tourist can drive in usa

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Can a Tourist Drive in the USA? Understanding Rental and Licensing Requirements

Touring the United States offers a wealth of sights and experiences, and many travelers find that driving is an exhilarating way to see the country. As tourists, we’re often keen to hit the open road, but it’s crucial to know the rules and regulations that govern driving in the U.S. An International Driving Permit (IDP), coupled with your valid driver’s license from your home country, allows us to drive legally on U.S. roads and is a key part of your travel documentation.

Securing an IDP before we embark on an American road trip translates our existing licenses into several languages and ensures that they are recognized across the United States. This permit is typically valid for one year and facilitates ease of driving across state lines, provided we adhere to state-specific traffic laws and U.S. road rules. It’s also essential to be aware that renting a car often involves additional requirements, such as obtaining the necessary insurance and liability coverage.

JUMP TO TOPIC

• 1.1 Eligibility and Application Process
• 1.2 Documents Required For IDP
• 2.1 Rules of the Road and Road Safety
• 2.2 Consequences of Traffic Violations
• 3.1 Understanding American Driving Culture
• 3.2 Car Rental and Insurance for Visitors
• 4.1 Extending Your Permit’s Validity
• 4.2 Official Forms and Translation Services

Acquiring an International Driving Permit

When planning to drive in the United States as a tourist, securing an International Driving Permit (IDP) is an essential step if you come from a non-treaty country to ensure you comply with driving regulations.

Eligibility and Application Process

Documents required for idp.

Securing an IDP requires a couple of key documents on our end. We will need a signed copy of our valid driver’s license to attest to our driving ability, and several passport-sized photos for identification on the IDP. Depending on the issuing body, a current passport may also be requested to prove our identity and country of citizenship. Along with these, we must fill out the relevant application form and potentially provide proof of residency. After gathering these documents, we send them alongside the necessary fees to the authorized issuing organization.

Can a Tourist Drive in the USA?

Navigating traffic laws and regulations is crucial for a tourist driving in the United States. Knowledge of the rules of the road and understanding the potential consequences for violating them ensures road safety and compliance with legal standards.

Rules of the Road and Road Safety

When we drive in the US, we obey the same set of traffic laws to uphold road safety.

Traffic School and Driving Tests

To familiarize ourselves with these, we can opt for traffic school, especially if we’re from a country with different driving practices. A driving test, though typically not required for short stays, can be beneficial if we plan on staying longer and need to obtain a state driver’s license.

We understand the importance of adhering to posted signs and signals as well as maintaining our vehicles in safe working order. It’s our responsibility to ensure fuel levels ⛽, tire pressure 🌡️, and vehicle maintenance 🔧 are regularly checked for our safety and the safety of others on the road.

Consequences of Traffic Violations

Understanding the consequences of not following the rules is as important as knowing the rules themselves.

We acknowledge the role police and the Department of Transportation play in enforcing these laws. They ensure our adherence to traffic regulations and road safety measures.

Traffic infractions can lead to fines, driving restrictions, or in severe cases like drunk driving, imprisonment. Always respect the local traffic laws to avoid these penalties.

We must be aware that consequences can escalate with the severity of the violation. Traffic violations such as speeding or running a red light typically result in fines and possible driving points against a license. More severe offenses, particularly those that endanger lives like drunk driving, can lead to more serious repercussions, including jail time. Each state has specific laws and penalties, making it imperative for us to stay informed about the local rules of the road wherever we travel.

Driving in the United States as a Foreigner

Driving in the U.S. requires understanding local laws and securing the appropriate documentation to ensure compliance and safety. Whether renting a car or using a foreign license, it is crucial to navigate these requirements skillfully.

Understanding American Driving Culture

On American Roads:

• We drive on the right-hand side of the road.
• Seat belt usage is mandatory in all states.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited.

As foreign drivers, we must adapt to American driving norms which often emphasize speed and efficiency. Understanding traffic signals, road signage, and local driving etiquette is essential to prevent violations and accidents.

Car Rental and Insurance for Visitors

Securing a Rental:

• Most car rental agencies will accept a valid national license.
• Foreign visitors typically need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car.
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required, so check with the rental agency.

When renting a vehicle, insurance is a necessity; however, if our own policy doesn’t cover overseas rentals, we’ll need to obtain coverage from the rental company. Also, if we’re planning to visit multiple U.S. states, we should check each state’s requirements, as driving laws vary.

For short-term visitors, some states even allow the use of a foreign license, but we must verify this individually, as it’s not universal. Moreover, taking the time to familiarize ourselves with American road rules and signage greatly enhances the experience of driving in the United States.

Renewal and Translation of Driving Permits

When planning to drive in the US, keeping your driving permits up to date and properly translated is essential. We cover the process of extending your permit’s validity and utilizing official forms and translation services here.

Extending Your Permit’s Validity

To continue driving in the US, it’s crucial to ensure your international driving permit (IDP) or foreign driver’s license is valid.

• An IDP can be used in the US alongside your national driving license, typically for up to one year.
• If you plan to stay longer, you should visit the local Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) regarding permit extension.

Eligibility for extension varies, and some may need to obtain a U.S. driver’s license eventually. Renewal procedures differ by state, so check with local authorities for specific requirements.

Official Forms and Translation Services

For a seamless driving experience in the US, ensure your driving documentation is correctly translated and recognized by US officials.

Translation of your foreign driver’s license or International Driving Permit should be accurate and done through approved services. These documents translate your credentials into English and compare your home country’s driving permit standards against U.S. road rules.

It is crucial to utilize only officially sanctioned translation services to avoid legal complications or misunderstandings with authorities.

Always carry your original driving permit, IDP, and the official form of translation when driving. Proper documentation helps in case you’re stopped by law enforcement or need to clarify your driving status.

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Can Tourist Drive in USA?

If you’re a tourist visiting the USA, you’ll need to know whether you can drive. While most states accept national drivers’ licenses, there are some restrictions. You should also check if you need to apply for an International Driving Permit, which is required by some states. For more information, visit the United States Department of Transportation’s website.

If you are not an American citizen, you must obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before driving in the US. This type of permit allows you to drive legally in most states and is recognized by a number of other countries. The IDP translates your home country’s driving license into at least ten languages, allowing you to drive in the U.S.

While your foreign license may work in the US for up to three months, it won’t be valid after that time. If you want to drive longer, you will need to replace it with an International Driving Permit (IDP). Unfortunately, the U.S. does not issue IDPs to short-term visitors. You’ll need to apply for one from your home country. Until you become a permanent resident of the U.S., you can only use an International Driving Permit.

You should follow local driving laws in order to avoid problems with traffic and accidents. You may need to obtain a special license or take traffic school to learn the rules of the road in the U.S. It’s also worth checking the age requirement to drive. However, you shouldn’t drive unless you’re at least 18 years old.

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• How to Drive in the United States

In order to drive in the United States (depending on how long you plan to stay in the country), you must have some sort of valid government-issued driver's license or permit to legally operate a vehicle.

Short-Term Visitors vs. Non-Citizen Residents

The type of driver license or permit you obtain while traveling in America can depend largely on how long you plan to be here.

Short-Term Visitors

If your visit to the U.S. will involve driving, and you're only going to stay in the country a short while, it makes sense for you to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) .

An IDP is an official document allowing a person to legally operate a motor vehicle while abroad —in this case, while you're in America. The IDP does NOT replace your original, valid driver's license from your home country; rather, it translates the language on your current license into that of the country you're visiting (in the U.S., this would be English) and generally includes basic driver license features such as:

• Your full name.
• Your photograph.
• Relevant driver information.

Keep in mind that:

• You must obtain your IDP from your home country. Contact your motor vehicle agency for the correct application process.
• When driving, you must have your driver's license AND IDP on hand.
• For identification purposes, be safe by carrying your driver's license and passport.

Understand that many car rental agencies require an International Driving Permit (probably along with your country's driver's license) before they'll allow you to rent a car. Always call ahead and ask for required documentation specific to your situation.

Non-U.S. Citizen Residents

Because non-U.S. citizen residents usually spend more time in the country than do short-term visitors, it's likely you'll need a U.S. government-issued driver license .

Each state sets its own residency eligibility requirements and application processes for obtaining a driver license (see Apply for a U.S. Driver's License below), so you'll need to work with your specific state's motor vehicle agency .

Learn the Rules of the Road

Not only will understanding the rules of the road help you legally operate a motor vehicle (as well as pass your driver exams, if you apply for a driver license), but also it will keep you, your passengers, and other drivers safe during your U.S. travel.

Driver Handbook

Each state provides a driver handbook clearly outlining everything from the state's road rules to legal ramifications of breaking those rules.

Most states provide these handbooks online; check our DMV Driver Handbook section for a link to the handbook of the state you'll be visiting. You can also contact a local driver license agency to ask about ordering the handbook or picking up a copy in person.

Safety Laws

Some safety laws are nationwide (for example, it's illegal to drive drunk anywhere in America); others are state specific (for example, some states still differ on the use of cell phones while driving).

Whether you obtain an International Driving Permit or apply for a full driver license, you need to understand these laws. Visit our section on Safety Laws and choose the state(s) where you'll be driving for an outline of some of the most important laws, as well as information on where you can find further details.

Practice Tests

Taking a few driver exam practice tests is a great way to test your knowledge on road rules and safety laws . Some states provide these tests within their driver handbooks or on their motor vehicle agency websites; you can find online practice tests designed for your specific state.

Apply for a U.S. Driver's License

If you've determined you need a U.S. government-issued driver license, understand that each state has its own application process — including processes for non-U.S. citizens .

As such, you can find clear outlines of the driver license application processes within your state's driver handbook as well as in our section on Applying for a New License .

Note that even as a non-citizen, you'll most likely follow the same application process as would a citizen; however, you might have to provide certain additional legal documents , such as a:

• Social Security card.
• Birth date/legal presence (BD/LP) document.
• Employment authorization card.
• Temporary resident identification card.

These are just a few possibilities, and depend entirely on your state's requirements as well as your specific circumstances.

Renewing Your Driver License

Depending on how long you'll be in the country and your state's driver license renewal policies for non-citizens, you might need to renew your driver's license at some point.

Again, each state has its own renewal process, and your state's process can vary depending on your non-citizen status. Refer to your state's driver handbook as well as our section on Renewing Your License for more details.

Legalize Your Vehicle

For some non-citizens (especially short-term visitors), legalizing a vehicle won't be an issue; if your visit is short, you might just rent a car (at which point, the car rental agency will guide you regarding your requirements).

However, for those of you who'll be here long enough to purchase or lease a vehicle, you must follow your state's rules regarding titling , registering , and insuring your vehicle.

