Taiwan Driving Guide for Americans (2026): What to Know Before You Drive

1. Quick Answer: Can Americans drive in Taiwan (Republic of China) with just a U.S. License?

• No, Americans cannot drive in Taiwan with only a U.S. license. Taiwan requires all U.S. license holders to carry a valid International Driving Permit (IDP). If your license was issued in a country other than the United States, check out this blog about who is eligible to get an IDP.

• Requirements:

  • Must be 18+

  • Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license

  • Must carry IDP while driving

Holders of U.S. driver’s licenses must obtain an IDP from an authorized issuer. PriorityIDP obtains legitimate IDPs on behalf of its customers from AAA and express ships them internationally. This is the fastest, most reliable way to receive an IDP if you are unable to visit a AAA branch yourself.

2. How to legally drive in Taiwan as a foreigner

Is an IDP required to drive in Taiwan if I have a U.S. license?

• Yes, Taiwanese law requires that U.S. license holders must carry a valid International Driving Permit to drive in Taiwan. Drivers who plan to stay in Taiwan for more than 30 days must get their IDP endorsed by the Taiwanese Highway Bureau.

• These rules are based on two legal texts:

  • 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic: This is the international treaty that created IDPs and continues to govern them. The U.S. and Taiwan are both signatories to this treaty and will recognize 1949-format IDPs. 

  • Taiwan's Road Traffic Safety Law: Article 55 covers the two most relevant sections for U.S. license holders. Translated from Chinese:

    • (3) Holders of a valid International Driving Permit issued by a reciprocal country are permitted to drive without an endorsement for a short stay of up to 30 days within Taiwan; however, for stays exceeding 30 days, an endorsement must be obtained from the highway administration authority. 

    • (4) The endorsement for an International Driving Permit is valid for a maximum of one year. If the original permit or residence permit has not expired within one year, the earlier expiry date shall prevail; driving is prohibited after the expiry date.

  • Taiwan's Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act: Article 21 covers legal consequences for driving without proper licensing.

Who checks the IDP and what happens if I don’t have one?

Taiwan is one of the strictest countries in the world when it comes to requiring International Driving Permits. Here are the policies of the three groups who will check for an IDP:

• Police

  • Driving without a valid IDP is a violation of Taiwanese national law.

    Drivers caught driving without an IDP or with a fake IDP will be subject to a fine of NT$6,000–NT$24,000 ($188–$751 at the time of writing) and will be prohibited from driving any further. Drivers who are caught a second time will face harsher penalties.

• Rental car agency

  • Both international rental car companies (e.g., Avis, Alamo, National) and Taiwanese rental car companies (e.g., GoodCars, Chailese) require renters to present an IDP at the rental desk.

  • Renters without an IDP will be turned away. Fake IDPs are generally rejected as well (see our blog about how to spot IDP scams).

• Insurer

  • If you paid for a collision damage waiver (CDW) through your rental car company, the contract likely has language requiring that you be properly licensed to drive in Taiwan. If they can show that you aren’t, they may claim breach of contract and refuse to cover any of the damage.

  • If you paid for a travel insurance policy or have rental car insurance through your credit card, they may also refuse to reimburse your claim if you get into an accident and can’t prove that you were properly licensed.

How to get an IDP (U.S. license holders)

Holders of U.S. driver’s licenses must obtain an IDP from an authorized issuer. PriorityIDP obtains legitimate IDPs on behalf of its customers from AAA and express ships them internationally. This is the fastest, most reliable way to receive an IDP while abroad.

3. Renting a Car in Taiwan (What to Expect)

Requirements

• Valid U.S. driver’s license

• Valid IDP with proper markings for the vehicle type you wish to rent

• Credit card for deposit

• Minimum age of 20 in most places – see our blog about the minimum age required to rent and drive a car / motorcycle

How does insurance work when renting a car in Taiwan?

Check out our blog on this topic.

What other fees should I look out for while renting a car / driving in Taiwan?

Check out our blog on this topic.

4. Taiwan-Specific Driving Rules You Must Know

Quick tips

• Driving side: Taiwan drives on the right side of the road (same as the U.S.). Be cautious at intersections and roundabouts if you're coming from left-hand traffic countries.

• Road signs: Road signs are often posted only in Traditional Chinese. Make sure to review what different traffic symbols mean before you drive.

• Speed limits: Taiwan uses speed cameras and hand-held radar guns to catch speeders. If you are renting a car, your ticket will be sent to your rental company who will bill you automatically, often adding an additional administrative fee.

• Headlights: Headlights required at night, in tunnels, and in poor visibility (e.g., rain, fog).

• Seat belts: Mandatory for all passengers.

• Car seats: Children must sit in the rear seat. Children under 5 years old and 18 kg (40 pounds) or less must be seated in car seats. Some rental car companies may have them on hand, but we suggest requesting ahead of time.

• Phone usage: Handheld phone usage while driving is strictly prohibited.

• Alcohol limit: Approximately 0.03% BAC, which is significantly lower than the U.S. legal limit. 1-2 drinks can put many people over the limit. Your best bet is to not drive if you plan on drinking at all.

• Right-of-way:

  • Left turns (across oncoming traffic) must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right.

  • If not explicitly marked by a sign, traffic coming from the left yields to traffic coming from the right.

  • Must yield to pedestrians in or waiting at crossings.

• Right turn on red: Not allowed unless there is a sign or signal explicitly granting permission.

• Required equipment (generally provided by rental company): Warning triangle for use in case of a breakdown. Helmets are required for motorcyclists and their passengers.

• Tolls: National freeways have electronic tolls that charge based on distance. Your rental company will receive the tolls on your behalf and charge you automatically.

What to do if you get pulled over

Check out our blog on this topic.

What to do if you get into an accident

The emergency numbers in Taiwan are 110 for police and 119 for fire and ambulance services.

Check out our blog for more information on this subject.

5. How to get an IDP quickly

Need an IDP? We can ship as quickly as next-day for domestic orders and 2 days for most major cities abroad. We can help figure out where to ship your IDP if you’re already abroad. Don’t panic! We’re here to help.