Destinations / San Marino
Driving in San Marino as a visitor
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. This enclave inside Italy drives on the right and follows Italian-style rules; an IDP is rarely required but useful for non-EU visitors.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What San Marino expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 70 km/h open roads (Italian rules nearby) |
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 | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| 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 EUR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Lights | Headlights on motorways and in tunnels. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| In the car | Reflective vest and triangle required. |
On the road in San Marino
At the pump
Unleaded petrol (95/98), diesel (gasolio) and LPG are sold and are noticeably cheaper than in surrounding Italy; stations are a mix of attended and self-serve and accept cards.
After a crash
Call 112/113 for police; exchange details and complete the European Accident Statement (CID/constat) form, and do not move vehicles after an injury crash until authorities attend.
Sources: theaa.ie · adcidl.com · internationaldriversassociation.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in San Marino?
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. This enclave inside Italy drives on the right and follows Italian-style rules; an IDP is rarely required but useful for non-EU visitors.
Which translation format is used for San Marino?
San Marino uses the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in San Marino ask for a translation?
Cars are typically rented in Italy; an IDP helps non-EU drivers.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for San Marino?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Europe
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.