Are you excited to drive a car in a foreign country? If yes, then this guide post is going to help you a lot. It is no doubt quite an adventure but do you have knowledge about the rules and regulations that you need to follow when renting a car abroad? Every country has different laws and you need to read them properly before hitting the road on a rental vehicle.
In this article, we will be sharing various rules that must go through before deciding on renting a car in some other country. Apart from this, we have also mentioned some great tips that can help you in the same process.
1. IDP/License:
There are many countries that allow you to rent a car on the basis of your state license along with some ID proof containing your picture like a passport. But some countries will only allow you to drive when you have an IDP (International Driver’s Permit) which is accessible from AAA (American Automobile Association). So before you pack your bags for your holiday, just check in with AAA. You will be happy to know that there is no test required to get an IDP.
IDP contains the details like the type of license you have, its expiration time, and any restrictions that are applied. Another point that might be good for you is that you don’t require a membership of AAA to get this permit. Even the fee charges are pretty affordable. Therefore, everyone who is planning to go abroad can apply for IDP easily and conveniently. If you want to get some more insights about it, this website will help you. .
2. Fines:
When you are involved in a mishap or accident, then the police is most likely to take your driving license and will not give it back to you without receiving the fine. Therefore, you must know the rules which tell you the types of fines and the amount of money you need to pay to clear these fines.
Once you have paid, it is mandatory to collect the receipt of the payment. In case some mistreatment happens with you, then you are free to contact the consulate or American embassy present in that particular country where you have visited.
Various countries in Europe track down the traffic rules violations with the help of the installed cameras. The cops can easily trace the person by having a look at his vehicle’s plate number. If you are renting a car, then the rental car company has all the right to take the fine from the individual renting it, even if you have returned to your home country.
3. Insurance:
Assuming you are leasing a vehicle, this should be possible for you through your rental organization, however in case you are not leasing, it’s necessary that you get protection for your vehicle. This is on the grounds that the insurance inclusion from your nation of origin won’t be usable. While getting insurance, make a point to request the right kind of inclusion from your agent.
4. Age:
Every nation has a different minimum age requirement to rent a car. If you fulfil that minimum age, then you can go for it. The younger people may also have to pay the additional costs that might be needed to pay for the extra insurance. Generally speaking, you have to be about 21 years of age to lease a car in foreign country. And if you are around 25, then you won’t face any problem in this as such.
There are few countries that restrict older people from driving cars in their countries. So if you are between 70-80, then leasing a car abroad is going to be challenging for you.
Therefore, it is better for you to check out the age related policies of the country before visiting it.
5. Understand the traffic laws:
Driving guidelines are once in a while changed depending on laws in certain nations. For instance, the “give way” sign may expect you to respect someone to your right rather than your left, or somebody coming from a minor street, and so on.
The traffic signal guidelines in some unfamiliar places are likewise unique. You need to know whether you are in a right-hand or left-hand country, so you realize what roadside to keep to; the US for instance is a right-hand country. Speed cutoff points and person on foot laws additionally vary per country, thus significantly more.
6. Crossing the borders:
In many nations, border regions are not in a good state. That is why you won’t be able to pick a rental vehicle and drive it over there. Make sure you ask the rental companies about where you can drive freely without any restriction. After all, it is better to clear all the queries beforehand. Also, ask them about the additional charges involved in the process and the whole paperwork you need to do. It is likewise recommended to do your research before finalizing anything.
7. Cost:
Driving all over an outside nation is exceptionally cool, and we would energetically suggest it. It can likewise be very costly, in comparison to taking transports like train, buses, and even minimal expense flights. While vehicles do leave you with undeniably greater adaptability, numerous urban areas abroad have very costly metropolises, leaving that expense between 10-15 euros/dollars each night or more. Parking is another expensive issue that you will have to face.
To Sum Up
There is no doubt that it is fun and exciting to drive a car in some foreign country but how would you actually do it when you don’t even know the rules? Before you leave for your holiday, it is suggested to do your research and make sure that you know the laws and regulations well for renting a car abroad.
