International Drivers License Information on www.idlicense.com

There is a good network of well maintained highways and roads between major towns and most of the north-south route is dual carriageway. Road signs follow international standards and are in both English and Thai. Motorists drive on the left hand side of the road most of the time.

Heavy trucks dominate the main roads at night so night driving is not usually recommended as truck drivers in Thailand have little respect for cars. Tourist coaches often think they are driving Ferrari’s so be aware.

 

The maximum speed limit in cities and towns is 60km per hour and varies between 90 and 120km per hour on main and country road outside the city centers and the police apply regular speed checks. Seat belts are compulsory and drink drive laws apply which makes insurance invalid if drivers exceed the legal limit.

Speed limits:
Urban areas: 45 - 60kph/28 - 37 mph
Highway: 90 - 110kph/56 - 68 mph.

There are about 64 600 kms/40, 141mls of paved roads in Thailand as well as an extensive network of dirt roads (especially in the north). Major roads radiate outward from Bangkok to all major cities, with most of the north-south route consists of road. Interconnecting roads to smaller towns and cities are generally wide, and a single-lane two-lane sections on trade.

Parking in cities is usually in the street for a small fee or, for the most part, covered parking in the hotel / shopping plazas. More to the parking lot outside the city centers are generally free, if you can find a space. Do not block access government building or you are likely to be towed.

All kinds of fuel are readily available with petrol stations being in plentiful supply. Most of the larger ones will accept major international credit cards. In remote locations cash will be needed.

All drivers must hold a current, non-probationary license either Thai or from their own country but if it is not Thai or English they must carry an English translation or an International driving license(International driving licence). A valid passport must be carried at all times. You will need a Thai driver licence(driver's license) as opposed to an international drivers license (international drivers licence) once you have been in Thailand for more than 3 months.

If you get stopped by the police you will almost definitely get a fine of about B400, about £6, but if you are lucky it will be just B200, or £3. To get stopped you have done something wrong ‘maybe’ even if you don't know what it was! It is advisable to discreetly pay the money and never argue or lose your temper as it will cost your more.. Don’t expect a receipt for the money and you will never know if it is a genuine fine or whether it is being pocketed for that special occasion.

 

Be very wary of your speed and use every visual aid at your disposal, always check every direction before turning. Look well ahead on highways and one way streets they will come towards you on the wrong side for sure – heart stabilizing pills are a must. Unlike many Western countries, it is easy to pass a driving test here or even buy a license(licence), many of the drivers have little or no experience at all. This is changing with many checks and Police road blocks daily in the attempt to eradicate this problem but I fear it could take some time.

Since Thai motorists are notoriously ill-disciplined to give way or observation of traffic rules, motorists are advised to drive to a 'gentle pace' (50 kilometers or less) in urban areas. In the case of an accident, Thai perfer to resolve the legal outcome on the ground and often expect the wealthier motorist to absorb the cost, this includes foreigners.

Stay away from downtown Bangkok, traffic is terrible and the roads are confusing, to say nothing of road users who have a general disregard for other vehicles. Do not drive too close to the roadside on any road as motorcycles often enough to drive the wrong way, and stay out of the path of buses and trucks.

General Info
Mountains, sandy beaches, hills and rock coastline are all located on this island nation. Cyprus is becoming a popular winter sports destination with many mountain resorts. Most of the island can be traveled by car, however keep in mind that traffic travels on the left hand side of the road.

Requirements
To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category) and have held your licence for three years. Drivers under the age of 25 may incur a young driver surcharge. There is a maximum age limit. Seatbelts are mandatory in the front seat and children must be at least age 5 to be in the front seat. Child seats are mandatory for children up to age 5.

Speed Limits
Speed limits in Cyprus are as follows: City 30mph/50kph Open Roads 62mph/100kph

Rules of the Road
Traffic travels on the left and headlights must be used a half and hour before sunset and a half an hour before sunrise.

Fuel
Most fuel stations are found only in the major cities on Cyprus.

Tolls
There are no toll highways on Cyprus.

Parking
Parking meters are found in town centers and are valid for 1 hour. If you see a double yellow line painted on the curb, parking is prohibited at all times. A single yellow line on the curb is a loading and unloading zone but no parking.

Restricted Countries
Cars rented on Cyprus may not be taken off the island or driven into the Turkish occupied area of Cyprus.

One-Way Rentals
Domestic one-way rentals are available and cost an additional approx. US$20. International one-way rentals are not available.