Please refer to the following pages for details on how to complete these processes based on your state :

• Title Transfers
• Car Registration
• Car Insurance
• Suspended License
• Accident Guide
• Traffic Tickets
• Traffic School & Defensive Driving
• DUI & DWI
• DMV Point System
• Traffic Safety Laws
• Driving Distractions
• How To Change a Tire
• How To Pack An Emergency Kit
• Air Bag Safety
• Elderly Driver Safety
• 511 Traffic Systems
• Driving Etiquette & Safety Tips
• Carpool Lane 101
• Traffic Alerts
• Avoiding Road Construction
• Pre-trip Maintenance
• RV Handling & Driving Tips
• How To Pull A Trailer
• Traveling With Your Pet
• Gas-Saving Tips
• How To Put On Tire Chains
• Saving Money on the Road
• Crossing the Border
• U.S. Road Rules
• Car Rentals in the USA
• American Driving Style
• Gas in America
• Vehicle Maintenance Tips
• When to Use Your Headlights
• Intersections & Right of Way
• Reckless Driving 101
• How To Buy a Child Safety Seat
• How To Install a Child Safety Seat
• Reports & Records
• Driving Records
• DMV Forms & Publications
• Smog Check & Car Inspections

Can You Drive In The Us With A Foreign Driving License?

Helen T. Cyr

Table of contents.

Are you planning a trip to the United States and wondering if you can legally drive with your foreign driver’s license? The answer is yes, in most cases.

However, it’s important to understand the state-by-state variations and regulations to ensure you’re driving legally and safely on American roads.

Each state has its own rules and regulations regarding foreign driver’s licenses. Some states require you to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your foreign license, while others accept your foreign license as long as it’s in English or accompanied by a certified translation.

It’s important to research the specific requirements for the state(s) you plan on driving in to avoid any legal issues or complications while on the road.

Understanding the State-by-State Variations

So, if you’re planning on hitting the open road anytime soon, it’s worth brushing up on the state laws to ensure you’re good to go with your international permit.

While most states in the US allow foreign visitors to drive with their foreign driving licenses, some states have specific requirements that you need to meet before you can legally operate a vehicle.

For instance, some states only recognize foreign licenses from certain countries, such as Germany, France, or Canada. Others require you to have an official translation of your license, while some states may ask for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your foreign license.

It’s important to note, however, that an IDP is not a license but rather a translation of your foreign license, so you’ll still need to carry your original license with you.

Driving in the US as a Tourist

If you’re planning to drive in the US as a tourist, there are a few things you should know. First, you can use your foreign driver’s license to drive if you’re staying for less than 90 days. However, if you’re planning on renting a car, you’ll need to meet certain requirements and have insurance and liability coverage.

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Driving for Less Than 90 Days

Looking to hit the road in the States without any hassle? As long as you’re staying for less than 90 days, it’s a breeze. If you have a valid foreign driver’s license, you can use it to drive in the US without any additional documentation.

However, it’s important to note that you must comply with the laws and regulations of the state you are driving in. Each state has its own set of rules and regulations when it comes to driving, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with them before getting behind the wheel.

For example, some states may require you to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your foreign driver’s license. Additionally, it’s important to remember that driving laws in the US may differ from those in your home country, so it’s always a good idea to review the rules of the road before driving.

Rental Car Requirements

Ready to hit the road in the States? Before you rent a car, make sure you’re familiar with the requirements for driving in the US.

If you have a foreign driving license, you may be able to rent a car in the US, but it depends on the state and rental company. Some states require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your foreign license, while some rental companies may have their own requirements.

In general, it’s a good idea to check with the rental company ahead of time to confirm their requirements. Some companies may only accept certain types of foreign licenses, or may require additional documentation such as a passport or proof of insurance.

Keep in mind that driving laws and road conditions can vary widely across the US, so it’s important to be prepared and safe on the road.

Insurance and Liability Coverage

It’s crucial to understand the insurance and liability coverage when renting a car in the States. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

Most rental car companies offer insurance coverage options, including collision damage waiver (CDW) and liability insurance. CDW covers damage to the rental car, while liability insurance covers damage to other people’s property or injuries to other people.

Your personal car insurance policy may also cover rental cars, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider before purchasing additional coverage from the rental car company.

If you decline the rental car company’s insurance coverage and get into an accident, you may be responsible for paying for damages out of pocket.

Some credit cards also offer rental car insurance coverage, so it’s worth checking with your credit card company before renting a car.

Overall, it’s important to carefully consider your insurance options when renting a car in the US. Make sure to do your research and understand the coverage you have before hitting the road.

Driving in the US as a Resident

If you’re a resident in the US, chances are you’ll be hitting the open road in no time. The good news is that you can still use your foreign driving license to drive in the US for a certain period of time, depending on the state you’re in.

However, it’s important to note that some states may require you to obtain a US driver’s license after a certain period of time. To avoid any legal issues, it’s best to check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to see what their specific requirements are.

In most cases, you’ll need to pass a written and driving test to obtain a US driver’s license. Additionally, you’ll need to provide proof of residency, such as a lease or utility bill, and your foreign driving license.

By obtaining a US driver’s license, you’ll also have access to a wider range of car insurance options and will be able to avoid any potential legal issues that may arise from driving with a foreign license.

Driving in the US for Work

As a hardworking employee in the US, you’ll need to navigate the roads with confidence and ease to ensure that you arrive at work on time and impress your boss with your punctuality.

If you hold a foreign driving license, you may be able to drive in the US for work purposes. However, it’s important to note that the rules vary depending on the state in which you’ll be driving and the type of work you’ll be doing.

Some states allow you to drive with a foreign license for a certain period of time, while others require you to obtain a US driver’s license. Additionally, if you’re driving for work, you may need to obtain a commercial driver’s license or special endorsements.

It’s important to check with your employer and the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state to ensure that you have all the necessary licenses and documents to legally drive for work in the US.

Understanding the Rules of the Road

Understanding the rules of the road is crucial for any driver in the US, as it ensures safe and efficient navigation of the diverse and complex roadways across the country. As you drive in the US with your foreign driving license, it’s important to note that traffic laws may vary from state to state.

Here are some key rules of the road to keep in mind:

• Always drive on the right side of the road.
• Use turn signals to indicate your intentions when changing lanes or turning.
• Follow posted speed limits and adjust your speed accordingly in adverse weather conditions.
• Yield to pedestrians and emergency vehicles.

In addition to these general rules, it’s important to be aware of specific regulations that may apply to certain driving situations. For example, some states require drivers to use hands-free devices when talking on the phone while driving, and others have strict laws regarding the use of seat belts and child safety seats.

By staying informed and following the rules of the road, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience in the US.

Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Driving

Get ready for a smooth and pleasant driving experience in the US with these helpful tips to ensure your safety and enjoyment on the road.

First, make sure to always wear your seatbelt and ensure all passengers do the same. It’s not only the law, but it’s also the safest way to travel.

Secondly, obey speed limits and traffic signs, especially in residential areas and school zones. Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you and avoid aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating and cutting off other drivers.

Lastly, avoid using your phone while driving and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

By following these simple tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable driving experience in the US with your foreign driving license.

Remember, safety should always be your top priority on the road.

Dealing with Law Enforcement

It’s crucial to know how to handle encounters with law enforcement while on the road in order to ensure a safe and stress-free driving experience.

Here are some tips to help you deal with law enforcement in the US:

Always carry your driver’s license and passport with you while driving.

If pulled over, remain calm and polite. Don’t argue or resist the officer, as it could lead to further trouble.

Follow the officer’s instructions, answer their questions honestly, and provide them with any necessary documents such as registration and insurance.

By following these tips, you can avoid any unnecessary confrontations with law enforcement and ensure a smooth driving experience in the US. Remember, it’s important to always be respectful and cooperative with law enforcement while on the road.

Conclusion and Additional Resources

Now that you know how to deal with law enforcement when driving with a foreign license in the US, it’s important to note that it’s always best to have additional resources on hand.

This can include a copy of the International Driving Permit (IDP), which can serve as a translation of your license and can be useful in situations where language barriers may exist.

It’s recommended that you research the specific state laws regarding driving with a foreign license in the US. Each state may have slightly different requirements and regulations, so it’s important to be aware of these before hitting the road.

By being prepared and informed, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free driving experience while exploring the US with your foreign license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive in the us with an international driving permit.

Yes, you can drive in the US with an international driving permit (IDP).

An IDP is a translation of your foreign driver’s license into 10 languages, including English, which is recognized by many countries around the world, including the US.

However, an IDP is not a substitute for a valid driver’s license, and you must carry both your IDP and your foreign driver’s license while driving in the US.

Additionally, some states may have their own rules and regulations regarding driving with an IDP, so it’s important to check with the local Department of Motor Vehicles before hitting the road.

What are the age restrictions for driving in the US with a foreign license?

When driving in the US with a foreign license, it’s important to be aware of the age restrictions. Each state has its own age requirements for obtaining a driver’s license, and these requirements may differ from those in your home country.

For example, in some states, you must be at least 18 years old to obtain a driver’s license, while in others, you can get a license at 16. It’s important to research the specific age requirements for the state you plan to drive in before getting behind the wheel.

Additionally, some rental car companies may have their own age restrictions for renting a car, so be sure to check with them as well.

Can I rent a car in the US with a foreign driving license?

You can rent a car in the US with a foreign driving license, but it may depend on the rental car company’s policies. Some companies accept foreign licenses as long as they’re written in English and valid. However, others may require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to the foreign license.

It’s important to check with the rental car company beforehand to ensure you have all the necessary documents and meet their requirements. Additionally, keep in mind that driving laws and regulations may vary by state. So, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the rules of the state you’ll be driving in.

Do I need to take a driving test to get a US driver’s license if I have a foreign license?

If you have a foreign driver’s license and wish to obtain a US driver’s license, you may not need to take a driving test. It’ll depend on the state in which you are applying for a license, as each state has its own requirements.

Some states may allow you to simply exchange your foreign driver’s license for a US license, while others may require you to take a written and/or driving test. It is important to research the requirements of the state in which you will be driving and apply for your license accordingly.

What happens if I get a traffic violation while driving with a foreign license in the US?

If you’re driving with a foreign license in the US and you receive a traffic violation, the consequences will depend on the severity of the offense and the policies of the state where the violation occurred. In most cases, you’ll be required to pay a fine and may have points added to your driving record.

More serious violations could result in a suspension or revocation of your driving privileges. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the traffic laws of the state where you’ll be driving and to follow them closely to avoid any legal issues.

So, can you drive in the US with a foreign driving license? The answer is generally yes, but there are some important factors to consider.

It’s important to understand the state-by-state variations, as well as different rules for tourists, residents, and those driving for work.

Regardless of your status, it’s crucial to understand the rules of the road and practice safe and enjoyable driving. Always be prepared to deal with law enforcement, and remember that driving in the US can be a fun and exciting experience as long as you’re informed and responsible.

For more information and resources, consult with the Department of Motor Vehicles or your embassy.

Enjoy your journey on the open road!

