Famous for its breathtaking national parks, iconic landmarks, Route 66, and as the birthplace of Hollywood, America promises an unforgettable holiday experience. Whether you’re visiting a specific destination or embarking on an American road trip, it’s crucial to research road rules and requirements before you go.

Driving laws differ between each state which means that rules and regulations can vary. If you are planning a cross-state road trip then you will need to do some further research. This driving guide takes you through some of the driving basics to get you started.

Emergency Services Telephone Number in the US

911 – Dial 911 as this is the universal emergency number in the United States.

If you have a vehicle breakdown or another non-life-threatening emergency, it is best to call the local police or state patrol.

American Driving Licence Laws

Visitors must hold a full, valid driving licence to legally drive in America; provisional licences will not be accepted.

What You Cannot Bring into America

Prohibited and restricted items include:

• Meats 
• Fresh fruits 
• Vegetables 
• Plants 
• Seeds 
• Soil 
• Products made from animal or plant materials 

Documents You Need to Drive in America

When driving in the United States, you will need a valid UK driving license, an in-date passport, your vehicle insurance information and any other vehicle documentation from the rental company.

In most cases, you must be above 21 but some rental companies will want you to be at least 25.

Some states will also require you to have an International Driving Permit.

Compulsory Equipment for Driving in America

Reflective jackets are not essential, but your car must come with warning triangles that can be placed by the roadside.

American Rules of the Road

Seat Belt Law in America

It is compulsory for everyone inside the vehicle to be wearing a seatbelt. You could face a fine if it is discovered this is not the case.

What side of the road do they drive on in America?

In the USA, they drive on the right-hand side.

How to overtake in America

In America, overtaking is called ‘passing’ and is legal on roads with four or more lanes. On two-lane roads with significant sight distance, you may pass a vehicle unless it’s preparing to turn left.

Overtaking is prohibited in the following situations:

• In no-passing zones marked by solid yellow lines 
• When a school bus has its flashing lights activated 
• When approaching an intersection 
• On a two-lane road when another vehicle is making a left turn 
• Near railway crossings 
• On bridges or in tunnels, where visibility is reduced 

In the United States, undertaking is legal and widely practiced, particularly on motorways. This can be a significant cultural adjustment for UK motorists.

Who has priority in America?

At a stop sign (or a flashing red light acting as a stop sign), you must come to a complete stop before the white line and yield to any oncoming traffic. At a four-way stop, the driver who arrives first has the right of way. If multiple drivers arrive at the same time, the vehicle to the right proceeds first.

If there is no stop sign and only a flashing yellow light, you should slow down and proceed with caution.

Using your horn in America

Horns should be used sparingly. In some cities, it is against the law to use your horn unless it is an emergency.

Traffic light system

Traffic lights follow the sequence of red, green, amber and then back to red, they do not switch to amber before turning green as they do in the UK.

When the traffic light is red, you are allowed to turn right, given there is no oncoming traffic. The only exception to this is if there is a sign that indicates it is not allowed. It is also not allowed in New York City.

Freeways

Some interstates and freeways feature high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, identified by signs and a white diamond symbol on the road. These lanes are reserved for vehicles with two or more occupants during designated hours, as indicated on the signage.

What are the speed limits in America?

Each state has its own speed regulations, so use these as a general guideline:

• Urban areas: 20-35 mph 
• Two-lane highways: 55-65 mph 
• School zones: 10-20 mph 
• Motorways: 65-70 mph 

Always check local signage and regulations for specific speed limits.

American Speeding Fines

Fine amounts for speeding vary and depend on where you were driving as well as how far over the speed limit you were. The average cost of a speeding fine in America is estimated to be $150 – this includes any court fees.

The cheapest place to receive a ticket is Tennessee where the maximum fine is $50. The most expensive fines are in Virginia and Illinois where they can reach $2,500.

Are speed camera detectors allowed in America?

Radar detectors are allowed in most states although areas near military bases will have specific laws banning you from using them.

Washington DC is one of the states prohibiting the use of radar detectors. However, fixed location speed camera alerts on your sat nav are generally allowed and are unlikely to attract the attention of highway patrol officers.

