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Although the laws governing
car rentals differ in every country, here are
some general rules.
First, most countries will
accept your valid state driver's license with
another form of photo ID. Some countries may
also require an International Driver's Permit
(available through AAA offices). Check with an
AAA travel office before you travel. You don't
need to take a test to get an International
Driver's Permit; all it does is explain (in a
number of languages) the type of license you
have, any limitations that apply and when it
will expire.
Second, your personal
automobile insurance policy may have
restrictions or limitations on driving in
foreign countries. Check your coverage,
including the terms of your credit card policy,
before you rent in a foreign country.
Third, in some countries,
the police will take your license if you are
involved in an accident or stopped for a moving
violation, and will not return it until you have
paid any applicable fine. Get receipts for all
payments you make, and report any mistreatment
or apparent scams to the American embassy or
consulate in that country.
Fourth, certain European
countries track traffic violations with street
cameras that photograph cars at intersections.
The police trace the drivers using the license
plate number of the car and request payment from
the rental car company for the ticket. The
rental car company is within its rights to
collect the fine from you, even if the company
is informed of the violation after you have
returned and paid for the car.
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