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• Fact Sheets

Frequently Asked Questions: Guidance for Travelers to Enter the U.S.

Updated Date: April 21, 2022

Since January 22, 2022, DHS has required non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination upon request.  On April 21, 2022, DHS announced that it would extend these requirements. In determining whether and when to rescind this order, DHS anticipates that it will take account of whether the vaccination requirement for non-U.S. air travelers remains in place.

These requirements apply to non-U.S. individuals who are traveling for essential or non-essential reasons. They do not apply to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or U.S. nationals.

Effective November 8, 2021, new air travel requirements applied to many noncitizens who are visiting the United States temporarily. These travelers are also required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. All air travelers, including U.S. persons, must test negative for COVID-19 prior to departure. Limited exceptions apply. See  CDC guidance  for more details regarding air travel requirements.

Below is more information about what to know before you go, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions about cross-border travel.

Entering the U.S. Through a Land Port of Entry or Ferry Terminal

Q. what are the requirements for travelers entering the united states through land poes.

A:  Before embarking on a trip to the United States, non-U.S. travelers should be prepared for the following:

• Possess proof of an approved COVID-19 vaccination as outlined on the  CDC  website.
• During border inspection, verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status. 
• Bring a  Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative  compliant border crossing document, such as a valid passport (and visa if required), Trusted Traveler Program card, a Department of State-issued Border Crossing Card, Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced Tribal Card when entering the country. Travelers (including U.S. citizens) should be prepared to present the WHTI-compliant document and any other documents requested by the CBP officer.

 Q. What are the requirements to enter the United States for children under the age of 18 who can't be vaccinated?

A:  Children under 18 years of age are excepted from the vaccination requirement at land and ferry POEs.

Q: Which vaccines/combination of vaccines will be accepted?

A:  Per CDC guidelines, all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and authorized vaccines, as well as all vaccines that have an Emergency Use Listing (EUL) from the World Health Organization (WHO), will be accepted.

Accepted Vaccines:

• More details are available in CDC guidance  here .
• 2 weeks (14 days) after your dose of an accepted single-dose COVID-19 vaccine;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after your second dose of an accepted 2-dose series;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after you received the full series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine (not placebo) in a clinical trial;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after you received 2 doses of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines administered at least 17 days apart.

Q. Is the United States requiring travelers to have a booster dose to be considered fully vaccinated for border entry purposes?

A:  No. The CDC guidance for “full vaccination” can be found here.

Q: Do U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land POEs and ferry terminals?

A:  No. Vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs). Travelers that exhibit signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to CDC for additional medical evaluation.

Q: Is pre- or at-arrival COVID testing required to enter the United States via land POEs or ferry terminals?

A: No, there is no COVID testing requirement to enter the United States via land POE or ferry terminals. In this respect, the requirement for entering by a land POE or ferry terminal differs from arrival via air, where there is a requirement to have a negative test result before departure.

Processing Changes Announced on January 22, 2022 

Q: new changes were recently announced. what changed on january 22.

A:  Since January 22, 2022, non-citizens who are not U.S. nationals or Lawful Permanent Residents have been required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States at land ports of entry and ferry terminals, whether for essential or nonessential purposes. Previously, DHS required that non-U.S. persons be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States for nonessential purposes.  Effective January 22, all non-U.S. individuals, to include essential travelers, must be prepared to attest to vaccination status and present proof of vaccination to a CBP officer upon request. DHS announced an extension of this policy on April 21, 2022.

Q: Who is affected by the changes announced on January 22?

A: This requirement does not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. It applies to other noncitizens, such as a citizen of Mexico, Canada, or any other country seeking to enter the United States through a land port of entry or ferry terminal.

Q: Do U.S. citizens need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land port of entry or ferry terminals?

A: Vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. Citizens, U.S. nationals or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. Travelers that exhibit signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to CDC for additional medical evaluation. 

Q: What is essential travel?

A:  Under the prior policy, there was an exception from temporary travel restrictions for “essential travel.” Essential travel included travel to attend educational institutions, travel to work in the United States, travel for emergency response and public health purposes, and travel for lawful cross-border trade (e.g., commercial truckers). Under current policy, there is no exception for essential travel.

Q: Will there be any exemptions? 

A: While most non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States will need to be vaccinated, there is a narrow list of exemptions consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Order in the air travel context.

• Certain categories of individuals on diplomatic or official foreign government travel as specified in the CDC Order
• Children under 18 years of age;
• Certain participants in certain COVID-19 vaccine trials as specified in the CDC Order;   
• Individuals with medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine as specified in the CDC Order;
• Individuals issued a humanitarian or emergency exception by the Secretary of Homeland Security;
• Individuals with valid nonimmigrant visas (excluding B-1 [business] or B-2 [tourism] visas) who are citizens of a country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability, as specified in the CDC Order
• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or their spouses or children (under 18 years of age) as specified in the CDC Order; and
• Individuals whose entry would be in the U.S. national interest, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Q: What documentation will be required to show vaccination status?

A:  Non-U.S. individuals are required to be prepared to attest to vaccination status and present proof of vaccination to a CBP officer upon request regardless of the purpose of travel.

The current documentation requirement remains the same and is available on the CDC website . Documentation requirements for entry at land ports of entry and ferry terminals mirror those for entry by air.

Q: What happens if someone doesn’t have proof of vaccine status?

A: If non-U.S. individuals cannot present proof of vaccination upon request, they will not be admitted into the United States and will either be subject to removal or be allowed to withdraw their application for entry.

Q: Will incoming travelers be required to present COVID-19 test results?

A: There is no COVID-19 testing requirement for travelers at land border ports of entry, including ferry terminals.

Q: What does this mean for those who can't be vaccinated, either due to age or other health considerations? 

A: See CDC guidance for additional information on this topic. Note that the vaccine requirement does not apply to children under 18 years of age.

Q: Does this requirement apply to amateur and professional athletes?

A: Yes, unless they qualify for one of the narrow CDC exemptions.

Q: Are commercial truckers required to be vaccinated?

A: Yes, unless they qualify for one of the narrow CDC exemptions. These requirements also apply to bus drivers as well as rail and ferry operators.

Q. Do you expect border wait times to increase?

A:  As travelers navigate these new travel requirements, wait times may increase. Travelers should account for the possibility of longer than normal wait times and lines at U.S. land border crossings when planning their trip and are kindly encouraged to exercise patience.

To help reduce wait times and long lines, travelers can take advantage of innovative technology, such as facial biometrics and the CBP OneTM mobile application, which serves as a single portal for individuals to access CBP mobile applications and services.

Q: How is Customs and Border Protection staffing the ports of entry? 

A: CBP’s current staffing levels at ports of entry throughout the United States are commensurate with pre-pandemic levels. CBP has continued to hire and train new employees throughout the pandemic. CBP expects some travelers to be non-compliant with the proof of vaccination requirements, which may at times lead to an increase in border wait times. Although trade and travel facilitation remain a priority, we cannot compromise national security, which is our primary mission. CBP Office of Field Operations will continue to dedicate its finite resources to the processing of arriving traffic with emphasis on trade facilitation to ensure economic recovery.

Q: What happens if a vaccinated individual is traveling with an unvaccinated individual?  

A:  The unvaccinated individual (if 18 or over) would not be eligible for admission.

Q: If I am traveling for an essential reason but am not vaccinated can I still enter?

A:  No, if you are a non-U.S. individual. The policy announced on January 22, 2022 applies to both essential and non-essential travel by non-U.S. individual travelers. Since January 22, DHS has required that all inbound non-U.S. individuals crossing U.S. land or ferry POEs – whether for essential or non-essential reasons – be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination upon request.

Q: Are sea crew members on vessels required to have a COVID vaccine to disembark?

A:  Sea crew members traveling pursuant to a C-1 or D nonimmigrant visa are not excepted from COVID-19 vaccine requirements at the land border. This is a difference from the international air transportation context.

Entering the U.S. via Air Travel

Q: what are the covid vaccination requirements for air passengers to the united states  .

A:  According to CDC requirements [www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html | Link no longer valid], most noncitizens who are visiting the United States temporarily must be fully vaccinated prior to boarding a flight to the United States. These travelers are required to show proof of vaccination. A list of covered individuals is available on the CDC website.  

Q: What are the COVID testing requirements for air passengers to the United States?  

A:  Effective Sunday, June 12 at 12:01 a.m. ET, CDC will no longer require pre-departure COVID-19 testing for U.S.-bound air travelers.

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Navigating U.S. Roads as an International Driver

Updated: March 7, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

• Staying Compliant in the US
• Driving With a Foreign License
• Common Questions From Visitors
• The Importance of Car Insurance
• Tips for Driving in the U.S. Safely
• Expert Advice

About Nadia Neophytou

Nadia Neophytou is a journalist based in New York City who writes for various leading American and South African publications, such as The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, Deadline, Quartz, Glamour, the Mail & Guardian, the Sunday Times, Forbes Africa and more. Nadia also worked as an arts and entertainment journalist for Eyewitness News, and as the news network's US correspondent for South Africa. She has covered topics ranging from Occupy Wall Street, numerous mass shootings, the re-election of Barack Obama, Donald Trump's election and the #MeToo movement.

• American Automobile Touring Alliance . " International Driving Permit ." Accessed May 28, 2021 .
• Driving-Tests . " U.S. Rules of the Road ." Accessed May 28, 2021 .
• Federal Highway Administration . " U.S. Driving Last Year Was Lowest in Two Decades, New Data Show ." Accessed June 4, 2021 .
• Federal Trade Commission . " International Driver's License Scams ." Accessed May 28, 2021 .
• Injury Facts from National Safety Council . " Motor Vehicle Safety Issues ." Accessed June 4, 2021 .
• ProCon . " States (and DC) That Allow Driver’s Licenses for People in the Country Illegally ." Accessed May 28, 2021 .
• Shorelight . " How International Students Can Apply for a US Driving License ." Accessed May 28, 2021 .

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Most Helpful Tips for Foreigners Driving in the USA

The United States is a right-hand driving country! You probably know what right-hand traffic or left-hand traffic means. Two-way traffic must keep either on the left or right side of the road, unless otherwise directed. Sometimes this is called The Rule of the Road. It helps improve traffic flow (your ability to get where you're going quickly) and cuts down on traffic fatalities.

If it is your first time to drive in the United States, we at VroomVroomVroom want to make not only your booking experience a breeze but your driving experience as well. That's why we have come up with some useful driving tips for foreign visitors.

