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Driving — Laos
What travelers need to know about driving in Laos. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.
Short answer
Driving in the U.S. too?The free LawLert iPhone app alerts you when you cross into a U.S. state where a law you track differs. It doesn't cover other countries yet.Get the free appDriving in Laos: allowed only under specific conditions.
CONDITIONAL
To drive in Laos you must carry both your home licence and a 1949-version International Driving Permit (get it before you travel), and if you are in an accident you are liable for third-party damage and injury even when you are not at fault.
You must pay compensation for third-party property damage and injury even if you are not at fault; Lao authorities generally find in favour of Lao citizens.
§ UK FCDO — LaosVerified Jul 30, 2026
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LawLert is an independent app and is not affiliated with any government. It summarizes laws from official government and U.S. State Department sources for general information only. This is not legal advice, and laws change. Always confirm with official sources and local authorities before you travel.