Traffic in New Zealand keeps to the left, an International Driving Permit is recommended, and the drink-drive limit is 0.05% BAC.
Built-up areas 50 km/h, rural roads 100 km/h, top limit 100–110 km/h. Emergency number 111.
LEFT
Side of the road
Advised
IDP status
0.05%
Alcohol limit (BAC)
111
Emergency number
Not strictly, but carry one. New Zealand accepts many foreign licences, and an IDP is cheap insurance if you are stopped or the rental desk asks. IDP required after 1 year.
Built-up areas
50 km/h
Rural roads
100 km/h
Motorway / top limit
100–110 km/h
Many bridges are single-lane — the smaller arrow on the sign means you give way.
You may not turn right on a red light anywhere in the country.
Most rental agreements void your cover on unsealed roads and on Ninety Mile Beach.
Tolls & road charges
Only three toll roads, all in the North Island, paid online after you drive them.
Drink-driving limit
In New Zealand, the drink-drive limit is 0.05% BAC. Rental and travel insurance is normally void if you are caught over the limit.
Emergency number
111
Requirements change. Verify with the official government site for New Zealand and with your rental company before you travel — the full country table and IDP guide are below.
An IDP is an official document that translates your driving license into 12 languages. It is not a stand-alone license — you must always carry your original license alongside it. Think of it as a passport for your driving license.
Important: You cannot obtain an IDP abroad — it must be issued in your country of residence before you travel. Always carry BOTH your IDP and your original driving license at the same time.
Search for your destination below. Always verify requirements with the rental company and official government sources before you travel.
| Country | Drive side | IDP status | Alcohol limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | → RIGHT | IDP Recommended | 0.05% |
| Germany | → RIGHT | IDP Recommended | 0.05% |
| Italy | → RIGHT | IDP Required | 0.05% |
| Spain | → RIGHT | IDP Recommended | 0.05% |
| Portugal | → RIGHT | IDP Recommended | 0.05% |
| Greece | → RIGHT | IDP Recommended | 0.05% |
| Croatia | → RIGHT | IDP Recommended | 0.05% |
| United Kingdom | ← LEFT | No IDP Needed | 0.08% (Eng/Wales) |
| Ireland | ← LEFT | No IDP Needed | 0.05% |
| Japan | ← LEFT | IDP Required | 0.03% |
| Australia | ← LEFT | IDP Recommended | 0.05% |
| New Zealand | ← LEFT | IDP Recommended | 0.05% |
| Thailand | ← LEFT | IDP Required | 0.05% |
| Indonesia (Bali) | ← LEFT | IDP Required | 0.00% |
| Vietnam | → RIGHT | IDP Required | 0.00% |
| India | ← LEFT | IDP Required | 0.03% |
| USA | → RIGHT | Varies by State | 0.08% |
| Canada | → RIGHT | IDP Recommended | 0.08% |
| Mexico | → RIGHT | IDP Recommended | 0.08% |
| Brazil | → RIGHT | IDP Required | 0.00% |
| Argentina | → RIGHT | IDP Recommended | 0.05% |
| South Africa | ← LEFT | IDP Recommended | 0.05% |
| Morocco | → RIGHT | IDP Recommended | 0.10% |
| UAE / Dubai | → RIGHT | IDP Required | 0.00% |
| Türkiye | → RIGHT | IDP Recommended | 0.05% |
| Jordan | → RIGHT | IDP Required | N/A |
| Iceland | → RIGHT | No IDP Needed | 0.05% |
| Norway | → RIGHT | No IDP Needed | 0.02% |
| Switzerland | → RIGHT | No IDP Needed | 0.05% |
Required for non-EU outside 1 yr
IDP + German translation sometimes required
US/AU/CA must carry IDP
IDP recommended after 6 months
English license usually accepted
IDP required for US/AU/CA renters
English license widely accepted
Most licenses valid; NI limit is 0.05%
US license valid 12 months
Geneva 1949 IDP only; Japan AA issues them
English license OK; IDP + translation otherwise
IDP required after 1 year
Technically required; heavily enforced at tourist areas
Strict enforcement; scooter = Indonesian license
Hard to get valid permit; most tourists use taxis
Indian traffic is challenging; hiring a driver is popular
IDP useful for state ID checks; some states require it
IDP useful in Quebec (French road signs)
US license fine; IDP for rural areas
Zero tolerance for alcohol; IDP mandatory
IDP recommended for non-Spanish documents
English license OK for tourists; IDP for long stays
IDP not required but recommended for rural areas
GCC + some nationalities exempt; check before going
IDP required after 3 months
Mostly used for Wadi Rum / Petra road trips
F-road 4WDs require 4WD license, not IDP
Strictest alcohol limit in Europe
After 1 year, IDP + Swiss conversion required
Driving abroad on this trip?