Essential driving tips in the United States

Roadway signs in the USA commonly use symbols instead of words to communicate with drivers, regardless of language barriers. The color and shape of each sign usually indicates the type of information the sign conveys. Familiarize yourself with traffic sign symbols to maximize your safety when driving in the United States. Click here for a list of common road signs that you may encounter and general road rules in the US. Continue reading below for more driving tips:

• If you're driving slowly - perhaps just getting used to the traffic - the best lane for you to drive in is the far right lane, if there is more than one lane going in the same direction as you, of course!
• When traveling on a freeway or highway, your car should stay in the right lane, unless you're passing another vehicle. There are often signs to remind you of this. However, be aware that on Interstate highways, the right lane within an urban area is sometimes only for exiting (leaving) the Interstate at the next opportunity.
• If you're at an intersection, American drivers usually defer to the vehicle who arrived at the intersection first. If two vehicles get there at the same time, the driver on the right proceeds, unless stopped by a red STOP or YIELD sign.
• Don't honk your horn, unless you're in a situation where you need to get the attention of another driver or pedestrian. For example, it's okay to honk when another car is about to hit you, but you may find that honking in the USA is less common than in other nations.
• The speed limit in a residential area is often 35 miles per hour (60kph), but is as low as 25 or 30 miles per hour in many areas. On Interstate highways and roads with very little traffic and intersections, the speed limit is commonly 55 miles per hour or greater.
• If you had a few drinks, remember to always make allowances when driving and never ever exceed the legal blood alcohol limit which is 0.08.
• Each state has a unique method of charging for the use of toll roads. Click here for more information on where and how you can pay for toll roads.

Are you planning to rent a car when you visit the United States?

It is important to know the Terms and Conditions of the United States Rental Companies that we compare here at VroomVroomVroom. Keep in mind that each company's TnCs will tell you everything you need to know about the company's requirements regarding car rental insurance, driver's license requirements, and whether or not you are allowed to drive the rental car out of the U.S. (to Canada or Mexico).

Here's a list of car rental companies that we compare on VroomVroomVroom:

Things to know when renting a car in the USA

• If you will be driving during a visit to the United States, we advise you to check the state website for driving rules. You need to verify that you can use your non-United States driver's license in the state or states in which you are planning to drive.
• You also need to acquire an International Driving Permit (or IDP), which contains the same information on your official driver's license, but also has the information translated in several different languages. You must acquire that BEFORE visiting the USA, because the U.S. government agencies DO NOT issue them.
• Also make sure that your car rental is insured because rental cars are not insured in the United States. You could rely on personal car insurance, travel insurance and credit card insurance OR purchase insurance products. Click here for the types of car rental insurance that you can purchase.
• If it is your first time to rent a car in the United States, check out our rental information category for a list of articles that can help guide you on the process of booking a car.

Driving tips in major cities

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

Tips for Driving in the USA

Last updated: April 17, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 52 Comments

Exploring the USA by road is definitely one of the best ways to experience everything this incredible country has to offer. From exploring a state like California , to taking a classic road trip like Route 66 , or just thoroughly exploring a section of the Pacific Coast Highway – hitting the open road in the US is a thoroughly rewarding experience.

It’s by far our favourite way to explore the country, and we’ve done thousands of miles of driving in the US, including Route 66 , the Oregon Trail, and the Deep South .

I personally also love driving in the US. It’s a really car friendly country, with big, well maintained roads, clear signage, and no shortage of places to visit.

That said, coming from the UK, there are definitely a few things I’ve had to learn in order to have the best driving experience as a Brit in the US. Luckily I have an American wife who is used to driving in the US to help me (e.g, yell) when I am doing something wrong!

In today’s post, I’m going to share what I’ve learnt from numerous driving experiences in the US, generally from the perspective of a UK driver, but these tips should come in handy for anyone who is driving in America for the first time, or just wants a reminder of what driving in the US is like.

These tips for driving in the USA should all be useful to anyone coming to drive in the USA – even if it’s not your first time doing so.

They’re not in any particular order, so do read them all to be sure you have a good handle on them, as many things about driving in the USA are different compared to other countries you may have driven in.

One of the first things to be aware of with the USA is that there are generally two types of law – federal laws, which apply to the whole country, and state laws, which vary depending on the state you are in.

The majority of traffic laws are set at a state level, which means that they vary depending on the state you are in – things like speed limits, age limits and drink or drug driving laws.

Some things are country wide of course. All traffic for example drives on the right (with the exception of the US Virgin Islands), you need a driving license to drive, and there are speed limits on all roads, although these vary by state.

Age Limits for Driving in the USA

The age at which you are legally allowed to drive alone on a full driving license in the US varies by state, but falls between 16 and 18 years of age. Here’s a full list of legal driving ages by state .

As a visitor, you will generally find that most car hire companies will require you to be over 21 to rent a car, and there is usually a surcharge for renting a car if you are under 25. See more below on this subject in the car rental section.

Basic Rules

As with every country, there are some basic rules for driving that you need to observe. These are:

• Drive on the right hand side of the road (except in the US Virgin Islands!)
• Observe all posted speed limits.
• Don’t drive if you are over the legal blood alcohol limit, in all states this is a blood alcohol concentration at or above 0.08 percent. Penalties vary by state , but basically, you don’t want to do it.
• You must stop at all STOP signs (see below for more information on STOP signs).
• You must stop for stopped school buses with flashing lights and a stop sign (more below on school buses).
• At least the driver and front seat passenger must wear a seat-belt – see below for more on seat belts.

Traffic Lights

Like nearly every country in the world, the US uses traffic lights to control traffic. Lights can be red, yellow or green. These colors mean:

• Red – stop. As you would imagine, red means stop, and must stop at a red traffic light. There will be a line on the road marking where you should stop if you are the first car to arrive at the light – otherwise you just stop in line behind other waiting traffic. Note that in some situations you are allowed to proceed after stopping, even on a red light – see “turning on a red traffic light” below.
• Yellow – you must come to a stop at the stop line. If you are moving too quickly to safely stop, for example you are about to cross the stop line and the light turns from green to yellow as you approach, you may proceed, however if you can safely stop it is advisable to do so and not try to “beat the light”.
• Green – proceed. The light goes from red directly to green, at which point you may continue. If a light is green as you approach it, you may continue to travel, although be aware that if it changes to yellow you are required to stop unless it is unsafe to do so.

Speed Limits in the USA

Speed limits vary by road and state, so there’s no one-size fits all answer here. Speed limits are in miles per hour, and some roads have posted minimum speed limits as well as maximum speed limits that you have to obey. Limits vary from 15mph all the way up to 85mph on one rural road in Texas.

The best advice is to follow all posted speed limit signs, and learn what the usual limits are for different road types and locations in the state or states you are driving in. For a full breakdown of speed limits by state, look at this list .

Hiring a Vehicle in the USA

If you have a full valid license from your home country, then you can hire a vehicle in the USA, although there are some restrictions to be aware of.

In the majority of states, there is no legal requirement for a hire company to rent you a car, and they are at their discretion as to who they rent to.

Nearly all hire car companies have minimum age restrictions and will charge a fee if you are under a certain age – the majority of companies charge extra if you are under 25, and most will not rent to you if you are under 21.

In addition, if you are under 25 you might find that you aren’t able to hire the more high-end car models. There is usually no upper age limit, however if you are over 70 it is worth confirming that this won’t be a problem.

To hire a vehicle, you will usually need to use a credit card to pay for it, and many companies will place a hold on your card for a fixed amount, to cover them in the event of accidents. Our tip would be to find a credit card that includes liability cover and accident cover for car rental, so you can avoid the very high fees that rental car companies charge for this service.

Alternatively, if that’s not an option, you can take out third party insurance which offers the same type of cover at a fraction of the cost – read more about that here .

You may also have car rental insurance attached to your own car insurance policy at home so check that as well to see if it would cover a rental car in the U.S. Note that if you do have full coverage via your credit card or own insurance policy, you have to decline coverage by the rental car agency to be able to use your insurance in most cases. Be clear in how you are covered and where!

You will also need a full and valid drivers license. Some rental car companies will require this to be in English, so if your license is not issued in English, you may need either an International Drivers Permit or a certified translation of your original license, both of which you will need to obtain prior to leaving your home country.

If your license is not in English, we’d recommend getting the International Drivers Permit even if it is not required as it will also be helpful if you get pulled over or there are any other issues while driving.

Personally, I rented a car using a French drivers license in the USA and the hire companies I used generally did not need to see an English translation, however, check the rental conditions beforehand to be sure. For more on the IDP, see here .

If you are looking to hire a vehicle, we recommend that you take a look at Discover Cars to compare car hire deals across a wide range of different providers, including the biggest names in the business, to get a great deal for your trip.

We have also often used and can recommend Enterprise , we generally find that they come up with the best deals when we’re looking to hire a car – especially for one way trips – in the USA.

Finally, if you want to rent out a campervan or similar, we recommend starting with Motorhome Republic , who compare prices across a range of providers. See their USA listings here .

We can also recommend you check out RVShare , who offer peer to peer campervan rental – a bit like the AirBnB of RV rental.

Road Types in the USA

The US has a number of road types. These, in our experience, can be broadly categorised as follows:

Interstate Roads

As the name suggests, an Interstate is a road that runs across states. These can be compared to Motorways in the UK, or the autobahns in Germany. They are usually at least two lanes, and they have on and off ramps rather than stop signs or traffic lights.

Interstates keep the same number regardless of state – Interstate 40 for example, runs through eight states, and is called Interstate 40 in all of them.

Maximum speeds on the Interstate vary by state, from 60 mph through to 80 mph. Speed limits are clearly posted and should be obeyed.

State Roads

A State Road is specific to a state. State Road 54 in one State is going to be a different road to a State road in a another state.

State roads vary from dual-carriageway styles through to single lane highways, and as they pass through towns, cities and villages, the speed limit can vary from as low as 20 mph up to 75 mph. As always, check local state regulation and obey posted speed limits.

County Roads

A county road is any road that is maintained by the local county authority, rather than the state or federal system. County roads are usually smaller, slower roads, and they have a “C” or “CR” designation, followed by a number.

They do vary in size and quality, from freeway sized right through to unpaved roads, depending on the area, traffic, and local county budget. Again, as they vary hugely in quality and size, speed limits on County Roads also vary tremendously.

Stop signs were a source of much confusion as I got to grips with driving in the US. Not so much the stopping, which is obvious, but the way that at road intersections, the STOP signs are used to dictate traffic priority.

It seems easy in principle. If two road intersect, there are four “entrances” and four “exits” to the intersection. In the UK, this would be handled with either a traffic light or a roundabout. In the US, the way it works is that if multiple vehicles arrive at the STOP intersection, priority is given to the first vehicle that arrives.

This is only the case if it’s an “all way” STOP, i.e., all the entrances to the intersection have a STOP sign. Sometimes, this is not the case, meaning you have to give way to all through traffic.Sometimes this can be tricky to tell, and you have to look carefully to see what kind of STOP intersection. In the majority of cases, the STOP sign will be clearly marked to say it is an all way (e.g., 4-way) STOP, or if cross-traffic does not stop.

