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Driving in the United States

From New York City to the Grand Canyon, America has something for everyone. The vastness of the country makes driving a great way to see the sights, if you've got some time and perseverance. Distances can be long on an American road trip, and the highway system can seem daunting. Just remember to plan accordingly.

Most traffic laws apply to the entire country, but there are 50 different states to consider. Check this site for state-specific information, and make sure to ask ahead about any special rules of the road that pertain to the states where you plan to travel.

Before You Go

Plan ahead. America is a big country with a wide range of driving conditions and regulations. Read more specific articles on this site to figure out some of the situations you might face on the road. You'll also need some documentation.

• Drivers license. As a tourist, your foreign license is valid in most states for up to one year. Some states offer a shorter grace period, but regardless of your length of stay, make sure the license contains photo identification. If your home license comes in several pieces, bring them all.

• International Driver Permit (IDP). The IDP is typically not required to drive in America. Some states and car rental agencies do request the IDP, so it's never a bad idea to have one at hand. You must get your IDP in your home country, before making the trip abroad.

• Visa. Non-citizens will need a passport to enter the country, and sometimes a visa. The nonimmigrant temporary stay visa is most common, unless you hope to establish more permanent residency. The U.S. State Department offers more information about visa requirements. About 30 countries now participate in a visa waiver program, in which case a passport alone is sufficient for stays under 90 days. For Canadians, the visa is waived, but usually not for Mexican travelers. Check the State Department for specifics.

Road Rules

Traffic

• Drive on the right. This will feel unnatural to many drivers from European countries, so take it slow.

• Speed limit minimums and maximums vary across the 50 states. Highway speeds can range from 55 miles per hour to 75, while city driving and neighborhood traffic can dip to 25 miles per hour or lower. Signs are posted in most populated areas, but you can always ask your car rental agency or motor club about specific questions.

• Ask ahead about toll roads, often called "turnpikes." Most issue tickets at your point of entry and assess the toll at your point of exit, with the amount determined by your length of travel. Credit and debit cards are accepted at some toll booths, but not all.

• America is famous for its interstate highways. Prepare for long, straight drives across open country, interrupted by areas of dense urban traffic. Six- and eight-lane highways can be nerveracking for drivers not accustomed to so much traffic, so again, take it slow and stick to the slower lanes on the right. Interstate highways that run north-south have odd numbers, while east-west highways carry even numbers.

Conditions

• Road conditions are typically excellent, but not always. Watch for potholes in well-traveled areas, and road debris in more isolated areas. Highways can become littered with old, blown tires along commercial truck routes.

• Weather conditions vary across the country. Depending on the season, you can encounter tropical storms in the South, ice and hail in the North, tornadoes across the Heartland, and severe rain in the West. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) offers current information about weather warnings and country-wide forecasts.

• Many states in the U.S. now operate a 511 Travel System. You can now call from your cell phone for real-time, local information about traffic delays, construction detours, and weather conditions. Many states are moving toward a cell-phone ban while on the road, so make sure to pull over to a safe spot before making the call.

Signs

Most of the traffic signs used in America will either look familiar to you, or seem intuitive. Visit DiscoverAbroad.com for a quick look at some of the more common signs you'll encounter.

Parking

Parking regulations are varied and nuanced across the 50 states. Parking lots can be metered, carry a flat fee, or come free to everyone. Streetside parking is common, but hard to come by in the more populated cities. Parallel parking is also common, but not nearly as common as you might be used to in London or Paris. Check the posted signage for limitations, which can include zoning restrictions, scheduled street-sweeping, snow emergency routes, and reservations for nearby places of business.

Tickets

Many American cities are incorporating traffic cameras into their oversight programs. Speeding and parking are common sources of ticketing, and driving while intoxicated (DWI) is illegal across the country. Different states carry different thresholds, so be smart and either stay sober or take a cab home.

Unpaid tickets can follow you home, typically through your car rental agency, so pay up if you've been bad.

Renting a Car

Rental agencies have different age minimums for foreign drivers, but 21 years old is common. Your foreign license will be fine, but check ahead to see if you'll also need an IDP.

Safety

• Belong to a motor club back home? If so, many carry reciprocal privileges.

• Buckle up. It's the law across the country, as are safety seats for children.

• Cell phone laws for drivers vary from state to state. Find out what it is in the place you'll be visiting, or risk getting a citation. The safest bet is to use a handsfree headset if you must talk while driving.

• Prepare for hazardous road conditions. The weather can be changeable and violent at times, particularly along the coasts.

• Watch out for wildlife. In and around the national parks, deer crossings are common, so check for signs and slow down.

• Avoid road rage. Some folks get a little aggressive behind the wheel, especially along urban routes and in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Take plenty of deep breaths and avoid erratic drivers in your vicinity.

• Stay vigilant in areas of higher crime. Carjackings are rare, but they do happen. Steer clear of dark alleys and abandoned lots late at night.

Emergencies

In the event of a breakdown, an accident, or a medical emergency, have your important contact numbers at hand. You never know when you might need to call your insurance providers, your consulate or embassy, or the local authorites.

Across America, 911 is the universal emergency phone number. If you need an ambulance, a fire engine, or the police, this is the number to call.