Check an all-in quote before you book — the headline rate rarely includes the deposit, insurance exclusions, mileage cap or fuel policy that decide what you actually pay.
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Renting a car abroad is straightforward when you know what to watch for. These 8 tips will save you money and stress.
Book online before you travel
Booking ahead is normally cheaper than walking up to the desk on arrival, and it locks in the car class you actually want. Compare an all-in quote — deposit, insurance exclusions, mileage and fuel policy included — before you commit.
Decline the rental car CDW — carefully
If your travel credit card includes collision damage waiver (CDW), you can skip the rental desk's expensive policy. Call your card issuer to verify before you travel.
Inspect the car on pickup — document everything
Walk around the car, photograph every scratch, and make sure existing damage is marked on the rental agreement before you drive away.
Avoid airport rental surcharges
Picking up a rental from an off-airport location (a few minutes by shuttle) can save 20–40% due to airport concession fees.
Fill up fuel yourself before return
Rental companies charge 2–4× market rate for fuel if they refill for you. Find a gas station before dropping off.
Know what's included in your country
Some countries include mandatory insurance, road taxes, or environmental stickers (Germany's Umweltplakette, France's Crit'Air). Check the rental contract.
Electric rental cars in Europe
EVs are widely available in Western Europe. Charge cards like IONITY or a network adapter are often provided — ask at pickup.
One-way rentals need pre-approval
Dropping a car in a different country often costs €100–300 extra and isn't allowed by all rental companies. Confirm before booking.
Speed limits
Always check the host country's limits. USA: 25–70 mph depending on zone. Europe: typically 50 km/h urban, 80–100 km/h rural, 130 km/h motorway. Japan: 60 km/h urban, 100 km/h expressway.
Phone use
Illegal to hold a phone while driving in virtually every country. Hands-free (mounted GPS/phone) is usually legal but check local rules. Fines range from $50 in some US states to €500+ in France.
Toll roads
Many countries use electronic tolls (France, Italy, Portugal, Australia). Some require a transponder or charge accounts — your rental company will often handle tolls for a fee, or you pay afterward. Switzerland and Austria require vignette stickers.
Child seats
Children under certain age/height must use approved car seats in most countries. Rental companies rent these for ~$10–15/day — book ahead as supply is limited.
Emergency equipment
France: warning triangle + hi-vis vest mandatory. Spain: 2 warning triangles. Germany: warning triangle + first aid kit. Check the required kit for each country you'll enter.
Driving on left
Countries driving on the LEFT: UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ, Japan, India, South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Barbados, Malta, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Give yourself an extra hour on the first driving day to adjust — choose a quiet route.
The driver always sits closest to the centre of the road — that's your memory cue.
Roundabouts go the opposite direction: clockwise in left-drive countries.
Gear shifting with your left hand feels awkward at first — automate is recommended.
Wipers and indicators are usually swapped — expect to wipe windows when turning.
Passenger-side mirrors feel dangerously close to the curb — resist hugging the centre line.
112
Europe (all)
Police, fire, ambulance
911
USA / Canada
Police, fire, ambulance
999
UK
Police, fire, ambulance
000
Australia
Police, fire, ambulance
110 / 119
Japan
Police / Fire & ambulance
111
NZ
Police, fire, ambulance
100 / 108
India
Police / Ambulance
10111 / 112
South Africa
Police / Emergency
Disclaimer: Laws and license requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official government website of your destination country, your car rental company, and your home country's automobile association before travel. This guide is for general planning purposes only.
Use the NostosRoute trip planner to get full cost breakdowns, transport options, and itineraries for any destination — whether you're driving or flying.