Vietnam Driving Guide for Americans (2026): Do You Need an IDP + What to Know Before You Drive
1. Quick Answer: Can Americans drive in Vietnam with a U.S. License?
No, Americans cannot drive in Vietnam with just a U.S. license, as per the US State Department’s website for Vietnam. Unfortunately, the only fool-proof way for American license holders to drive legally in Vietnam is to obtain a Vietnamese driver’s license, which can be a pretty tedious process. See the US Embassy in Vietnam website for more information.
Requirements
Must be 16+ to drive a moped or 18+ to drive a motorcycle or car
Must obtain a Vietnamese driver’s license
2. Can Americans drive in Vietnam with an International Driving Permit?
Not officially, but more explanation is necessary.
There are two types of IDPs issued in the world: 1949-format and 1968-format. These IDPs were created by separate international treaties: the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic respectively.
The U.S. is a signatory only to the 1949 treaty, so Americans can only obtain 1949-format IDPs. Vietnam, on the other hand, is only a signatory to the second treaty, and only officially recognizes 1968-format IDPs.
AAA’s IDP booklet offers two seemingly contradictory statements about using the 1949-format IDP in Vietnam:
“Not party to 1949 convention; International Driving Permit honored”
“IDP must be exchanged for a local driving license”
Many travelers on Reddit and other forums report using a 1949-format IDP without issue in Vietnam. This aligns with what we’ve heard from our customers as well.
While we always recommend that you follow local laws while traveling abroad, it’s ultimately your decision on how you’d like to proceed.
Feel free to contact us if you’d like to discuss this with us!
3. Vietnam-Specific Driving Rules You Must Know
Quick tips
Driving side: Vietnam 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: Some signs are posted in both Vietnamese and English, however, many areas may use Vietnamese only. Make sure to review what different traffic symbols mean and also have a translation app handy.
Speed limits: Vietnam uses both handheld radar and automated speed cameras to catch speeders. If you are renting a car, tickets from speed cameras will be sent to your rental company who will bill you automatically, likely with an additional admin fee.
Headlights: Required from 6:00pm to 6:00am, in tunnels, and in poor visibility (e.g., rain, fog, etc).
Seat belts: Mandatory for all passengers.
Car seats: As of January 1, 2026, children under the age of 10 or under 4 ft 5 inches (1.35m) must be seated in the backseat and in approved 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: Vietnam has zero tolerance for driving after drinking. The BAC limit is 0.00%
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 right has priority, except in roundabouts where traffic from the left has priority.
Must yield to pedestrians and cyclists in or waiting at crossings.
Right turn on red: Not allowed unless there is a green turn arrow or a sign explicitly allowing such turns.
Tolls: Vietnam has tolls primarily on expressways, and most of them use electronic collection. Rental cars often come equipped with an ETC tag, but be sure to check with your rental agency first.
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 phone numbers in Vietnam are 113 for police (and reporting traffic accidents), 114 for fire, and 115 for medical emergencies.
Check out our blog for more information on this subject.
4. 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 also help figure out where to ship your IDP if you’re already abroad. Don’t panic! We’re here to help.