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A public transportation driver pleads with Peruvian Traffic Police.
Not having the proper documentation when driving in a foreign country can have some unpleasant consequences if you are pulled over.
Learn the rules of the road before you move or travel abroad to save yourself time, money and embarrassment.
You've heard the story before:
“A friend of yours was driving in a Latin American country when they ran a phantom stop sign. The police pull them over and tell them that they've broken a number of traffic laws that will result in a very heavy fine. On top of the fine the police refuse to give back their driver's license and passport, unless of course your friend asks them for a “favor.” The police happily oblige and a reduced “fine” is paid on the spot. Your friend has their license and passport back and their wallet is now $20 dollars lighter.”
In most cases when you deal with corrupt cops in other countries there is nothing you can do to report them, but you can reduce your chances of shelling out a bribe if you have all your ducks in a row.
International License
Before you move or travel abroad it is best that you visit your local AAA office. The AAA (American Automobile Association) issues the International Driving Permit and Inter-American Driving Permit.
The International Driving Permit (IDP) or Inter-American Driving Permit (IADP) serve as a legal translation of your State driver's license in several languages. The international license itself is not a substitution for your State driver's license. You must carry both your AAA international license and your home State driver's license when driving in a foreign country.
Fill out the application with a recent passport size photo and pay $15 dollars. Your license will be ready the same day and you will be ready to drive abroad!
In many countries you can drive on your U.S. Driver's license for a limited period of time starting from your time of entry into the country. This law, however, is often at the discretion of the law enforcement official pulling you over.
Leave no room for interpretation of the law by having your international license in hand!
Legalized Copies
Toting your passport around can be risky and expensive if it is detained or stolen. Corrupt police officers will often threaten to detain your passport in an attempt to extort a monetary bribe from you.
Detention of a passport by traffic officers is usually illegal, especially in Latin American countries. If you don't want to pay for your passport to be returned to you make a legalized or notarized copy of your passport before or after you arrive.
In Peru, for example, you can take your passport and the copy of it to a local Notary (Notaria) where for approximately $2 to $3 dollars per page you can have the copies legalized.
The legalized copies replace the physical passport and they are a legitimate substitution when presenting foreign identification to law enforcement or government officials.
Rules of the Road
Road rules vary country by country. If you know the rules and abide by them, you will reduce your chances of being unfairly pulled over.
The U.S. State Department issues country advisories periodically. Read the country specific information pertaining to your foreign destination before moving or traveling.
The country report contains a section on traffic, safety & road conditions. You can also go to the respective agency in charge of issuing driver's licenses for the country you are residing in and request or purchase a copy of the road rules & regulations.
Certain countries where a language other than English is spoken may have copies of the traffic regulations available for you to purchase in English.
Your second best resource are the locals themselves. They are the most familiar with bad police habits and can advise you on how to cope with corrupt traffic cops.
Know your rights and know what to show if a foreign traffic officer pulls you over.
Reporting Incidents
If you do end up paying a bribe report the incident to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Reporting it to local authorities may have severe legal consequences for you since bribing a police officer is illegal.
The U.S. Embassy may not be able to legally assist you in your situation, but the reporting of the incident will help the embassy to warn and protect other U.S. Citizens who may become victims of future police corruption.
Obtain a Foreign Driver's License
You may be able to obtain a country driver's license if you will be staying abroad for an extended period of time.
Your international AAA license has a validity of one year from the date of issue. There are countries, however, that limit the period of time you may use the international license before a local license is required to operate a motor vehicle.
Furthermore, your international license can be revoked by local police authorities which in turn voids your right to legally drive in their country. You will not be able to drive unless you have the proper permissions.
Obtaining a foreign license can be simple or very bureaucratic depending on the country you are in. The international driver's license in most cases will exempt you from a manual driving exam. Ask the government agency that emits driver's licenses what you need in order to claim exemption.
The international license may save you a few extra dollars and steps in the long run when it comes to obtaining a foreign driver's license.
Just remember, "What you don't know could cost you!"
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