Car Hire in the USA: What to Know Before You Drive

Many driving rules are set by individual states

The United States does not have one nationwide set of rules covering every aspect of everyday driving. States and local authorities set many traffic laws, so some requirements can change during a multi-state road trip.

• Speed limits: follow the posted limit because maximum speeds differ between states and roads.
• Mobile phones: restrictions on hand-held use vary between states.
• Child restraints: age, height and weight requirements vary.
• Turns and parking: additional local restrictions can apply in cities and towns.
• If your journey crosses several states, check any important state-specific requirements before travelling.

Before you leave the rental car park

Rental vehicles in the United States are generally straightforward to drive, but unfamiliar controls, toll arrangements and local rules make a few checks worthwhile before beginning the journey.

• Confirm the fuel or power type: check whether the vehicle uses gasoline, electricity, hybrid power or another fuel.
• Find the controls: locate the lights, indicators, wipers, hazard lights, parking brake and gear selector.
• Check existing damage: make sure visible damage is recorded and consider taking your own photographs.
• Ask about tolls: understand whether the car has a toll transponder or plate-based toll service and how charges will be billed.
• Check the fuel policy: confirm the required return fuel or battery level.
• Check the vehicle size: larger SUVs and pick-up trucks can be substantially wider and longer than vehicles commonly rented in Europe.
• Save roadside-assistance details: keep the rental company's assistance number accessible.

Speed limits are shown in miles per hour

US speed limits are displayed in miles per hour (mph) rather than kilometres per hour.

• 30 mph is approximately 48 km/h.
• 55 mph is approximately 89 km/h.
• 65 mph is approximately 105 km/h.
• 70 mph is approximately 113 km/h.
• 75 mph is approximately 121 km/h.
• The main speed display in a US rental car will normally show mph clearly.

Interstate highways are designed for long-distance travel

The Interstate Highway System connects major cities and regions across the United States and will form part of many longer car-hire itineraries.

• Interstate route numbers are normally shown on distinctive red, white and blue shields.
• Enter using the acceleration lane and merge when there is a safe gap.
• Keep a safe following distance at motorway speeds.
• Move towards the correct lane in good time for your exit.
• Do not stop on the roadway except in an emergency.
• Urban Interstates can include toll, express or high-occupancy lanes with additional rules.

Watch exit signs early

• Large metropolitan freeways can have many lanes and closely spaced exits.
• Navigation instructions can refer to route numbers, directions and exit numbers rather than place names alone.
• Do not cross several lanes suddenly if you miss an exit.
• Continue to the next safe exit and allow your navigation system to reroute.
• Some motorway exits are on the left rather than the right.

A right turn on red is often permitted

In many parts of the United States, a driver may turn right at a red traffic signal after coming to a complete stop, provided the turn is permitted and it is safe to proceed.

• Stop completely before the stop line or pedestrian crossing.
• Give way to pedestrians, cyclists and other traffic.
• Look for a NO TURN ON RED sign.
• Follow any separate instructions shown by a red arrow or other traffic signal.
• New York City is an important exception: turns on red are generally prohibited unless specifically permitted.
• If you are unsure whether the turn is permitted, remain stopped until you receive a green signal.

Stop signs are common

Four-way and all-way stop junctions are common in many parts of the United States.

• A STOP sign requires a complete stop.
• Stop before the marked stop line or pedestrian crossing where provided.
• At an all-way stop, follow the applicable right-of-way rules.
• Where vehicles arrive at different times, the vehicle that arrived first will normally proceed first.
• If vehicles arrive together, proceed cautiously and follow the applicable local right-of-way rules.
• Never treat a stop sign as a give-way or rolling stop.

Take school-bus warning lights seriously

States have strict rules around stopped school buses loading or unloading children. The precise requirements can differ, particularly on divided roads.

• Flashing red lights and an extended stop arm indicate that children may be entering or leaving the roadway.
• Traffic approaching from behind will normally be required to stop.
• Rules for traffic approaching from the opposite direction depend on the road layout and state law.
• Do not pass a stopped school bus unless you are certain the applicable state rules permit it.
• Watch carefully for children crossing the road.

Yield to emergency vehicles

• Give way to emergency vehicles using lights or sirens.
• Pull over safely where required.
• Do not stop where you block an intersection.
• States have Move Over requirements for approaching certain stopped emergency, recovery or roadside vehicles.
• Follow the local signs and state rules when approaching vehicles stopped on the roadside.

Some US roads, bridges and tunnels charge tolls

Many US roads are free to use, but toll facilities are common in certain states and major metropolitan areas.

• Toll roads are common in parts of the Northeast and Florida and around several major cities.
• Bridges and tunnels can carry separate charges.
• Some Interstate routes include tolled sections.
• Express lanes can use variable or congestion-based pricing.
• Payment systems differ between states and toll authorities.
• Check the planned route before travelling if you want to avoid toll roads.

Many toll facilities use electronic or cashless payment

Do not assume that every toll road has a staffed booth where you can pay with cash.

• Electronic tolling is widespread.
• Systems such as E-ZPass are accepted across multiple participating states, but there is no single toll system covering every US road.
• Other regions use different transponders or plate-based payment systems.
• Rental vehicles may already be enrolled in a toll service.
• The rental company may charge tolls to your payment card after the journey.
• Administration or service fees may apply under the rental agreement.

Check the rules before using HOV or express lanes

Large urban freeways can have special lanes marked HOV, carpool, express or managed lane.

