The convention addresses minimum mechanical and safety equipment needed to be on board and defines an identification mark to identify the origin of the vehicle.

The Convention was prepared and opened for signature by the United Nations Conference on Road and Motor Transport held at Geneva from 23 August to 19 September 1949.

The following requirements must be met when driving outside the country of registration: The requirement to display a distinguishing sign as defined in the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic is waived between some countries, for example within the European Economic Area, for vehicles with registration plates in the common EU format (which incorporates the distinguishing sign into the registration plate).

The 1949 Geneva Convention states that an IDP remains valid for one year from the date of issue.

Article 24 of the convention describes requirements for drivers of motor vehicles in international traffic.