I've rented cars several time from Auto Europe without an international license. But I've seen various reports indicating it's good to have one if you get stopped by the police. Truth or fiction?

Very true. Use your "find" button and do a search and you will come up with several threads on this subject. In addition go to Expats In Italy for more information on this.

Yes, they are required by law in Italy. Read more on our Driving in Italy pages.

fwiw, when we picked up our rental car in cefalu last month from europcar, the agent asked for my IDP. he didn't do much with it - just flipped through it, but it mattered to him that i had it.

I just called Europe Car and spoke to the agent. He said that as long as we were staying in Italy and not driving into Germany or Austria, they say not required.

I did refer to the other stuff that seems to indicate that they can ask for an IDP, and on the other hand we got stopped in Castellina for driving down a one way street the wrong way, wewre ticketed, and fined on the spot, and no request for an IDP. So, go figure.

here is a nice long thread about driving legally in italy.

is an idp 'required" to drive legally in italy? as the europcar agent said - maybe not. but a translation of your license into italian is.

the idp is the easiest way to get that. whether one chooses to spend $15 to get an idp is, of course, up to the individual driver...

My husband and I just got our IDPs'. After reading several threads here thought it was a wise thing to do.I would rather spend (ours was $25)Than risk getting an expensive ticket or worse yet not being able to rent a car.

We went to the local AAA office,They charged for the permit,picture and a small fee for not being a AAA member. All was quick and easy and well worth it in my mind.
Colleen

I don't know if I posted my short article on this here or not, but I can. The long and short of it is YES, you need an IDP, even if the car rental people say no. I don't think the word has gotten to everyone (including operators from the rental agencies) that the Italian govt. is starting to enforce a law that went into effect last summer requiring IDPs. So it is possible when you get there, you still won't be asked for it, but what if you are? Better to cover your bases.

I think that since the rental companies don't require you to show an IDP, they perpetuate this idea that you don't need one in Italy. The rental companies don't require an IDP, but the Italian government does.

Does this apply if you are a euro citizen ?

If you hold a valid license from an EU country you are fine. Here is the info on the IDP and who needs one