New int'l driving permits to be valid for 3 years

According to existing regulations, an IDP remains valid for three years from the date of issue, or until the expiration date of the holder's driver's license, whichever is earlier.

The new measure is expected to be implemented from March, after the necessary legislation has been passed, the MOTC said.

Under the present rules, if a Taiwanese driver has a driver's license with remaining validity of two or three months, the driver can only apply for an IDP with the same remaining validity time, so that such a driver using a vehicle abroad may need to mail the IDP back to Taiwan for license renewal.

Taiwanese drivers need to renew their licenses every six years.

In the case of foreign IDP holders, however, Taiwan applies different rules depending on how the foreign countries or regions reciprocate with Taiwanese IDP holders, according to the MOTC.

In general, foreign IDP holders who stay in Taiwan for 30 days or less can drive without registration.

However, if they stay in Taiwan over 30 days, they must register their IDP at the Motor Vehicle Office — with one year the longest period for IDP registration.

If the holder's IDP or Alien Residence Certificate's validity period is less than one year, they will only be allowed to drive until the expiry date of the holder's IDP or ARC, whichever comes first.

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