Why IDP ?
Do I need to have an IDP in order to drive abroad?
Yes, in many cases you will need an IDP to drive in a foreign country, other than the country where you are resident. It depends on bilateral agreements and treaties between the country where you are resident and the country, or countries, where you plan to drive. There are numerous bilateral agreements and treaties that regulate IDP requirements, and these agreements and treaties change frequently. Holding an IDP is a very easy way to legally drive abroad, and that gives you the peace of mind of abiding by enforced law and international regulations. Therefore, even in countries where you are not required to hold an IDP, it is highly recommended in order to avoid any type of inconvenience. An IDP never substitutes your valid domestic driver license. IDPs are not valid for driving in your country of residence, where you need to hold a valid domestic driving license.
How does it work?
Driving in a foreign country has been regulated since 1926 by the United Nations through 4 international conventions, subscribed by most countries in the world. Today, two conventions cover 98% of world countries: the 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1968 Vienna Convention, and nearly all IDPs are issued under these two conventions’ regulations. The authority for IDP-issuance resides in countries that are contracting parties to one of more UN Conventions on Road Traffic. Most of these countries delegate this task to the Automobile Clubs and motoring associations.
Functions of an idp
Translate. IDPs ensure that your domestic driving license is understandable by local authorities and officials in the foreign country where you are driving. Certify. The issuer of your IDP certifies that you have a valid driving license in your country of residence, i.e. that you are authorized to drive motor vehicles. Type of vehicle. The issuer of your IDP also indicates and certifies what category or categories of motor vehicles you are authorized to drive. Improve Road Safety. The fact that IDPs are often required to drive abroad helps ensure that every driver is an authorized driver, and helps improve road safety worldwide.
AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT (IDP) IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT TO DRIVE IN MANY FOREIGN COUNTRIES, AND IT IS A UNITED NATIONS REGULATED TRAVEL DOCUMENT FOR YOUR BENEFIT AND SAFETY.
IDPs entitle the holder to drive in all contracting countries other than his/her country of residence, without further examination, as long as they hold a valid domestic driving license. Contracting countries are those countries that have subscribed one or more of the UN International Conventions on Road Traffic. Check the IDP requirements of your destination before you travel. It is a requirement for renting a car in many countries. Failure to fulfill this requirement may constitute a criminal or civil offense and may have serious consequences. Driving without an IDP may trigger exclusion under your travel insurance policy if claiming for loss or damage caused while driving a motor vehicle abroad.
AN IDP GIVES YOU PEACE OF MIND WHILE YOU ARE OUT EXPLORING THE WORLD EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT PLANNING TO TRAVEL!
Your IDP is a legal travel document regulated by the United Nations, and it is for your protection and safety. IDPs are a requirement for renting a motor vehicle in many countries and can be helpful if you find yourself in need of identification or assistance. Your IDP is a valid form of identification in more than 150 countries worldwide and contains your name, photo and driver information in several languages –so it is understandable to most of the local officials and authorities of the countries you visit. In no way does it diminish the obligation of the holder to conform strictly to the laws and regulations of the countries you visit A valid IDP allows you to drive in most foreign countries in case of an emergency under normal IDP conditions.