Before planning to rent a car in a foreign country, you should inform yourself about the requirements that foreign drivers must carry with them during their stay in that country. Most of the major car rental agencies in your country have links with car rental agencies in foreign countries and will help you rent a car of your choice. Your car rental agency is the best place to ask about the documents required while driving a car in a foreign country. However, there are certain things you should be aware of and the most important ones are covered here.
The main thing is identification. Your valid state driver’s license will be accepted in other countries only if you have additional and supporting proof of photo identification. The best option for this additional photo ID is your passport, so keep it handy when driving a rental car abroad. Some countries will not allow you to drive a car unless you have an International Driving Permit. These can be used by AAA officers. You should check with the AAA travel office before traveling abroad. If you are worried that you will have to take some tests to obtain an International Driving Permit, you should know that these permits do not require any additional tests.
You just need to explain in multiple languages about the type of license you currently have and the limitations that will apply when it expires. You should also check with your auto insurance agents as these insurance policies may have limitations or restrictions when diving on foreign soil. Before renting a car in a foreign country, you should check your coverage and this also includes the terms of your credit card policy. There are some countries where law enforcement agencies will confiscate your license if you are involved in any traffic violations or have been in an accident.
Your license will only be returned to you after you have paid the appropriate fine. You must request and obtain receipts for these fines. If you have been mistreated by law enforcement agencies in that country, report the same to the US consulate or embassy in that country. Certain European countries keep track of traffic offenders through street cameras. These cameras, usually installed at street intersections, photograph the car that breaks the law.
Law enforcement agencies in these countries use the license plate number taken from the photo and request payment from the car owner… in this case, the car rental company. In such cases, the car rental company is fully entitled to recover that amount after providing you with sufficient evidence. Understanding the traffic regulations of the country you plan to visit will save you from a lot of embarrassment. Therefore, it is vital to obtain a guide that lists the traffic regulations of the country you plan to visit. The car rental agency will be happy to provide you with this information.