 

The first thing you may notice when driving in a foreign country is that the roadway signs are different. In many countries, the speed limit is posted in kilometers, and warnings will be written in the country's native language. Sometimes, speed limits are not posted at all, and drivers will travel much faster than the driver is accustomed to traveling. Depending on what part of the world you are driving in, you may find that travellers drive on the left-hand side of the road and that the steering wheel is located on the right-hand side of the car.

Check to see if the country where you will be driving requires mandatory equipment in the vehicle. Frequent mandatory items include: first aid kit, reflective warning triangle, reflective vest, spare fuses and light bulbs, fire extinguisher.

It may be wise to practice driving in a less populated area before you try to drive in a foreign city at rush hour.
Know your route of travel. 
Chart your course of travel before you take to the road, and keep a good map with you.
Always have at least one-half tank of gas.
Make sure that the lights, signals, horn, and brakes work properly.
Avoid driving after dark, especially in rural areas.
Always park in places that have good lighting.
Always use safety belts. Some countries have penalties for violation of seat belt laws.
After exiting or entering the car, lock the doors.
In many countries, driving while under the influence is a very serious crime that could result in severe criminal penalties. Never drink and drive.
Avoid riding motorcycles. If you do ride a motorcycle, make sure you wear a helmet.

In order to drive in Cyprus you should Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP).Carry your IDP and your both, the National and the International, driver's license with you at all times. The Requirements of getting an international drivers licence: -Valid and active native drivers license ( driving licence ) issued by government agency; -18 years or older.

Safety First
Seat Belts: No matter where you are driving, it is imperative that you wear your seat belt. Almost all countries this is a strict law, but aside from that seatbelts are there to save your life, so make use of them. 
Avoid the temptation of road rage. Honking and yelling at the drivers around you is probably more likely to make someone get out their tire iron than to help get traffic moving. Be patient.
Drive carefully and slowly in wet and windy weather. If possible, stop and wait for the weather to settle down.
Fully service your car before leaving and ensure everything is running correctly.

 

 

Local Regulations

It is wise to learn in advance the rules and regulations of the country to which you are traveling. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than they are at home. Exercise good judgment and remember that some countries have a "zero tolerance" policy with severe penalties for those driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Drug violations, firearms possession, photography of government or military installations, and antiques purchases are frequent cause of detention by local authorities.

 New York drivers will have the option of buying an enhanced driver's licence to comply with stricter travel requirements adopted after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The new licences will contain an identifying computer chip and can be used instead of a more expensive passport at U.S. land and sea border crossings between Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Passports will still be needed for international air travel, though.

The licences will cost around US$80, about $30 more than a regular driver's licence. Those trading in a current driver's license will need, in addition to the old license, a birth certificate or other proof of U.S. citizenship, their Social Security card and two proofs of New York residency, such as recent property tax bills or credit card statements. The documents will be scanned for authenticity, a step that will add 10 to 15 minutes to the application process. All of the licenses are produced in Albany and mailed to drivers.

Why Enhance the Driver License?

In a continued effort to develop alternative forms of identification compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, the Department of Homeland Security came up with the idea for these voluntary licenses and ID cards. The hope is that the EDL/ID―which denotes identity and citizenship―will make travel across land and sea ports of entry much more convenient.

Benefits of the EDL/ID

Using Radio Frequency Identification Tags (RFIT) and other measures that make forgery more difficult, EDL/IDs are encoded with the proper information to replace passports at border crossings. Furthermore, the EDL is less expensive and easier to tote around than a traditional passport. Washington Governor Chris Gregoire described EDLs as "a way to boost security at our border without hampering trade and tourism." If all goes as planned in Washington, we just might see these alternative forms of identification across all states.

Part of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, the The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires travelers to carry passports when crossing the borders into Canada and Mexico (as well as Bermuda and the Caribbean). EDLs would take the place of a passport for U.S. citizens crossing at these land and sea ports of entry, but not for international air travel. This represents a savings to consumers, with passports costing $97 and EDLs $45.

Applying for an EDL/ID

For full details on applying for an EDL or an Enhanced ID visit our Washington pages.

Both must be applied for in person, and are currently only available to Washington residents. Doing so requires proof of citizenship, residency, and identity, plus a Social Security number. You will also be asked to sign biometric identification and Radio Frequency Identification declarations. The former refers to the use of digital technology to identify you based on unique physical features that aren't easily alterable (eye sockets, cheekbones, and the distance between your pupils, for example) and involves taking a digital photo that is turned into code and kept on file. The latter refers to the RFIT that is embedded in the card. This card carries your personal information, which can be retrieved quickly using electromagnetic waves.

In Washington, EDL/ID cards are available to anyone 18 years or older, and Enhanced Intermediate Driver