If it is a busy four (or even five!) way STOP, it can initially be a little tricky to keep track of who arrived when, but with a bit of practice you get the hang of it. If in doubt, wait a bit.

One last thing to be aware of is if you arrive at the same time as another vehicle or vehicles. In this case, the vehicle on the left has to give way to the vehicle on the right. In all cases, I’d advise being cautious, and pulling out slowly just in case, even if you are sure you have right of way!

Turning On Traffic Lights

One of the more unusual, but quite logical when you get used to it, rules in the US, is that you are allowed to turn right on a red traffic light, unless there is a sign specifically telling you not to.

Sometimes there will be a right turn only lane, which you must use to turn if it is there. If the light is red, you must behave as if it is a STOP sign – approach the stop line with your turn signal on, stop, check for traffic, and if it is clear, you may turn right – giving way to any pedestrians who have the right away.

This is the sort of rule that can really catch out new drivers in the US, as it generally goes against everything you will have learnt in your home country, with a red light meaning not to go. However, it is important that you remember and adhere to it, as on a busy turn, if you forget to go, the traffic behind you might become quite irate that you are not following the rules of the road!

Note that this rule does not apply in New York City. Turning on a red light in New York is only allowed if specifically indicated, otherwise it’s illegal. However, we’d advise against driving in NYC anyway – we have a great guide to getting around New York that will give you plenty of options.

Passing Other Vehicles

Passing another vehicle works much the same as in other countries around the world. You are allowed to pass on a normal road if there is a broken line (yellow or white) down the middle of the road and it is safe to do so.

On multi-lane highways, slower traffic should stay on the right, and faster traffic should pass on the left. You should generally only use the fast lanes for passing, and otherwise always keep right.

In my experience, especially on the wider highways (10 and 12 lanes wide), the rules become a little less clear. In some states, on highways with more than two lanes on each side, you are legally allowed to pass on either the left or the right side. This means that if you are not driving in the far right lane, you have to be aware that faster traffic could pass you on either side.

In my further experience, I’ve observed drivers passing on both side even when there are only two lanes in either direction. My advice is to try to only pass on the left if possible, unless you are absolutely sure it is legal to pass on both sides in the state you are in. Here’s an overview of which state has which law regarding passing on the right.

Interstate Exit Numbers

Here’s a tip that flummoxed me for a while coming from the UK. In the UK, exit numbers on the motorways are sequential, so Exit 2 follows Exit 1, and so on.

In the USA, Interstate exit numbers are often based on the number of miles you have travelled along the Interstate. If you pass exit 280 for example, and the next exit is ten miles along, it will be exit 290.

This makes quite a lot of sense, and helps you see how far the next exit is easily, but did confuse me for a while as I was expecting sequential numbers and figured I was just missing exits! It was quite the revelation when Jess pointed this out to me after weeks of driving in the U.S.

Note – a reader in the comments pointed out that some states do have sequential exits. So just be aware that either is an option!

Buying Petrol / Gas

The great majority of cars in the US, especially rental cars, use unleaded petroleum fuel, and this is usually referred to as “unleaded gas” or just “gas”. Diesel is available, but is generally reserved for trucks or larger vehicles, so most fuel pumps in commercial gas stations don’t have it as standard.

Be sure to check before you leave the rental car agency to know what kind of fuel your car takes (unleaded or diesel) and be sure to note if it requires a certain type of unleaded, for instance some may be designed for premium unleaded petrol with an octane rating of 97 or higher.

Buying fuel is, in most cases, a fairly straightforward process. Nearly every machine has a credit card/debit card reader, and you just pre-authorise the card, fill up the tank, and your card is billed. Fuel stations like this often provide fuel 24 hours a day although the office will close.

There’s no need to go inside and see the attendant unless you want to pay in cash, or you wish to pay with your card inside. If that’s the case, you have to specify an amount up front with the attendant, pay that amount, and then you can fill up. If you have overestimated the amount you need, then you can get change for cash payments by returning inside, or it will be re-credited to your credit card.

It is generally easiest to just use the credit card payment option at the pump. However, even if you have a credit card, you may be required to enter a zip code at the pump (the one attached to your credit card billing address) and this generally won’t work if you have a foreign address so you may need to use cash in these cases.

It’s worth noting, as pointed out in the comments, that in some states you aren’t allowed to pump your own gas. In these states, such as Oregon, there will be a filling attendant who will ask you how much gas you want, and handle filling it for you. They’ll also usually handle payment. Note that tipping is not expected in these gas stations.

Do be aware that petrol prices vary wildly from state to state, and if you are driving across multiple states, you might want to check to be sure it’s not worth crossing a state line to get cheaper gas. A website like this can definitely help you save money, also available in app form.

Drink driving

As previously mentioned, the legal limit for blood alcohol content is 0.08% in the USA. Unfortunately, there is no fixed amount of drink that gets you to that limit, because there are a huge number of factors on an individual basis, from weight and height to metabolic rate and gender – even to what you’ve eaten that day.

Basically, it’s way easier not to drink at all rather than run the risk of being caught for driving while over the limit. In many states, if you’ve been drinking at all, even if you’re under the BAC limit you can still be charged if the officer feels you are impaired.

You can also be charged in many states if you have passengers under 21 for any amount of BAC.

The majority of states in the USA require car insurance. There are two main types of insurance: liability insurance and collision / damage insurance.

Liability insurance covers other people and their property if you have an accident – so if you drive into someone else, then the insurance will pay for the damage. Collision / damage insurance covers you for damage to your vehicle.

The insurance that nearly every state requires you to have is liability insurance, with collision / damage insurance generally being optional.

Here’s an overview of the levels of insurance you will require per state to get you started, as well as further explanations of required coverages. If you are driving a rental car, it is best practice to have both types of insurance as damage costs can be astronomical!

School Buses

Here’s another one that caught me off guard the first time I visited the USA – the rules around school buses are remarkably strict. You’ll easily recognise most school buses from their bright yellow paint, with most of them clearly marked as such.

What you might not have known is that when a school bus is in the process of picking up or dropping off passengers, all vehicle traffic must come to a stop. When the bus is stopped, big “STOP” signs will pop out of it (on most buses), and it will flash red lights.

At this point, all traffic, including oncoming traffic (unless there is a a separated roadway), must stop and wait for the bus to complete its operation and move on.

These rule can vary slightly by state, with different guidelines on how far from the bus you must stop as well as other details – the best option is to check the rules per state. Here’s an overview to get you started.

Mobile Phone Use

This should be pretty obvious – don’t use your mobile phone when driving! It’s incredibly distracting and dangerous, and really isn’t worth it. Also tickets can be very expensive.

Of course, the legal landscape is a little different to my opinion. Some states don’t allow any hand-held cell phone use when driving, others forbid texting and internet use, whilst permitting phone use, other have no restrictions at all.

Here’s a full run down state by state of all the laws – I expect this to update as more studies come out demonstrating the dangers of driving and mobile phone use.

Driving with Children in the USA

If you’re driving with children in the USA, then you’re going to have to be aware of even more rules. Yay! Let’s take a look at these:

• Safety Belts & Car Seats. Nearly all the states have specific laws regarding child constraints, which vary depending on the size of your child. In most states, you will need to be using either a child safety seat, a booster seat, or an adult sized seatbelt for your child, depending on your child’s weight. Some states also regulate the positioning of the car seat or booster seat, such as it has to be in the back seat or should be forward or rear facing. Here’s a full breakdown of the legal requirements by state .
• Smoking in the car. It is not generally illegal to smoke in a car with a minor present in the USA, although some states have either implemented or are testing such a ban. For a list of these locations, check here . However, note that many rental car agencies in the U.S. do not allow smoking in their cars or charge a mandatory cleaning fee for smoking.

What To Do If You Get Stopped By The Police in the US

In a worst case scenario, you will commit a traffic violation and be stopped by the police. You can be stopped for a variety of reasons, including driving over the posted speed limit through to dangerous driving and lights on your vehicle not working.

If you are being signalled to pull over by a police vehicle, which will usually be fairly obvious as it’ll be right behind you with flashing lights, you should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so.

When your vehicle comes to a stop, you should remain in the vehicle, with your hands on the wheel and your seatbelt fastened. You should open your driver side window and if it is dark, turn on the vehicle’s interior lights. Do not get out of your vehicle or unfasten your seatbelt. Remain seated and wait for the the officer.

I have to admit that I was stopped once in the US for going over the posted speed limit. In my defence, we had just arrived in Yosemite National Park, the scenery was stunning, and the speed crept over the limit as we coasted downhill without me paying attention to it.

Unfortunately, the park ranger behind me was paying attention to my speed, so he pulled me over very quickly. Jess was not hugely impressed with me either.

When we stopped, the ranger came up to the car and asked if he knew why he had stopped me. To be honest, the best response in this instance is to say that you don’t know, because otherwise you’re incriminating yourself. Since I wasn’t that clever, I asked if I had been going too fast.

This was affirmed, and I was then asked various questions, including providing my driver’s license, vehicle registration and ID (as I am foreign I was obviously driving in the USA with a foreign license).

I was also asked if I had been drinking or had taken any drugs, and if there were any weapons in the car. The answer was truthfully no to all these.

Thankfully, in my case, the ranger chatted cordially with me about why I might have been going too fast, and my confession of being distracted by the scenery on the downward slope was enough to get me out of a ticket. Note that since we were on a U.S. federal property, fines and violation penalties are often a lot higher, which is also the case for construction zones. I was very lucky!

You might not be so lucky, in which case, your best option is to remain polite, and if you feel the ticket was unfair, you can contest it in traffic court later. If you know you were in violation, you can just pay it and move on so you don’t end up with a record.

Finally, for lots more information on how to behave when pulled over in a vehicle, your rights, and what to do if you are for some reason arrested, take a look at this article .

Final Tips for Driving in the USA

My final words on driving in the USA are not to forget why you are there in the first place – most likely to see some scenery and enjoy the views. So just take it easy, don’t rush, and enjoy yourself.

Try to limit your driving to the daylight hours so you can enjoy the scenery, pick some fantastic road trip music to accompany you, and have a great time!

Further Reading and Information on Driving in the USA

Whew! Well, that was a lot of words to hopefully help you get started. Of course, I can’t cover everything in just one post, so here are some helpful resources to get you on your way:

• The US Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has a comprehensive list of road rules, traffic signs and signals and more, on a per state basis, available here .
• The US government has a page specifically on driving tips for visitors.
• We have a guide to a USA Deep South Road trip itinerary , which includes  New Orleans ,  Baton Rouge  and  Savannah
• We have a two week California road trip itinerary , as well as a guide to driving the Pacific Coast highway
• And of course, we have a full guide to Route 66 , as well as photos from every state along the route , a detailed route 66 itinerary for two weeks and a 1 week Route 66 itinerary
• We have lots more content on the USA as well – check out the USA section of the site for more resources.
• Looking for more road trip inspiration? Check out our guide to the world’s best road trips for more ideas!
• If you’re looking to plan your budget, check out our guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA
• Finally, if you want a book to read, check out this guide to 300 of the best Scenic Highways and Byways in the United States for some inspiration.

