Driving in America: A guide to navigating roads in the USA

Renowned for its stunning national parks, grand landmarks, Route 66, and being the home of Hollywood, you’re always sure to have an unforgettable holiday in America. Whether you’re heading to a particular destination or planning an American road trip, it is important to thoroughly research the road rules and requirements before your getaway. Failure to do your research could result in you joining the two-thirds of Brits who have run into issues when driving abroad.

These problems include driving the wrong way on a roundabout, using the wrong side of the road, and getting lost.

However, while accidents and mishaps can be unavoidable, they can still be very costly. Avoid problems at the car hire desk and having to pay costs ranging from £100 to £2,000 upon your return by taking out a standalone excess insurance policy. Our car hire insurance excess cover is there to eliminate any stress and cover the cost of any loss or damage caused to the vehicle. Those travelling to America will require our Worldwide+ cover, which provides you with an increased excess reimbursement of up to $50,000. You will also be covered for additional drivers, misfuelling, personal possessions and tyres, windscreen, and undercarriage damage.

To help you feel more at ease, continue reading our comprehensive guide, which covers everything you need to know about driving in America.

Preparing for driving in America

The first step to feeling more confident and comfortable when driving in unfamiliar territory is doing your research. It is estimated that 18% of motorists have had a near miss when driving abroad, while 44% have found themselves lost.

If you do not do any research before arriving at your destination, you are not only putting yourself and others at significant risk, but you could also find yourself on the wrong side of the law.

Just like when travelling to European countries, such as Italy and Belgium , you will need to ensure you are carrying the correct documentation and equipment required by American law.

So, let us take a closer look at what you will need to enjoy a stress-free driving experience in America.

Can I drive in America with a UK license?

Good news! You can legally use your UK driving license when visiting America, provided it is full and valid. However, the length of time you can legally drive can vary depending on which state you are visiting, so it is always best to double check the specific regulations of your destination before arriving.

What is the driving age in America?

The legal driving age in America can vary from state to state, but it typically ranges from 16 to 18 years old. If you are wanting to hire a car when you arrive in the US, you generally have to be 21 years old.

This will most likely result in you incurring a young drivers fee, which is usual for renters under the age of 25. Before travelling, it is always worth double-checking the driving age restrictions in your chosen state.

Do UK drivers need an IDP for the USA?

Many states, such as New York, Massachusetts, and Florida, do not require you to have an international driving permit. However, some states do, and your permit must be obtained before your trip, as the US does not issue IDPs to international visitors. Before your trip, it is always worth contacting the State Department of Motor Vehicles for the state you are planning to visit to see if an IDP is required.

You can learn more about applying for an Spain and France, motorists are required to drive on the right-hand side of the road in the US. If you have hired your car in America, it is worth remembering that it will already be set up for this, with your driver’s seat located on the left-hand side.

This can be one of the biggest adjustments when driving abroad.

Make sure you are set up to enjoy a comfortable and stress-free drive by setting up your GPS system and familiarising yourself with your hire car’s new functions before taking to America’s busy highways.

How do I overtake?

Motorists are expected to overtake other vehicles on the left-hand side of the road. Overtaking is often referred to as ‘passing’ in the US. You are legally allowed to overtake on roads with four lanes or more, or on two-lane roads with sufficient distance.

It is illegal to overtake in the following situations:

No passing zones marked with solid yellow lines

School buses with flashing lights

When approaching an intersection

On a two-lane road, when a vehicle is making a left turn

Near railway crossings

On bridges or in tunnels due to reduced visibility

Although you may be driving abroad, the same rules still apply as when you would overtake another car at home. Be sure to always leave a safe distance between you and other cars, check your mirrors, and use your indicators appropriately to signal to other drivers that you wish to overtake.

How do roundabouts work in America?

In the US, drivers must give way to those approaching from the left-hand side. Apart from that, the rules for navigating American roundabouts are not too dissimilar from the ones we follow in the UK. So, you should always stay in your lane, give larger vehicles enough space, and always use your indicators to show other drivers you are intending to exit the roundabout.

Can I turn right on a red light?

Yes, in most parts of America, you can take a right turn at a red light if there is no oncoming traffic, if there is a sign indicating you can, and if it is safe to do so.

However, make sure that this law applies to the state you are visiting, as some well-known tourist hotspots, such as New York, do not allow this.

How do traffic lights work in America?

Just like the UK and many European countries, America operates a three-colour traffic light system.

Additional signals you may come across during your travels include:

• Flashing yellow – Signalling for you to proceed with caution and prepare to yield to other road users or pedestrians
• Flashing red – The light equivalent of a ‘stop’ sign, signifying that you must come to a complete stop.
• Green arrow – Indicates the direction you are allowed to proceed in and is often accompanied by a red light
• Red arrow – Generally means that turning in the shown direction is prohibited

American speed limits

America, like the UK, follows the imperial system for all its road signs, which provide you with information regarding distances and speed limits.

This means that any signs you see will be displayed in miles per hour as opposed to kilometres. You should always follow the instructed speed limit unless signs state otherwise.

