Destinations / Laos
Driving in Laos as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Laos drives on the right; an IDP is recommended with your home licence, though recognition is inconsistent and many travellers hire drivers.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Laos expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 191 (police), 195 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 90 km/h highways (110 on the new expressway) |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | Local rules |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in LAK. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Helmets | Helmets mandatory for motorbikes. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| In the car | Livestock and pedestrians on rural roads. |
On the road in Laos
At the pump
Stations sell regular and premium petrol (benzin/gasoline) and diesel and are usually attendant-served; pumps are common along main roads but sparse in remote mountain areas, so fill up in towns and carry kip cash as card acceptance is patchy.
After a crash
Dial 191 for police (1623 for traffic police, 1195 for ambulance); you must stop and report any injury crash to traffic police, and note that foreign drivers involved in accidents can be barred from leaving the country until compensation is settled, so contact your embassy and rental insurer immediately.
Sources: internationaldriversassociation.com · autourasia.com · internetlaos.com · idaoffice.org
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Laos?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Laos drives on the right; an IDP is recommended with your home licence, though recognition is inconsistent and many travellers hire drivers.
Which translation format is used for Laos?
Laos uses the Local rules convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Laos ask for a translation?
Vientiane desks request an IDP; carry passport and home licence too.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Laos?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Asia
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.