• HOV lanes can require a minimum number of occupants.
• Express lanes can require electronic toll payment.
• Rules can change depending on the time of day.
• Some lanes combine tolling with carpool exemptions.
• Read the overhead signs carefully before entering.

Parking rules are heavily localised

Cities and towns set their own parking restrictions, charging systems and enforcement arrangements.

• Read all signs applying to the parking space.
• Check street-cleaning, permit and time-restriction signs.
• Do not block driveways, fire hydrants or marked access areas.
• Kerb colours can have specific local meanings.
• Parking meters increasingly accept cards or mobile payment.
• Private car parks and hotel garages can be expensive in major cities.

Petrol is called gasoline

US filling stations use different terminology, measurements and octane numbering from those commonly seen in Europe.

• Petrol is normally labelled gasoline or simply gas.
• Fuel is sold by the US gallon.
• One US gallon is approximately 3.785 litres.
• Common gasoline grades are Regular, Midgrade and Premium.
• Typical pump ratings are around 87 for Regular, 89–90 for Midgrade and 91–94 for Premium.
• US pumps use the (R+M)/2 Anti-Knock Index rather than the RON figure normally displayed at European pumps.
• Always use the fuel grade specified for the rental vehicle rather than trying to match a European octane number.

Paying for fuel

• Self-service filling stations are common.
• Payment is often made at the pump before fuel is dispensed.
• Some pumps can ask for a US billing ZIP code when a card is used.
• If a foreign card is not accepted at the pump, pay at the cashier where available.
• Confirm the correct fuel type before lifting the nozzle.
• Keep the final fuel receipt if required by the rental company.

Distances are measured in miles

• Road signs show distances in miles rather than kilometres.
• One mile is approximately 1.61 kilometres.
• US road-trip distances can be much greater than they initially appear on a map.
• Check the actual driving time before planning several distant stops in one day.
• In remote areas, refuel or recharge before the remaining range becomes low.

Drink-driving limits

• Most states: a BAC of 0.08% or higher is illegal per se for ordinary drivers.
• Utah: the general per se BAC limit is 0.05%.
• Drivers under 21 are subject to lower limits.
• Lower thresholds can also apply to commercial drivers and some other categories.
• Driving ability can be impaired below the statutory limit.
• The simplest approach with a rental vehicle is zero alcohol before driving.

Weather conditions vary enormously across the USA

A US road trip can encounter very different climates depending on the region, elevation and season.

• Snow and ice can affect northern states and mountain regions.
• Heavy rain and thunderstorms can cause flash flooding.
• Hurricanes and tropical storms can disrupt roads in coastal states.
• Extreme heat can affect desert regions.
• Wildfires can close roads in western states.
• Follow official state and local warnings when severe weather affects your route.

Winter equipment requirements vary by state and road

• There is no single nationwide winter-tyre requirement for ordinary rental cars.
• Mountain roads can require tyre chains or other traction devices during snow events.
• Restrictions can be introduced temporarily according to weather and road conditions.
• Ask the rental provider about suitable equipment before a winter mountain trip.
• Do not enter a closed road simply because a navigation system suggests it.

Watch for wildlife on rural roads

• Deer are a common hazard in many regions.
• Elk, moose and other large animals can be encountered in some parts of the country.
• Wildlife activity is often greater around dawn and dusk.
• Reduce speed in areas marked by animal-crossing signs.
• Be especially cautious in national parks and forested regions.

Driving in the USA with a foreign licence

Requirements for foreign visitors are determined by individual states, so documentation requirements can differ during a multi-state trip.

• Carry your valid physical national driving licence.
• Some states may require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your national licence.
• Check the motor vehicle agency for every state in which you intend to drive.
• If an IDP is required, obtain it before travelling. The United States does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors.
• An IDP accompanies your national driving licence; it does not replace it.
• Rental providers can apply their own age, identification, payment-card and licence-holding requirements.

Check the rental terms before entering Canada or Mexico

Cross-border rental rules differ depending on the rental provider, vehicle and destination.

• Do not assume that international travel is automatically permitted.
• Confirm whether travel into Canada is allowed.
• Travel into Mexico can involve additional restrictions and insurance requirements.
• Check whether written rental-company authorisation is required.
• Confirm that roadside assistance remains valid.
• Check what insurance documentation must be carried.

Allow realistic time for long US road trips

• Distances between major destinations can be several hundred miles.
• Navigation estimates do not include every fuel, food, sightseeing or rest stop.
• Share driving where the rental agreement permits additional drivers.
• Stop regularly on long journeys.
• Avoid planning excessive daily mileage simply to reach a distant destination.

Before returning the hire car

• Confirm the exact branch or airport return location.
• Refuel or recharge according to the rental agreement.
• Keep the final fuel receipt if required.
• Allow extra time around major airports and congested cities.
• Remember that electronic tolls can be billed after the rental has ended.
• Remove personal belongings and check the glovebox, door pockets and luggage area.
• Consider photographing the vehicle, mileage and fuel or battery level at return.
• Keep the rental paperwork until the deposit or card pre-authorisation has been released.

About Car Hire Trawler

Car Hire Trawler is an independent car hire comparison website. The search and booking journey is powered by CarTrawler, with vehicles supplied by the rental provider selected when booking.

Useful official information for driving in the USA

Many US traffic rules are set by individual states. These official resources cover the areas most useful to visitors and provide access to state-specific information where necessary.

• USAGov: driving in the USA with a foreign licence
• USAGov: find the motor vehicle agency for each state
• NHTSA: drink-driving information
• NHTSA: child car seats and booster seats

Last reviewed: 28 September 2026.