a good idea to have one.

NeoPatrick

KL467, yes you are right. That is perfectly fine for France where an IDP is NOT required. But i don't think our discussion here was limited to those who don't leave France. Italy and a number of other countries REQUIRE an IDP -- which is quite a different thing from a guidebook just suggesting having one to "be safe".

alanRow

kybourbon, in many countries possession of an IDP is a LEGAL requirement imposed by the government of that country.

If you don't have one and you LEGALLY need one then LEGALLY you are driving without a licence and your car insurance could also be invalid

zwho

My experience with the IDL that I bought at AAA. In May of 07 my husband was driving thru a tunnel in Trieste, Italy. He was stopped and ticketed by a policeman who spoke no English (and we speak no Italian). All we understood was 110 Euros. Which we gave him! I don't know if I had been driving if the amount would have been less, but my husband had only his US license and nothing (that we could understand) was noted one way or another. FYI, I'm not paying for another one. They're only good for a year.

travel2live2

We do not have one and have been fortunate thus far. We got caught for speeding in Croatia last year and were involved in a car accident this year in England (not our fault). We were stopped by police in the Czech Republic last year for a routine check. No one has ever asked to see one. That is not to say it is not a good idea as it is a legal requirement. We will likely obtain one for our next European trip this year just to be sure.

AJPeabody

Almost got caught with an unexpected drivers license problem on one trip when my wallet went "lost" a month before our trip. The temporary license would expire before the trip was over and the replacement was due to arrive in the mail the day we left. It came a few days early so no problem. Otherwise, my wife would have had to do all the driving.

kybourbon

alanRow - Yes, that was my point if you look at what I wrote and the link I provided.

janisj

kybourbon: I was confused when I read alanRow's post too. Just a hunch - but I think he meant to address that post to KL467. That's the only thing that makes sense . . . . .

Jake1

zwho--of course a cop could demand to see your IDP the next time you have a problem in Italy. You never know.

Reisender

Last November in Venice the Hertz office did not ask to see my IDP. However, since I knew that it was required in Italy I had one. I was not stopped by the police or involved in any accidents so it was never used, but I am glad I had one. Peace of mind and knowing that I was "legal" was worth much more than the paltry $15.