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There are 52 comments on this post

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Eve Mitchell says

27th December 2022 at 10:24 pm

Thanks for mentioning that the exit sign numbers are actually placed based on miles apart. I had no idea that was the case!

Laurence Norah says

29th December 2022 at 3:29 pm

It’s my pleasure Eve, glad to be able to help out!

Genghis says

9th June 2022 at 2:13 pm

Great article. A tip on the zip codes thing: use the numbers from your postcode followed by zeros to make up to five digits. So eg AB12 5RX becomes 12500.

9th June 2022 at 2:42 pm

Thanks, and that is a good tip, appreciated!

Jacqueline says

25th October 2021 at 2:15 am

Hello, I hope to do a road trip though North Dakota, my question well one at the moment, is when you get petrol are the gauges different colours like here in Australia?

25th October 2021 at 11:02 am

Hi Jacqueline,

Apologies if I’m not understanding the question properly. Do you mean that the different type of fuel have different colours on the pump? Like diesel has a yellow handle and petrol has a green handle for example?

If that’s the question, then they answer is yes. The petrol is sold at different octane levels and that’s clearly marked on the pump and usually the pump handles, so like 85, 87 etc. One main difference you’ll notice is that diesel isn’t a common fuel for consumer cars, so most stations don’t have diesel on the main pumps, it’ll be on a separate pump for the trucks, and it usually has a bigger nozzle that won’t fit in the car.

If this wasn’t the question, let me know and I’ll try again!

25th October 2021 at 2:10 pm

Thanks Laurence, that was the question, sorry I did not word it well. Thanks again

25th October 2021 at 3:46 pm

No worries Jacqueline! Have a great trip to the USA, and do let me know if you have any more questions, I’m happy to help!

Levi Armstrong says

7th August 2021 at 7:57 am

My brother runs a trucking company and was recently given a project to ship heavy equipment across statelines. It’s great that you mentioned the different roadworks around the country, showing different rules and requirements. We recently found out that for him to ship the equipment he needs to get an overweight permit to use the highways, so I’ll show this with him in the hopes that it could be insightful. Thanks!

8th August 2021 at 12:20 pm

My pleasure Levi, thanks for stopping by!

Cody Richard says

24th May 2021 at 2:15 pm

Thank you for dropping this article. It almost covers all important laws that someone who is not a native USA citizen should know but don’t know. It can get confusing too as laws change from state to state, but this article helps.

25th May 2021 at 9:54 pm

Thanks Cody!

Deidra Rapp says

25th June 2020 at 7:20 pm

You didn’t mention that Oregon and I believe New Jersey generally don’t allow you to pump your own gas. In OR it varies by the size/population of the county. As a native of the USA I found this article interesting. I agree that our laws are goofy! It’s pretty confusing at 4 way stops, especially with pedestrians thrown in, and the fact that most people just jump their turn. 🙂

26th June 2020 at 12:04 pm

That is interesting. I have driven in Oregon, and I do recall them filling the car for me but I didn’t realise it was a legal requirement! I have updated the post to note this – thanks for the feedback! I think the most confusing thing for me visiting the USA is that the laws are different from state to state 🙂

26th December 2019 at 12:21 pm

OK, Long and drawn-out question. I want to spend a week in Montana, arriving in Whitefish on Amtrak and flying out a week-odd later from somewhere like Billings. July/August/September period. Travelling alone. Renting a small car (possibly Alamo as they are showing decent relocation charges) My Q relates to accommodation. I am happy with Motel-6 or Super-8, etc. What I’ve noticed is that they are showing USD120-140 on websites for that period. But for next week (January) they are half that. I suspect that part of this is Winter in Montana (who would want to stay Motel-6 in winter?) But, would you recommend NOT pre-booking accommodation, rather to check where you want to be tomorrow and booking THEN? There’s a chance that I could find myself in a sold-out city if a major festival is on, but otherthan that unfortunate eventuality what are the chances of having to sleep in the car?

26th December 2019 at 12:27 pm

So this is not necessarily an easy question to answer. You are definitely correct about the reason for the price difference, off season pricing is always going to be cheaper than the more popular times of year, that’s just a given. In terms of when to book – it depends on your personal approach to risk.

We do both last minute and advance booking when we travel in the US, and to be honest, unless as you say you visit during a major festival or other event, you should nearly always be able to find availability even last minute. One thing though, we generally find that it is rare for the walk-in price to be better than any prices shown online. We’ve often walked in, been quoted a price, found it’s cheaper on a site like booking.com, and had to book online to actually get that price as the desk clerk is not always authorised to give lower prices. I know this sounds weird, but that’s just how it is sometimes!

Anyway, in your case, I would likely just book a few days out. It would definitely be wise to check for your destinations if there are any events going on that might require more advanced booking, but otherwise, a few days *should* be ok.

I hope this helps – have a great trip, and do pop back if you have any other questions and to let us know how it went 🙂

27th December 2019 at 1:47 am

I am planning a maximum 4hr drive per day so that should mitigate risk by allowing a change of O/N venue

Clarence says

16th October 2019 at 11:36 pm

I recently did a cross country drive, and return, by myself and had not driven longer than a two hour interstate drive in thirty years. Everything went well and I returned home safely but here is what I learned or what I wish I had considered before doing the drive.

1. Don’t drive solo. Have a trusted friend come with you. You can switch off driving every few hours and can catch a sleep while your pal drives. You will still probably stay at roadside motels or rest areas every night but it will all be a lot more comfortable. Conversation also lightens the drive.

2. Rent a car instead of driving your own. My trip was 3800 miles round trip and it was 95% on interstate. I am glad the rental car took the mileage and wear and tear and not my own vehicle. If you shop around, weeks or months in advance, you can get good rates. I paid $557 for a fast, fuel efficient, full-size car for 9 full days and that included collision/damage coverage and roadside assistance.

3. Buy and study detailed maps of each of the states you plan to drive through. Maps on rental cars are not full of detail. And, depending on your phone plan, maps on phones do not always ‘appear’ correctly.

4. Start each day early (which means not driving too late the night before) and have some food before you start each morning.

5. Do not stay in the cheapest roadside hotels. Stay in one that will be quiet and give a good night’s sleep. This may involve spending over $90 a night including taxes and tourist fees. There are rest areas that allow overnight stays (not all do) and if it is not too cold then this can be an alternative. However, three or four nights of rest area sleeps can make you ugly and smelly.

6. If you are driving alone then stop every 4 or 5 hours for gas and food and walk around for a few minutes at the truck stop or restaurant to reactivate your body.

7. If you are driving alone make sure you have the music or audio entertainment you want and can use. Most cars now no longer have CD players. You are expected to plug in your phone or a USB drive, or attach your own CD player. You favourite music can really help soothe the long road hours.

8. Obvious but easy to overlook: the eastern US states have lower interstate speed limits than the west and they are not consistent. This is a nuisance but you have to pay attention to it.

9. Obvious but easy to overlook no.2: traveling east you lose an hour each day. You don’t really ‘lose’ it but in estimating your time and mileage to come you need to remember this. On the other hand when you go west you gain an hour each day which can be an extra hour’s sleep! (This assumes that you pass through a time zone each day).

10. Consider stocking a cooler with iced coffee and power drinks (and ice) on the back seat of your car. You will keep stopping for gas and sometimes food at the same time but a stocked cooler gives you more options for your stops and can really help if you run in to delays from accidents or construction.

Happy trails!

17th October 2019 at 1:54 pm

Hi Clarence!

Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to share your detailed tips. I know that these tips are going to be really helpful for other readers planning a driving trip in the USA, and I really appreciate you taking the time to write it all out.

Happy travels!

5th April 2019 at 7:46 am

Some great advice here, thank you. We are doing a road trip to the Keys and Everglades, and have been advised it is illegal to carry opened alcohol inside a car. Could you please confirm this?

5th April 2019 at 10:47 am

Thanks very much. You have heard correctly, as I understand it, Florida Statute 316.1936 prohibits a person from possessing an open container of alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle. This includes everyone in the vehicle, and applies even if the vehicle is stopped. You can see the specifics here:

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.1936.html

Hope this helps 🙂

PS – we are not lawyers or legal experts, so please do not take this as official legal advice!

Kate Brodhurst says

30th March 2019 at 11:39 am

Hey Laurence,

Great post and so much info. I am heading to the states at the end of this year. Picking up a car at SF and driving the pacific coast highway to LA then onto Palm Springs. My question is, the car in which I have hired comes with: Unlimited Mileage, Theft Protection, Loss Damage Waiver, Breakdown Assistance and Supplemental Liability Insurance. My travel insurance also has up to $5,000 cover for excess. The car hire company though is trying to get me to purchase additional Protection Plus which covers: Vehicle Damages up to AUD $10,000.00, Single vehicle accidents, Tyres, windows, windscreens, Undercarriage and roof damage, Third party damage, Towing and recovery charges, Lock out and key replacement, Miss-fuelling costs, Admin and loss of use, Weather related claims and Collisions with Animals. It is an extra AUD$110 for this. Im a little confused about the whole insurance thingy! Do I need to take out this EXTRA insurance or because my travel insurance has the $5,000 excess, would this cover me? I would appreciate any help with this. Can’t wait to read your post on the Pacific Coast Highway itinerary, Im sure it will give us plenty of ideas. Love your posts. Thank you so much. Cheers, Katie

30th March 2019 at 12:30 pm

Thanks very much!

I am certainly familiar with the high pressure sales tactics that car rental firms use – this is after all how they make much of their profit!

Unfortunately it’s a bit tricky for me to be able to give a useful response because it will come down to the wording of the insurance, both that offered by your travel insurance, what is currently included by the rental car company, and the additions they are adding.

I know that most policies that come with the car do not cover certain types of damage, like damage to the underside of the vehicle. This is usually incurred if the car is used in a manner it’s not supposed to be used for, like going offroad. However, whatever insurance you have will still likely exclude that.

Normally the additional insurance that they sell you is to reduce the excess you pay, but this sounds like it’s covered by your travel insurance. To be honest, I normally don’t personally get the extra cover, as we also have a third party travel insurance which covers our excess. However, I can’t advise you on the specifics of your situation – you would definitely need to check with the rental company what specifically is included and excluded in the standard cover they are giving you. Normally it’s just a high excess that you need to get down in some way, but it sounds like they are trying to add lots more cover in, and you would need to check to see what the costs of those are, and if this is something your travel insurance covers.

Sorry I can’t be of more help – but have a great trip and I hope you get it figured out!