Here is a general guideline for American speed limits:

• Urban roads 20 – 35 mph
• Two-lane highway 55 - 65 mph
• School zones 10 – 20 mph
• Freeway 55 – 75 mph
• Interstate highway 55 – 85 mph

It is important to be aware that each state will have its own speed regulations, which you will need to abide by, so it is essential to check these before you travel.

In addition, you should always be aware of your speed, as limits can change depending on where you are driving and the type of road you are driving on.

Speeding in America is a sure way to land yourself on the wrong side of the law, and could see you receiving a fine, points on your license, or result in your license being revoked.

How much are American speeding fines?

Just like in the UK, speeding in America can result in you receiving a fine. Fine amounts can vary and depend on where you were driving and how far over the speed limit you were. The average cost of a speeding fine in America is estimated to be $150, which would include any court fees.

Escort states that the cheapest place to receive a ticket is in Tennessee, where the maximum fine is $50, while the maximum in Virginia and Illinois is $2,500!

Although you may have hired a car for your trip, it is important to be aware that you will still be liable for any fines incurred, not the rental company.

Speed cameras in America

You will find both fixed and mobile speed cameras when driving in America. They are usually based in cities like New York, Chicago, and LA, or along highways and freeways.

Drivers are usually alerted to a speed camera’s presence by a sign stating, ‘photo enforced’ or ‘speed camera ahead’ and are usually followed by an image of a camera.

Do children require a car seat?

Yes – if you are travelling with a child all states require that infants and children be adequately restrained in an approved car seat or booster. Requirements can vary and depend on the age, weight, and height of the child.

Before travelling, ensure you thoroughly check your destination’s child seat requirements. If you are stopped and a child in your car is not wearing a seatbelt, this could result in a fine ranging from $10 to $500, and even points on your license for noncompliance.

Can I use my mobile phone when driving?

In some states, you are allowed to use a mobile phone as long as it’s hands-free. Under no circumstances are you allowed to use it to text or email while driving.

If you are caught using your mobile without hands-free, you can expect to receive a fine. The amount you will be charged can vary per state. Interestingly, some states, such as Maryland, Washington, and New Hampshire, have banned all mobile phone use for those considered novice drivers.

What are the rules for using headlights in America?

All drivers are required to use their headlights half an hour before sunrise and half an hour after sunset. Road users must also switch their headlights on if visibility is less than 200ft.

Parking in America

To avoid having to dip into your holiday budget unnecessarily, it is always best to do your research on where you can and cannot park in the area you will be visiting.

Here are some important tips for parking while visiting America:

• You are prohibited from parking ten metres either side of a fire hydrant
• Parking is allowed on streets where the curb is not painted (check signs for timing advice)
• A red border along a curb means that stopping and parking is prohibited
• A blue border signifies that only disabled badge holders may park there
• A white border means that a short stay for loading and unloading passengers is allowed
• A yellow border highlights that commercial vehicles are allowed to load and unload
• A green border means that parking is permitted for a very short time, usually 15 – 30 mins, but always double check the adjacent sign
• You should 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

The USA recognises the blue badge system, so holders can still use their badge to access disabled parking spaces in America. However, your badge must be displayed clearly on the dashboard to avoid being ticketed for illegal parking.

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




Are there toll roads in the USA?

Yes, there are roads in America that require you to pay a toll in order to proceed. The average toll fee in America is $5, but this can vary depending on where you are visiting, the vehicle you are driving, and how far you plan to continue on the toll road for.

For example, entering New York will cost you $14 during peak hours and $9.75 in off peak hours.

Payment systems can vary from state to state, but toll booths usually accept both cash and card payments. Alternatively, you can use an electronic toll collection system such as E-ZPass, which will automatically deduct the fee from a prepaid account. You can avoid further unnecessary charges on your days out by researching which roads in America require toll payments and how to pay them.




Availability and cost of fuel in America

Much like the UK, the US likes to keep it simple and offers all the usual fuel types, including Octane 87, Octane 89-90, Octane 91-94, and diesel. The price of petrol and fuel in America is cheaper than it is in the UK, but prices do vary from area to area. As America follows the imperial system, all pumps will display fuel in gallons. You can pay for fuel by cash or card but will usually have to prepay the cashier before filling up your car.

To ensure you are not caught short, check the current US fuel prices before travelling.




Final thoughts

A getaway to America should be filled with new adventures and memories, rather than worries of mishaps and unexpected charges once you have returned home. Researching and understanding rules that you are not used to beforehand can boost your knowledge and confidence when navigating new roads. So, all that is left to do is wish you a safe and happy trip stateside!

About the author

Jon spent years travelling Europe and Asia before settling down in the UK when he met his wife. He’s hired cars across the globe and is passionate about helping people save money with excess insurance. Since co-founding Reduce My Excess, Jon has found that he can use the knowledge he picked up from his travels by sharing it in online guides and articles. He hopes to save people from making the mistakes he learnt from over the years by giving them the travel information they need before they head off on their holidays.