Can an American Drive in Liechtenstein? — IDP Recommended, and It's Swiss Rules

Americans can drive in Liechtenstein on their US licence, and an International Driving Permit is the sensible companion document. The direction of travel is the same as at home, because traffic keeps to the right. What the U.S. State Department stresses is that the habits are not the same: lane markings and sign placements may differ from the United States, and drivers should be prepared to make last-minute manoeuvres and stops. The rules below are worth knowing before you collect the keys.

No right turn on red

The State Department says in so many words that turning right on red is illegal. That is the habit most likely to catch an American in the first hour, because in most US states it is the default. At a red light you stay stopped, even at an empty junction.

Priority to the right

Right-of-way rules differ from those in the United States. Unless signs say otherwise, drivers entering an intersection from the right have priority over those on the left, even when a small side street joins a relatively large boulevard. A car from a side road on your right may go before you. Slow at every unmarked junction and look right first.

Pedestrians, cyclists and trams generally have the right of way too. At a crossing, assume you give way.

Headlights and phones

All vehicles must travel with their headlights on at all times. Talking or texting on a mobile phone while driving is prohibited. The minimum age to drive in Liechtenstein is 18, which matters if a younger family member expects to share a rental.

Mountain roads and winter

Road conditions are generally excellent, but in alpine areas roads can become dangerous because of snowfall, ice or avalanches, and some mountain roads close for extended periods. In some mountain areas, snow chains are required in winter. If your trip is between late autumn and spring, ask the rental firm what the car carries and which roads are open before you plan a route.

Getting in: the vignette

Liechtenstein itself has no motorway network that needs a sticker, but most visitors arrive via Switzerland or Austria. The State Department says that driving there on Austrian or Swiss motorways requires a Swiss or Austrian toll sticker (vignette), fixed to the windscreen. You can buy one online, at petrol stations and at border crossings, and failing to comply can mean large fines. Our vignette guide lists the countries that use stickers.

Alcohol

The record lists a limit of 0.08, the same figure as most US states. Do not use it as an allowance, though, because Liechtenstein is small, checks are easy, and a stop is not something you drive away from. Drink nothing before a drive.

Planning a day trip

Most visitors drive in from Switzerland or Austria for a few hours. Decide before you cross which motorway you will use, buy the matching sticker first, and keep the rental papers, licence, IDP and passport in the front of the car. Fill the tank before entering a mountain area, and leave extra time when the weather turns.

Equipment

The country record lists a warning triangle, a reflective vest and a first-aid kit as required, and a fire extinguisher is not. A hire car should have them; look in the boot before you leave.

If there is an accident

Call the police immediately on 117. The State Department gives 118 for the fire department and 144 for medical help or an ambulance. 112 is also recorded as the general emergency number, and you can dial it if you cannot remember the others. Save all four numbers into your phone before you drive.

Public transport as a backup

The bus network is described as excellent, punctual and safe, and links Vaduz with bus and railway stations in Switzerland and Austria. Passengers must buy and validate tickets before boarding; an inspector can fine you on the spot, and the fine doubles if you do not pay it there. Consult the Driving Permit Checker or the Liechtenstein driving guide for more.

Sources

• U.S. Department of State, Country Information, Liechtenstein (road conditions; right on red illegal; priority from the right; headlights; chains; vignette; 117/118/144), last updated January 15, 2026: cadataapi.state.gov