Sebastian says

14th March 2019 at 4:25 am

All interstate highways in all states use mileage for exit numbers. They start at 1 from west to east (like reading) and south to north (smallest number on the bottom). There will also be mile markers on the road so you know where on the highway you are in an emergency. Say you car breaks down. You call for service and tell them you are between mile markers 100 and 101 on I43 southbound.

Interstate highway numbers have a specific scheme. Even numbers go east-west, and odd numbers go north-south with the low numbers like mile markers in the south and west. For example, I43 is west of I55. I90 is north of I80. Sometimes the highways run on the same stretch of road for some miles suck as I39/I90/I94 in Wisconsin. 3 digit interstate highway numbers exist also, but only as a subset of a 2 digit highway. If the first number is odd, then the road goes through the city, and if it is even the it bypasses it. I294 goes around Chicago. I405 goes around LA. Something like I194 would go through the city.

The interstate signs are meant to look like the shape of the US. They don’t too much, but that is the intent. State roads signs are often the shape of the state, or something resembling it.

14th March 2019 at 9:32 am

Thanks very much for this information Sebastian, much appreciated 😀

13th March 2019 at 4:23 pm

We are holding Singapore driving licence and also, we had just gotten our licence this month. We will be travelling to San Francisco on November 2019, we would like to ask if we would be allowed to rent a car and drive on the road when we got our License for not even 1 year.

Thanks in advance!

13th March 2019 at 4:30 pm

This is down to the policy of individual rental agencies, but I think that as long as meet the minimum age requirements, you should be able to rent a car even if you have not had your license for more than a year. For example I think Dollar, Alamo and National are all fine with it. However, if you are under 25 there will likely be a surcharge, and many rental agencies will not rent to you if you are under 21. If your license is not written in English, you might also need an International Drivers Permit, which you will need to obtain locally.

Having said all the above, please read the terms and conditions of any rental before booking! They vary from company to company and I do not know the exact specifics, so you definitely need to check before you pay for anything to be sure.

31st January 2019 at 1:41 am

I found one inaccuracy in your post. In New York City it is illegal to make a right at a red light. Signs are almost never posted indicating this law- it is just expected that you know. NYC has an extensive mass transit system, tons of cabs, and terrible parking, so I would recommend that anyone visiting avoid renting a car, but still it’s worth pointing out.

31st January 2019 at 9:07 am

Hi Megan! I did not know that, thank you so much for letting me know. I’ll update the post now!

25th December 2018 at 12:57 am

One item I did not see is the road rules for a funeral procession. A funeral procession of cars on the way to the cemetery, always have a small purple flag mounted on the out side of the car, usually on the roof or front hood. They usually have headlights on. Once a lead car in the procession crosses and intersection, the entire number of cars in the procession may proceed through the intersection even though the light has turned red for them and green for you. You must remained stopped until the procession passes. As a native, we are used to this but I cannot imagine how a foreign driver would understand this. Good luck!

25th December 2018 at 3:14 pm

Good tip, thanks Ron! I’ve never encountered one of these processions, so good to know.

Cecilia says

12th December 2018 at 7:23 pm

Great post! As a US driver I would add that if you see /hear an emergency vehicle with red and blue flashing lights, you must get to the right side if the road and stop. .Stay stopped until the vehicle passes. These will be either police or fire trucks. Even if the trucks are coming any direction — from ahead, behind, the crossing street-stop. Other drivers might not stop, but they’re breaking the law. I also pause a little after, say , the first emergency vehicle passes to make sure it’s the only one. (Could have multiple fire trucks, for example.)

12th December 2018 at 7:41 pm

Hey Cecilia – great tip, thanks for sharing! It’s something we always do as well 🙂

FRANCIS McG says

4th December 2018 at 1:47 pm

Thanks! Just been driving from New York to Boston and this has really helped. I had no idea what was going on at stop signs yesterday and kept waiting but got frustrated by other cars taking off. Appreciate this!

4th December 2018 at 7:23 pm

Our pleasure – glad we could help! I can agree, coming from the UK myself there were quite few things like the STOP signs and turning on a red signal that took a bit of getting used to!

17th November 2018 at 4:09 pm

Great stuff! FYI, many states still number highway exits sequentially rather than by distance.

Also, keep in mind that distance numbering is fixed from one state border, ie it’s not Exit 20 on northbound and Exit 80 southbound in a 100 mile wide state. Having driven throughout North America for 30+ years, I’ve never noticed a consistent pattern by state or province.

17th November 2018 at 4:29 pm

Hey Andre! Thanks very much, I did not know that. I will update the post accordingly 🙂

17th November 2018 at 4:46 pm

No problem. I live in New England where you will often find Exit 2A, Exit 2B and Exit 2C right after another because they added roads that weren’t accounted for in original numbering system. Also, locals can be very particular about saying something like “get off at Exit 11, then turn right” – no mention of intersecting highway, distance, town, etc.

You could also mention the US Highway system, eg Route 66 is one, that maintain number designation across state lines. They vary between two laned roads to multiple lane limited access freeways. The famous/notorious 101 in LA is also a US Highway.!

17th November 2018 at 6:59 pm

Wow, thanks for all that 🙂

Andrew Hill says

8th November 2018 at 11:42 am

hi Laurence & Jessica – what a really helpful website! My partner and I are planning a road trip in the South next month! As always, we’re leaving it a little late to get organised. We fly in from London to Austin on December 1, then need to fly up to visit friends in Detroit on December 19, before then flying over to New York and getting a red eye flight back to London on 23/24 December in time for Christmas! Our current idea is to spend some time in Austin, then rent a car and drive east, finishing somewhere like Charleston on December 18. So, we would have maybe 14 or 15 days on the road. Your website has already given us lots of ideas of places to stop along the way. A couple of practical questions first: the ‘one way’ fee on rental cars seems like it can be steep (basically doubling the cost). Have you had the best experience with Enterprise? A friend last night said he hired a car in Austin but was then told he couldn’t take it over the border into Louisiana, so had to park the first car, hire a second to go to New Orleans, then come back to pick up car 1. Have you heard of that happening before? That seems like a big faff we would rather avoid! I expect I may have lots more questions, but there’s a couple to start with… Many thanks in advance, Andy & Charlie

8th November 2018 at 8:21 pm

So we have hired cars and driven across states multiple times and never had a problem, but some rental firms might charge a fee for that. I’ve never heard of the requirement to change cars though.

In terms of the one-way fee, it’s usually pretty steep, generally in the range of $200 – $300. We have nearly always used Enterprise, although I will say that on our most recent trip to the USA, where we also picked up a car in Austin, we used Hertz, which was great value and even included full insurance for less than the price of the other providers. So it is definitely worth shopping around. Just make sure that you get unlimited mileage and are aware of what any insurance covers and doesn’t cover.

I hope this helps!

19th October 2018 at 4:47 pm

Thanks so much for your post. Very helpful tips for me.

19th October 2018 at 5:50 pm

Our pleasure 😀

23rd July 2018 at 11:39 pm

Great tips! Especially the one about the exits, I had no idea about that as well. The other thing you are (surprisingly) allowed to do (where not forbidden) is to do U-Turns. I found this very shocking the first time I drove in the US and I still avoid to do that unless it becomes really convenient.

24th July 2018 at 9:37 pm

Thanks Leo! That’s a good point about the U-turns, that is quite a surprising thing if you’re not used to it, but quite a handy way to turn around 😉

John Moores says

3rd June 2018 at 11:27 am

A really informative post, great refresher even though I have previously driven in the States. Great job!

3rd June 2018 at 5:49 pm

Thanks very much John 🙂

Akhil & Taruna says

2nd April 2018 at 8:50 am

Thank you guys. We are shifting to US, and were looking for exactly the information and tips that you have provided in your blog. It is very informative and comprehensive. Even before sitting behind the wheels, I am feeling confident now that we will be able to handle the driving in US.

Cheers… keep blogging!!!

2nd April 2018 at 9:51 am

Thanks for letting us know! Always great to have positive feedback 😀 We hope your move to the US goes well!

31st March 2018 at 5:57 pm

Thanks guys. Really useful tips. I’ve hired a mustang for our honeymoon driving from San Fran to Yosemite national park then onto vegas Stay safe. Cheers

31st March 2018 at 6:00 pm

Hey James – our pleasure. That sounds like it’s going to be a fantastic trip – I’ve always wanted to drive a Mustang 😀

Do check out some of our favourite photography spots in Yosemite: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/my-favourite-photography-spots-in/

And San Francisco: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/a-guide-to-great-photography-locations/

For some ideas! Safe travels 😀

27th April 2017 at 10:17 am

Loved your post. It reminds me of the first time when I started (to learn) driving, only to discover that I was awful behind the wheel. A few months at the driving school here in NJ that I finally got my confidence back and my driving license before I finally hit the road. Driving is, truly, a wonderful experience.

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How to Get a US Driver’s License Coming on a Tourist Visa

SEP 19, 2023

     An International Driving Permit is a kind of your driver's license translated into ten languages to help travelers and local authorities overcome language barriers. Among other things, an International Driving Permit contains information from a national driver's license translated into English, and thus it supplements and confirms national DLs. Note that an International Driving Permit is just a translation of a document. Therefore, it can't replace the document itself; moreover, it is invalid without a national driver's license. Thus, you will need both documents to drive legally in some states, which you can get in your home country. Don't bother to go to a local driver's license office to get the translation. According to the official US government website, International Driving Permits in the United States can be obtained only by the residents.

     Therefore, if you have a tourist visa, your valid national driver's license, and the permit, you can drive in the United States without any limitations, except for the duration of time. As far as I understand, in most cases, national driver's licenses are valid in the United States for the period of visa validity. However, since the local rules may vary, it is better to double-check in your state driver's license center. Anyway, even having your home country DL, you may want to obtain a US driver's license to reduce your car insurance costs since insurance companies are usually not very happy to insure aliens with DLs issued in other countries. The earlier you get a US driver's license, the earlier you can establish your driving record, and eventually, you will be able to get affordable car insurance.

     While tourists with their national DLs may not bother with getting a US driver's license, those with no license at all can't escape taking a driver's license test and going through other standard procedures for obtaining DL if they want to drive in the United States. In fact, tourists can obtain a US driver's license only in certain states, for example, California or Florida, while in other states, like Missouri, they are not allowed to apply for a local DL. You may be surprised, but starting in 2014, 8 American states allow applying for a DL even for illegal immigrants and those with temporary legal status (Colorado and Nevada are among them). Therefore, you need to visit a local driver's license office or find information on a state DMV website to clarify this question prior to taking any action. Since I know several people who underwent the procedure and earned their US licenses when staying on tourist visas in different states, I will describe the general process without going into details for each state. Anyway, state rules change from time to time, so you will need to check the current rules for your particular state.

What Papers Do You Need to Provide in a Driver's License Office?                  

