MoRTH standardises the process for issuing an International Driving Permit

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has now standardised the procedure for issuing an International Driving Permits (IDP), as confirmed on Monday. According to the ministry, the document will now be issued as a booklet and include a QR code with all driver-related data so that officials in the nation being visited may check it.

India must issue IDP in accordance with the 1949 Geneva Convention on International Road Traffic in order for it to be recognized by other nations. The permit is causing problems for residents with their respective IDP in other countries because it varies throughout states in India owing to the format, size, pattern, colour, etc.

The new, standardized IDP will be issued by the relevant state authorities and be applicable for one year after the date of issuance.

The US, UK, Canada, UAE, Australia, Ireland, South Korea, Russia, South Africa, Thailand, and New Zealand are just a few of the 102 nations where the IDP is legal. According to ministry officials, any problems a person may face with being verified by local authorities when travelling abroad should be resolved by the universal format.

The IDP will not be valid in several nations, including China, Pakistan, Germany, and Nepal. These nations have not ratified the treaty.

A comparison of vehicle classifications across several Conventions and the Central Motor Vehicle Rules of 1989 have also been introduced, according to the notification released on August 26. This is done to make it easier for regulatory authorities.

The statement from MoRTH stated that "Currently, the format, size, pattern, colour etc. of the IDP being issued was differing across states in India. Due to this, many citizens were facing difficulties with their respective IDP in foreign countries. Now, through this amendment in the Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989, the format, size, colour etc. for IDP has been standardised for issuance across India, and in adherence to the Geneva Convention. The ministry issued a notification on August 26 to bring the changes to effect for greater facilitation of citizens in the issue of International Driving Permit (IDP) across the country."