Driving Abroad: A Traveler's Guide to International Driving Laws

Driving in another country requires complying with local traffic laws and licensing requirements. Many countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP) for foreign drivers. You should familiarize yourself with what you need to rent a car, get insurance coverage, and what to do in case of a traffic accident.

Driving laws can vary greatly by country and can change at any time. For legal advice about what you need to know before driving abroad, talk to an experienced international law attorney.

What Is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that many nations require for foreign drivers to operate a motor vehicle in their country. Drivers in the United States can get an IDP to carry with their U.S. driver’s license to drive abroad.

About 150 countries recognize the IDP for U.S. drivers. Some countries require the travel document to rent a car. However, licensing requirements can vary by country and car rental companies.

The IDP was developed as part of the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic in 1949. This is an international treaty establishing uniform rules for drivers among contracting countries.

Not all countries recognize the IDP. Some countries honor the IDP but are not party to the 1949 convention. A number of countries in the Caribbean recognize the IDP but require presenting the permit with the driver’s state license and paying an additional registration fee.

Getting an International Driving Permit

Drivers in the United States have two options for getting an IDP. Beware of online offers for an international driver’s license that may not be valid. The U.S. Department of State authorizes only two IDP issuing organizations:

• American Automobile Association (AAA)
• American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

You can get your IDP by mail or in-person at your local AAA office or you can fill out an online IDP application with the AATA to get an IDP through the mail. To get an IDP from AAA or the AATA, you need:

• A valid driver’s license (with a minimum of 6 months remaining past your travel departure date)
• Completed IDP application form
• Passport photo
• Required fees for processing, shipping, and handling

An AAA office can issue an IDP on the spot to U.S. drivers. Applications submitted online or by mail can take a week or longer, depending on processing and shipping times.

The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. If your international driving license expires, you may need a new one to drive in countries requiring the permit.

Understanding Local Traffic Laws and Violations

You are expected to understand local traffic laws when operating a vehicle in another country. Different countries can have very different driving laws, including default speed limits, auto insurance requirements, and parking restrictions.

You can start by checking U.S. Department of State (DOS) travel advisories on road safety, conditions, and driving differences in the country you’re visiting. DOS has links to traffic laws in other countries. The Overseas Safety Advisory Council (OSAC) also provides best practices for driving overseas.

Drivers who have only driven on the right-hand side of the road have to adapt to driving on the left side in countries like the United Kingdom, Japan, and India. Most vehicles in these countries also have the driver and passenger side switched, with the steering wheel and pedals on the right side of the vehicle.

Other local traffic laws U.S. drivers should understand include:

• Insurance requirements
• Turning restrictions on red lights
• Seat belt laws
• Mobile phone restrictions
• Cyclist and pedestrian rules
• Responding to emergency vehicles
• Blood-alcohol-level limits

Accidents and Legal Liability

Following a car accident, drivers should stop and exchange insurance information and report the accident to local law enforcement. Gather as much information about the accident as you can by taking photos or videos of the scene.

Drivers then file a claim with their insurance company for property damage and injury claims. If anyone is injured in the accident, seek medical attention.

Generally, you should get the contact information for anyone involved in the accident, including their name, insurance information, and license plate. If you have a rental car, contact the car rental agency after an accident. The rental company can explain what to do. You can also reach out to the local U.S. consulate for help in finding legal or medical assistance.

Renting a Vehicle and Rental Agreement Fine Print

Renting a car involves signing a lengthy rental agreement that most drivers never read. However, once you sign the agreement, you are held to the rental terms in the contract.

You can ask about some important factors before signing the agreement, and read those terms in the agreement. Contract terms to consider include:

• Rental periods and early or late returns
• Mileage limits
• Usage restrictions
• Financial liability for property damage to the vehicle
• Who can operate the vehicle
• Insurance coverage
• Gas tank refill and battery charging terms when returning the vehicle

Make sure you also do a full inspection of the vehicle before taking it off the rental lot. Check for damage or missing items, detailing dents and scratches and showing them to the rental agent. You can use your phone to take photos and video of the vehicle condition before driving off the lot.

Insurance Coverage After a Car Accident Abroad

Most U.S. motor vehicle insurance coverage does not apply when driving in other countries. Auto insurance policies for most drivers only apply in the U.S. and Canada. Drivers should review their international auto insurance options for the countries where they plan to drive.

Before going overseas, check with your credit card company to find out if they offer coverage for vehicles rented using the credit card. Many credit cards offer limited coverage for damage to the vehicle. Most car rental companies charge extra for this coverage.

Many rental car companies offer insurance coverage for third-party personal injury and property damage claims. Check with your rental company to make sure you have coverage. If you want additional coverage to protect you and your family in the event of an accident, consider purchasing supplemental insurance.

If you have an umbrella policy, it may also provide additional liability coverage for overseas accidents. You can also get general travel insurance to cover many possible claims, to include collision damage waivers. Contact your insurance company for questions about international driving coverage.

DUI and Other Serious Driving Offenses Abroad

Many countries take drunk driving much more seriously than the United States. Even a first offense can result in expensive fines, driving bans, and possible jail time. If you drink while traveling abroad, take a taxi instead of getting behind the wheel.

The alcohol limit for impaired driving is also lower in many countries. In every state but Utah, the blood alcohol limit for most drivers is 0.08 BAC. However, the alcohol limit in many European countries is 0.05 or lower. Some countries have zero-tolerance policies for drunk driving.

Many countries also take what we see as minor traffic violations more seriously. In some countries, speeding violations can cost over $1,000. Some nations also have severe penalties for parking violations, not wearing a seatbelt, or using your mobile phone while driving.

Legal Advice Before Driving Abroad

When traveling to many countries, you can get by on public transportation, taxis, and tour buses. However, getting a rental car allows you to explore areas without good public transit. Driving in an unfamiliar country carries risks of accidents, fines, and even jail time.

Understand the local driving laws where you are traveling before getting behind the wheel. For legal advice about international driving laws, talk to an international lawyer.