When is an International Driver's License needed? In France?
#1
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When is an International Driver's License needed? In France?
My husband got one for Italy and we're glad we did because 5 minutes after leaving the parking lot from Venice Airport we got stopped by police. However, we're gong to Corsica (first Nice without car) tomorrow and now he's a bit nervous that he didn't get one for that country.
Also, there's something called a "Translated Driver's License". Ever hear about that? Sounds the same as an International one.
Also, there's something called a "Translated Driver's License". Ever hear about that? Sounds the same as an International one.
#3
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There is only the IDP, International Driving Permit, issued by AAA in the States and Canada. There is no legal instrument known as an International Driver's License, or Translated Driver's License.
The IDP contains your name, photo and driver information translated into 10 languages, nothing else, and is pretty much of a waste of time, but required in Italy, Spain and now France. An IDP is valid only when accompanied by your U.S. or Canadian-issued driver’s license.
You can read about the scams at: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles...-license-scams
The IDP contains your name, photo and driver information translated into 10 languages, nothing else, and is pretty much of a waste of time, but required in Italy, Spain and now France. An IDP is valid only when accompanied by your U.S. or Canadian-issued driver’s license.
You can read about the scams at: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles...-license-scams
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Just to confirm Robert's comments, there is no such thing as an International Driver's License. You need an International Driver's Permit which is only a translation of your current driver's license. Both are required to be presented together when requested by law enforcement. Someone recently reported that they made a illegal left turn, was stopped, didn't have a IDP, was fined immediately 250E, and were threatened with impoundment of vehicle. So for $30 why take a chance even if you think it is a waste of time.
#6
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We just called Avis about our rental in Corsica and they told us we didn't need an IDP!
We don't have the expired one. Yow. And we don't have time to get one since we leave tomorrow.
We don't have the expired one. Yow. And we don't have time to get one since we leave tomorrow.
#8
>>We just called Avis about our rental in Corsica and they told us we didn't need an IDP!<<
Actually has nothing to do w/ the rental agency. Doesn't matter if they require one or not. It is a legal requirement . . i.e. a French law not an Avis rule.
Actually has nothing to do w/ the rental agency. Doesn't matter if they require one or not. It is a legal requirement . . i.e. a French law not an Avis rule.
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IDP not necessary in either France or Italy! I was in both countries this past July, and was examined a couple of times by the police and no problem with my NJ Driver's License only.
IDP is NOT an official document, it is issued for profit by a private Companyh, AAA, and has no legal status in any country.
IDP is NOT an official document, it is issued for profit by a private Companyh, AAA, and has no legal status in any country.
#15
lemarais: >>IDP not necessary in either France or Italy! I was in both countries this past July, and was examined a couple of times by the police and no problem with my NJ Driver's License only.
IDP is NOT an official document, it is issued for profit by a private Companyh, AAA, and has no legal status in any country.<<
sorry, but that is Terrible advice. Even though YOU didn't need it, it IS a legal requirement. If one were to have a problem and the officers DID ask for it . . . not only would you have a problem w/ them, your insurance would very likely be void because you were driving illegally.
Consider it like cheap insurance - 99.9% of the time one doesn't need it -- but that .1% can be a killer.
IDP is NOT an official document, it is issued for profit by a private Companyh, AAA, and has no legal status in any country.<<
sorry, but that is Terrible advice. Even though YOU didn't need it, it IS a legal requirement. If one were to have a problem and the officers DID ask for it . . . not only would you have a problem w/ them, your insurance would very likely be void because you were driving illegally.
Consider it like cheap insurance - 99.9% of the time one doesn't need it -- but that .1% can be a killer.
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I agree with Janisj that the advice given by lemarais is terrible with respect to Italy, and now it looks like France too. I've found 2 web sites that indicate a translation or IDP is now required in France: http://vosdroits.service-public.fr/p...rs/F1459.xhtml and http://www.ambafrance-us.org/spip.php?article376. Is this what you were referring to, StCirq and Michael, or do you have some additional info you could give those of us who are going to France soon? Thanks in advance!
#18
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I wonder if Lemarais is willing to put his money on the table and pay any fines? Probably not. Remember he has nothing at risk when offering that advice. On the other hand -----
Bob H, Decorah, Iowa, 1/6/12 ...... My valid Iowa license was not good enough for them and I was fined 250 Euros on the spot. They also threatened to impound the car. A visit to the U.S. Embassy the next morning provided no help. I should have gotten the IDL before we left. ......
So who do you want to believe ??? - an opinion or an experience.
Bob H, Decorah, Iowa, 1/6/12 ...... My valid Iowa license was not good enough for them and I was fined 250 Euros on the spot. They also threatened to impound the car. A visit to the U.S. Embassy the next morning provided no help. I should have gotten the IDL before we left. ......
So who do you want to believe ??? - an opinion or an experience.