AAA Texas Warns Consumers about ''International Driver's License'' Scams

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 25, 2006--The continuing unauthorized
sale of "international driver's licenses" on the Internet has prompted
AAA Texas to warn consumers that web sites offering these licenses for
use in the United States are a rip-off.


An increasing number of web sites offer "international licenses" to
motorists and imply that they can be substituted for a state
government-issued driver's license. The documents, which can cost $300
or more on the Internet, are not accepted by U.S. law enforcement as
valid identification, AAA said.

"These documents are often marketed as a way for people to drive
without obtaining a valid license, or to continue driving if their
government-issued license has been suspended or revoked, or as a way
to avoid driver's education," said AAA Texas spokesperson Rose
Rougeau.

The documents should not be confused with legitimate International
Driving Permits, which are intended for use by tourists traveling
outside their home countries. International Driving Permits are
available for just $10 through AAA Texas and other AAA affiliated
clubs, but they are only valid when carried with a valid U.S. driver's
license. AAA is one of two organizations authorized by the U.S.
government to issue International Driving Permits.

Texas residents cannot use International Driving Permits in the United
States, and U.S. law enforcement agencies do not recognize the permit
as a valid driver license for anyone. Law enforcement agencies do
recognize a valid driver license that is issued by another country,
state or territory of which the license holder is a resident.

"International Driving Permits are simply intended as a translation of
a motorist's state driver's license for use when traveling outside of
the United States," Rougeau said. "And international law is very clear
about using an international permit in lieu of a driver's license. You
can't do it, period."

For more information on obtaining an International Driving Permit for
international travel, contact a local AAA office. Passport photos can
also be purchased at any of the 25 AAA Texas district offices
throughout the state.

INTERNATIONAL LICENSE 2-2-2

AAA recommends that tourists obtain an International Driving Permit as
added protection when overseas, even if they are not planning to
drive. It serves as a useful document in communicating with
non-English speaking authorities. However, some countries do not
recognize the permit, so check with a AAA Travel counselor to make
sure the permit is needed for the trip.

AAA Texas, an affiliate of AAA National, has been serving Texans since
1902. Today, more than a million AAA Texas members benefit from the
organization's roadside assistance service, travel agency, financial
products, insurance products and services, automotive pricing, buying
and financing, trip planning services, and traffic safety programs.
Information about these products and services is available on AAA
Texas' web site at www.aaa.com.