I have read a number of thoughts on this subject on various forums. Can someone give me the facts on the necessity of having an international driver's license? We will be driving from Munich to Salzburg to Innsbruck to Fussen, this June. <BR>Also, I have read of a "time clock" for parking where can I get one and what is the procedure for using one? <BR> <BR>Thanks!

Practically speaking, the "necessity" is none. However, urban legend has it that an international driver's license could be worthwhile if you are involved in an accident or stopped for a violation, because you may be asked to surrender your license. It would be no big deal to come home without your international license. I actually know of no such reports of saving anyone's backside. The international license says right on it that is is not valid unless accompanies by a license issued by your jurisdiction of residence. So, maybe they would ask you to surrender both. It doesn't cost much; I suspect that means it isn't worth much. <BR> <BR>Time-metered parking is usually explained where it applies. There is a machine that serves a one or two block area; you put money in it and it prints out a ticket that clearly states when your parking time expires. You put that in a prominent location on your dashboard. All very simple. I don't know why we don't have more of the same in the US.

The time clock that I know about is a paper or plastic sign with a rotating 24hr dial. If you park your car in a non metered area you may only be allowed 1 or 2 hrs, thus you dial to the present time on your sign then lay the sign on your dashboard so the police can see how long you've been parked. <BR>If you rent a car you should find one in the glove box or side door pocked, or you can buy one at most retail stores for the price of a coke.

Hi! The person was right about the time clock in the glove compartment. I just wanted to add that you should use it. I have received a ticket in the past when I didn't use it in germany. I have never found a use for the International Drivers License. Check with the countries that you are driving in however. I got one last year for the Czech Rep. and when my wife was stopped by the police, they fined us on the spot. We've never been offered a choice before either on how much of a fine we wanted to pay. Made me suspicious but did not argue. alan

We're changing this thread a bit, but in reply to the last post. . .I was once told that in the Czech Republic or Hungary if you are stopped by someone who tries to fine you (and this applies as much to pedestrians or riders on busses or trains as well as drivers), always ask to see their identification, take out a pen and paper and copy their name and number. I understand that it is a common practice for imposters to pull this stunt. When you start to write down their info, they often leave in a hurry. Don't know this from personal experience, just what I've been told.

The only purpose of an IDL is that it is a translation of your current drivers license into a number of languages. As another post stated, it, in itself, is not a driver's license. <BR> <BR>IDLs are only $20 from AAA and are valid for a year. I would recommend getting one just in case - no sense having to waste time simply because the officer who stops you cannot read English.