ADS SELLING INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS’ LICENSES TAKING DRIVERS FOR A RIDE
PHOENIX – July 25, 2006 – With international travel on the rise, those traveling abroad should ensure they’re getting their documentation from the right sources, especially if they plan on driving. That’s why AAA is issuing this warning: don’t be fooled by online offers selling international driving permits that purport to be legal – they’re completely bogus.
According to the FTC, ads and offers for fake international driving permits—more commonly known as IDPs’—are all over the internet, with some selling at storefront operations. Scammers are selling these fake documents for $65 to $350 a piece. The ads make bogus claims that these licenses are recognized internationally, can be used as valid identification and that they can replace suspended or revoked licenses.
“Drivers, especially those planning on visiting a foreign country, should stay away from ads promising international drivers licenses that falsely claim they’re legal anywhere,” says Yvette Lopez, a AAA Arizona spokesperson. “Plus, you don’t want to risk driving abroad with an invalid license and get into a sticky situation with foreign authorities.”
A valid IDP can be obtained legally through only two organizations, AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance. A true IDP can break down language barriers, as it translates your state-issued driver’s license into ten different languages, allowing foreign officials to help interpret your driver’s license.
Some countries, like Hungary, do not recognize a driver’s license from the U.S., but they will officially recognize an IDP. For example, if you are visiting the Hungarian capital of Budapest, you will be unable to rent or drive a car unless you have an IDP. Countries such as Spain will honor your driver’s license but require a local translation should you decide to drive. The IDP would satisfy this type of situation. And while some countries may not require an IDP, purchasing one prior to departure can save a lot of potential hassles.
And regardless of what scammers may be marketing, an IDP holds no powers of its own and is only valid when carried in conjunction with and acting as a translation of your state-issued driver’s license. Furthermore, the IDP is useless in the U.S. and can not be substituted for a state-issued driver’s license, as it is not valid for driving anywhere in the U.S. or its territories.
The difference between an IDP and a state-issued driver’s license:
- A driver’s license is a card that lets you drive a motor vehicle legally.
- A driver’s license is a valid proof of identification to law enforcement officials.
- The IDP does not hold any powers of its own apart from your driver’s license
- You do not have a separate driving record with an IDP. If a citation is issued to you, it will be reflected on the driving record that is with your driver’s license.
You may obtain an IDP at any AAA office for $10 with a valid driver’s license and 2 passport-sized photographs. The permit, which is valid in over 150 countries, contains your name, photo and driver information, and is covered in the following languages: English, French, Italian, Swedish, German, Chinese, Arabic, Spanish, Japanese, Russian and Portuguese.
Visit the AAA International Drivers Permit website.
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