Travelling with Children in America

Child Car Seat Rules in the US

Children must be secured in appropriate safety or booster seats while travelling in a vehicle. Infants in baby seats must not be placed in the front seat facing forward due to the potential danger posed by airbags.

Specific requirements vary depending on the age, weight and height of the child.

If you are stopped and it is found that your child is not wearing a seatbelt then this will result in a fine which can range from $10 to $500. It could even result in points on you licence for noncompliance.

Headphones and Mobile Phones

Texting while driving is illegal in all states. In some states, using a mobile phone for navigation is also prohibited.

In most states, there are no restrictions on wearing headphones while driving. However, certain states, such as New York, make it illegal to drive while wearing more than one earphone.

Parking in America

Parking Regulations

Always park facing the same direction as the flow of traffic.

Do not park across entrances or on the white line at a bus stop.

Parking five metres either side of a fire hydrant is prohibited. You can park on streets where the curb isn’t painted but check signage for advice on timings.

The rules for coloured differentiate between states but generally:

• A red border along a curb indicates that stopping and parking are strictly prohibited. 
• A blue border designates parking exclusively for vehicles with a disabled badge. 
• A white border allows short stops for loading and unloading passengers. 
• A yellow border permits loading and unloading for commercial vehicles only. 
• A green border signifies that parking is allowed for a brief duration, typically 15–30 minutes, but always verify the accompanying signage for exact restrictions. 

Enforcement of Parking Regulations

If you are caught parking illegally then you will be responsible for paying for any ticket or vehicle release costs.

Disabled Parking Access

America recognises the blue badge system so you will be able to your badge to access disabled parking spaces. Make sure it is clearly displayed to avoid being ticketed.

Toll Roads in America

Tolls roads, otherwise known as turnpikes, are often placed before entering cities and usually charged a standard fee. For example, entering New York City will cost you $14, or $9.75 in off peak hours.

Most highway tolls are booth-less and instead operate by registering your plates and sending a bill by mail. Tolls with booth accept cash and debit or credit cards.

Alternatively, you can use an electronic toll collection system, such as E-ZPass, which automatically deducts the toll fee from a prepaid account. To avoid unnecessary charges during your travels, it’s a good idea to research which roads in the U.S. require toll payments and the available payment methods.

Alcohol Limits

Each state has its own blood alcohol limit; the most common level is 0.08% which is the same as in England and Wales.

If you are found to have reached or exceeded the 0.08% then you could be charged with a DUI. It is also possible to be convicted of impaired driving with a lower blood alcohol level.

Fuel

Petrol and diesel are cheaper in the US and are typically priced at around 40p a litre in America. It is a good idea to check the exact prices before you leave so you know what to expect and are not caught off guard.

Hiring a Car in America

Not all of the information in the guide above may apply if you’re renting a car in the USA, but it’s still helpful to review to ensure you’re fully prepared. For those renting a vehicle, here are the most important things to know:

• Minimum Age: In the states of New York and Michigan, you can rent a car at 18 years old. For most of the other states, the minimum age to rent is 21 and again this can still differ according to the car hire company. 
• Driving License: A full, valid UK driving license is required, along with a second form of ID, such as a passport. 
• License Duration: Most rental companies require you to have held your license for at least 1 year. 
• Deposit Requirements: A credit card may be necessary to cover the deposit. 
• Travel Restrictions: Planning to drive across multiple states? Please conduct some state-specific research as something legal in one state may not be in another. 
• Excess Insurance: Protect yourself from unexpected costs with car hire excess insurance. It’s generally more affordable to arrange this in advance with a third-party insurer such as Cover4Rentals, rather than directly through the rental company. 

By staying informed and preparing ahead, you’ll ensure a smoother rental experience and can focus on enjoying your trip.

For a hassle-free experience, consider purchasing car hire excess insurance. If you accidentally damage the rental car, simply pay the excess to the rental company and then claim it back through your insurer. It’s that easy.

By familiarising yourself with the driving rules and securing the right insurance coverage, you can focus on what matters – making unforgettable memories during your stateside trip!