Driving and Road Safety Abroad (2024)

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Are you thinking about driving in another country? Roads, signs, laws, and driving norms are often different abroad. Consider your safety. Make sure you have a valid license to drive as well as insurance. And remember to buckle up, no matter where you are.

Read our Country Information pages. You can find road safety info in the Travel and Transportation section. You may find more useful information from the foreign embassy or consulate website. Government tourism offices or car rental companies may also be helpful.

Keep these things in mind when planning your trip:

Potential hazards and dangerous road conditions
Local roads or areas to avoid
Need for spare tires, fuel, and a map
Local laws and driving culture
Local emergency numbers
Vehicle safety considerations, including seat belts
Documents to carry, including any special road permits
Insurance and driver’s license (see below)

International Driving Permits

It is illegal to drive without a valid license and insurance in most countries. Check our Country Information page for your destination. Not all countries accept a U.S. driver's license, but most accept an International Driving Permit (IDP). You can get an IDP from the AAA (American Automobile Association) before you leave. IDPs have limited validity and may need you to also have your U.S. license with you.

Auto Insurance Policies

In general, your U.S. auto insurance policy does NOT cover you abroad. Some policies do provide coverage when you drive to Canada and Mexico. Check with your insurance company before you go.
Even if your policy is valid in a country, it may not meet local insurance minimums. Make sure your policy reaches these minimums.
While rental companies overseas may offer car insurance, it can be for a very small amount. Consider buying insurance coverage equal to what you have at home.

More Resources:

Driving Overseas: Best Practices.
European Commission Mobility and Transport – Road Safety

Last Updated: March 5, 2024

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Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

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FAQs

What countries accept a US driver's license? ›

When visiting another country as a U.S. citizen:

Your state driver's license is valid while driving in Canada and Mexico.
In other countries, you may need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) for foreign drivers.

Dec 6, 2023

Keep Reading ›

Can I drive in Europe with a US license? ›

If you're American or Canadian, your passport and driver's license are all you need in most European countries. However, some countries also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is an official translation of your US license (making it easier for a local police officer to write out a ticket).

Explore More ›

How does a US citizen get an international driver's license? ›

You will need to provide:

Download and fill out an application (new tab), and bring it to your nearest AAA Travel office** (new tab).
Two original passport pictures (also available at AAA Travel offices**).
A valid U.S. driver's license.
Pay $20 USD permit fee and you're ready to go!***

Show Me More ›

Can I drive in England with a US license? ›

During the first year of your stay in the UK you can drive with a valid driving licence from your own country or an International Driving Permit but after one year you must take out a Provisional UK Licence and put 'L' plates on your car. You must then arrange to sit a full UK Driving Test.

View Details ›

Can Americans drive in Italy? ›

Yes, you can drive in Italy with a US license for up to 12 months. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, but optional. It might serve you well in the future should you decide to drive in Italy again, or perhaps visit another country. Definitely look into it if this is within your future vacation plans!

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Can I drive in France with a US license? ›

You may drive with a valid U.S. driver's license if it is accompanied by a notarized translation in French. It is strongly recommended that you carry an International Driving Permit. You must be 18 years of age or older to drive in France.

Keep Reading ›

Can I drive in Spain with a US license? ›

Can I drive with my U.S. driver's license in Spain? U.S. citizens who plan to drive in Spain must obtain an international driving permit (IDP) prior to their arrival. An international driving permit translates your state-issued driver's license into ten languages so that officials in foreign countries can interpret it.

Get More Info ›

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Italy? ›

Italy signed 2 United Nations conventions (Geneva 1949; Vienna 1968), and it is a legal requirement for visitors from non-EU and non-EEA countries to have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) in order to rent a car and legally drive in Italy.

Learn More Now ›

Can I drive in Japan with a US license? ›

Americans cannot drive in Japan with only a U.S. drivers license. Persons found driving in Japan without a legal license are subject to fines, arrest and possible deportation. “International Driving Permits” are not a medium-to-long term substitute for a Japanese driver's license.

Find Out More ›

Is it hard for an American to drive in England? ›

It's not the hardest adjustment to make and if you're focused then you're going to be just fine driving in the UK. However, some roads are harder than others and when faced with cyclists, pedestrians, and traffic, your instincts get a little twisted due to being on the left side of the road.

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Can a US citizen rent a car in the UK? ›

In most those with a driver's licence issued from the USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand do not require an IDP to be able to rent a car in the UK. However, keep in mind that some car rental companies may require one if you are planning to drive across the channel, crossing by either Le Shuttle or a ferry.

Find Out More ›

Can Americans drive in Ireland? ›

U.S. citizens are permitted to drive in Ireland for the duration of a visit up to 12 months as a tourist. If you wish to apply for an International Permit for use during your visit you can apply through the AAA in the U.S. – you can find more information here .

Read The Full Story ›

Can you use a US ID in other countries? ›

If you are traveling internationally you will still need your passport. If you are traveling domestically, you will only need one valid form of identification – either your REAL ID or another acceptable alternative such as a passport, not both.

View Details ›

What countries do not accept IDP? ›

Examples of countries/jurisdictions that have not ratified the Convention include Australia, Canada, China, Cyprus, Iceland, Ireland, Malaysia, Malta, New Zealand, and the United States.

Learn More ›