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       Driving

Driving Abroad

Obtain an International Drivers Permit (IDP). This can be purchased through your AAA club(for U.S. resident onley). Have your passport photos and a completed application. There will be a fee involved. Carry both your IDP and your country e driver's license with you at all times. Some things to keep in mind:

• Some countries have a minimum and maximum driving age. Check the laws before you drive in any country.

• Always "buckle up". Some countries have penalties for people who violate this law.

• If you rent a car, always purchase the liability insurance. If you do not, this could lead to financial disaster.

• As many countries have different driving rules, obtain a copy of them before you begin driving in that country.

• If the drivers in the country you are visiting drive on the opposite side of the road than in the U.S., practice driving in a less populated area before attempting to drive during the heavy traffic part of the day.

• Be aware of the countryside you will be driving in. Many countries require you to honk your horn before going around a sharp corner or to flash your lights before passing.

• Find out before you start your journey who has the right of way in a traffic circle.

• Always know the route you will be traveling. Have a copy of a good road map, and chart your course before beginning.

• Do not pick up hitchhikers or strangers.

• When entering your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.

Excerpted from:U. S. Department of State, Overseas Security Advisory Council. U. S. State Department Publication 10214. November, 1994. pg. 27. Note: As of July, 1997 this was the latest non-Internet-published U.S. State Department document pertaining to this topic.

Your Driver's License and Auto Insurance

If you intend to drive overseas, check with the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their driver's license, road permit, and auto insurance requirements. If possible, obtain road maps before you go.

Many countries do not recognize a U.S. or other foreign countries driver's license. Most, however, accept an international driver's permit. Before departure, obtain your international driver's license. Certain countries require road permits instead of tolls to use their divided highways and will fine drivers without a permit.

Car rental agencies overseas usually provide auto insurance, but in some countries, the required coverage is minimal. A good rule of thumb when renting a car overseas is to purchase insurance coverage that is at least equivalent to that which you carry at home.

In general, your country auto insurance does not cover you abroad. However, your policy may apply when you drive to countries that neighbor the United States. Check with your insurer to see if your policy covers you in Canada, Mexico, or in countries south of Mexico. Even if your policy is valid in one of these countries, it may not meet its minimum requirements. For instance, in most of Canada, you must carry at least $200,000 in liability insurance, and Mexico requires that if vehicles do not carry theft, third party liability, and comprehensive insurance, the owner must post a bond that could be as high as 50% of the value of the vehicle. If you are under-insured for a country, auto insurance can usually be purchased on either side of the border.

Excerpted from:U. S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U. S. State Department Publication 9926. February, 1992. pg. 20. Note: As of July, 1997 this was the latest non-Internet-published U.S. State Department document pertaining to this topic.