Any person who wants to apply for a US driver's license has to submit the following types of documents:

• identification documents with a photo
• documents verifying the date of birth
• documents verifying legal presence in the country
• documents verifying residency in a particular state

For tourists, the primary documents verifying their identity, date of birth, and legal status are a passport with a valid visa and a printed I-94 form. The form can be printed from the official Department of Homeland Security website, where you must enter your identification details to access your I-94 form. Note that the form specifies the period of your legal stay in the United States, and a US driver's license can be issued only for this period. When you obtain your US DL, it will be stamped "Temporary," the expiration date will be the same as indicated in your I-94 form.

You also need a driver's license from your own country, if you have one. Note that the license cannot help you obtain a US DL. It serves only as a document confirming your date of birth and name and identifying you through your photo. So, don't even dream about skipping a driver's license test in a DMV office just because you passed it in your home country. From my experience, attaching an International Driving Permit to a home country DL is unnecessary, but it won't hurt to take it with you.

If you have no national license, you may need another identification document since, in some states, it is required to provide at least two documents with a photo and so on. However, a friend of mine managed to obtain a WA driver's license without providing even his I-94 form (he submitted his passport with a visa, SSN obtained on a J1 W&T visa, and home country driver's license). As requirements vary from state to state, check information on identification documents for tourists in your local driver's license center.

In addition, you need papers confirming your residency in a particular state and your mailing address. As a rule, local authorities require at least two documents verifying an applicant's address in a state. Usually, a list of papers that can confirm your address is rather extensive, but to my mind, the simplest option is to bring just a couple of letters addressed to you from different institutions. For example, I brought a letter from my bank and a postcard with a pin code from Google Adsense. A friend used an apartment lease contract and a bank statement with a local Miami address specified. I know people who used their friends' addresses and even a mailbox with a physical address – there are plenty of options, but still, it is better to check in a local driver services center.

As for SSN (Social Security Number) is required only from US residents and aliens with a type of visa, which implies obtaining an SSN. Therefore, as a tourist on a B1/B2 visa, you won't be asked to provide SSN in those states which allow tourists to obtain US driver's licenses.

All told, you need to introduce the following documents to a local driver's license processing center:

• Passport with a valid visa
• Printed I-94 form
• Driver's license from your country, if any
• Two documents confirming your mailing address and residency in a state

How to Get Prepared for a Drivers License Test?

Your next step is to get prepared for a knowledge test in a DMV office. First, Visit your local DMV website and download the current Driver's Manual. Study it carefully several times, take helpful notes, and then have some practice that will help you better understand the way a DMV permit test is conducted. Choose a Driver-Start.com website or application ( Android or IOS ) for better results since both site and app includes helpful learning and training tools. Using the Driver-Start.com platforms, you can familiarize yourself with real exam questions and target gaps in your knowledge while practicing the knowledge test questions and answers until they become automatic. Learn how many mistakes you can make in the test according to your state rules and train until you can correctly answer about 80% of the test questions.

How to Undergo the Test in a Driver Licensing Office?

Before visiting a   driver's license office, find out which offices render the service of conducting a DMV permit test and their availability schedule. Some offices are available only by appointment, while others render the services on a walk-in basis. If you choose the second option, it's better to arrive early in the morning, since there can be rather long lines of applicants and you will have to spend more than an hour or two on passing the test.

When I got to a driver's license processing center to pass the exam, there was quite a crowd of people. I went to an information desk, showed my documents, got a ticket with my personal number, and waited for half an hour or something like that until an officer called me. I provided my documents once again, and she did the paperwork. Then, she checked my eyesight using special equipment (you have probably seen such devices in ophthalmology offices). I was photographed against a blue drop, fingerprinted, and then given another ticket with the number of the computer site where I was supposed to undergo the test. All this was rather quick, and I think I waited in line longer than I underwent all the procedures.

The DMV computer showed my name, asked a simple question to check my readiness to start, and then showed test rules. For each question, several answer options are provided, and the questions are illustrated with images. You need to choose an answer, press OK, then press OK once again when the computer asks to confirm the answer. The computer shows if your answer is correct or incorrect and then moves to the next question. Your statistics are shown at the bottom of the screen during the test: the number of correct and incorrect answers and questions left. I used a "skip" button when I got to a difficult question and moved to the next question while watching the statistics. You are allowed to use the button an unlimited number of times. Thus you may make several rounds of questions choosing easier ones until you score a necessary number of correct answers. So did I, and I scored the required number after two rounds.

After passing the DMV permit test , I went to my office and made an appointment for a road test. But if you have no driving experience at all, you need to have some behind-the-wheel practice before taking it.

How to Get Prepared for a Road Test and Pass It?

My girlfriend passed her road test in Florida later on the same day she passed her knowledge test. In practice, it depends on the rules of a particular state, the DMV office schedule, and your driving experience. If you have none or you have had little behind-the-wheel practice lately, you should get your learner's permit and then start practicing on roads. As far as I know, they send learners' permits via mail within several days after a driver's license test is successfully passed, but there may be some local variations. Having the permit, you need to find a vehicle and a person older than 21 who has a valid DL in your state and agrees to be your supervisor while you are practicing. You may rent a car or borrow it from your friends (if they don't worry about you getting into an accident while driving their car).

While training, you must practice maneuvers like parking or U-turns and regular driving on public roads like changing lanes or passing intersections. Place a great deal of focus on training the following maneuvers and tasks:

• parallel parking
• stopping completely at a stop sign
• stopping completely before making a right turn on red
• observing speed limits, especially in school zones
• traffic checking and yielding at intersections
• checking blind spots (both over your shoulder and via the vehicle mirrors)
• using parking brake
• learning hand signals
• moving off safely
• road positioning.

Don't be limited by driving on parking spaces, backyards, side roads, and deserted streets – this won't be enough to pass your road test. Have adequate practice on busy roads and take enough time to prepare completely. In fact, having a learner's permit valid for several months, you may drive legally during all periods of your stay in the United States even without a regular DL – if you don't get into accidents or violate traffic rules and score penalty points.

When you are ready for a road test, go to a corresponding DMV office having your identification documents and learner's permit with you. You also need to provide an insured car, which will be used for the testing. Sometimes, the exam includes only street driving, while in some states, you need to show certain maneuvers on a DMV site and then drive on public roads. The main thing required is to show safe and sure-handed driving – nobody expects sophisticated tricks from you, but you may easily fail to ignore such simple rules like observing away while driving in reverse or incompletely stopping in front of a "stop" sign.

If you pass your road test, you are issued a US driver's license for a period specified in your I-94 form. The license can be given to you right in a driver's license office or sent by mail.

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Home » North America » USA » Our Best Tips and Tricks for Driving in the US

Our Best Tips and Tricks for Driving in the US

Driving is a classic way to explore the US. This vast country has a lot of amazing landscapes to explore by car, making it ripe for road-trippin’ adventures. It’s pretty much a bucket list destination when it comes to driving.

There’s so much to offer here – from hitting desert highways and winding around mountain passes, to cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway or getting your kicks on Route 66. It’s the sort of place where you could just drive forever, see the scenery change, and stop off at breathtaking national parks as you go.

Driving in the US is a breeze – roads are well maintained and laws are enforced. However, you should know a few things about what those rules are, and how to go about making the most of your American road trip.

Tips for Driving in the US

Final thoughts, drive on the right side of the road.

In the US, the right side of the road is literally the right side of the road. This is, without doubt, the first thing you should know about driving in the US if you’re from a country that drives on the left.

Due to this, rental cars are always left-hand drive (the driver sits on the left). Both the car set-up and the new scenery that comes with being on the right-hand side of the road can take some getting used to – especially when you’re pulling out of a junction. 

Automatic Cars

Most people in the US drive automatic cards – only 3.9% of all sold in the US are manual or “stick shift”. If you’re used to driving an automatic car, you’ll be totally fine.

When you’ve been driving manual cars all your life, getting behind the wheel of an automatic can take some getting used to. You’ll be slamming your foot on the brake thinking it’s the clutch, and your hand will be grappling around for the gear stick.

It can definitely take some practice, especially when you’ve been driving a manual for a long time. One tip for driving an automatic is to keep your clutch foot away from the action , and switch between the accelerator and brake pedals with your right. Try it out by driving around some quiet streets first!

The Speed Limit

In the US, speed is measured by miles per hour (mph). Across the country, the maximum speed is 70mph – this is usually the case on highways. However, it can vary.

You should always take note of the speed limit signs on the road you are taking. For example, on the West Coast , the highest speed limit is 70 (generally speaking); but inland eastern states have speed limits of 80; over in Hawaii , the maximum is 60. 

And this is just for highways! There are all sorts of different speed limits depending on the state, type of road, and municipality. 

You can get caught speeding by radars at the side of the road. If you are caught, you’ll get a ticket and a fine. 

Rules Vary Depending on the State

Much like the speed limit, the more specific rules of the road can be very different from state to state. The drink-drive limit can change, for one thing, and in many states, it’s illegal to have open alcohol in the car.

In Florida, when it’s raining, cars must have their headlights on. In California , when you park, you must do so in the direction of traffic or you could get a ticket. Depending on where your road trip is heading, it’s a good idea to get clued up on the state and local road rules. Ask at your hire company if you’re not 100% sure about any rules.

Always Use a Seatbelt 

If you’re not wearing a seatbelt, well, you should be! It could save your life. All vehicles in the US are fitted with seatbelts, and in almost all states, it is a primary offense to not wear it. 

In some states (e.g. Arizona, Idaho), however, it is a secondary offense – meaning a police officer cannot stop you for simply not wearing a seatbelt. In New Hampshire, there is no enforcement for wearing a seatbelt (except for minors under 17).

The fine varies throughout the country – Texas, for example, dishes out fines of $200 for not wearing a seatbelt. Fine or no fine, secondary or primary offense – or no offense at all – it’s always a good idea to wear a seatbelt.

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Children Should Use Safety Seats

If you’re traveling to the US with kids and plan on hiring a car, understanding child safety seat rules is really important . Like many of the road rules in the US, the regulations for child seat safety can vary depending on the state, but there are some basic requirements that need to be met.

Overall, children under 12 years old need to be secured with the appropriate restraint in car seats that fit their size, and they should be strapped in securely – you can never drive with a child on your lap.

Those of you considering bringing your own car seat from home should think again. European safety standards are not recognized by US safety laws . Car seats from there are, for all intents and purposes, illegal.

It’s best to hire a car seat from the car hire company. If you’re unsure, check with your hire company.

Know What You Need to Hire a Car in the US

An all-American road trip is definitely a fun prospect, but unfortunately, there’s some paperwork you need to get through before you can hit the highway.

Those coming from abroad will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in order to drive in the US. You’ll need to secure it from your home country before you leave. This official piece of paperwork is basically just a translation of your driving license into a number of different languages.

You’ll need a full valid driving license that’s at least one year old, and to be at least 21 years old. Like many things, this varies across the country – in Michigan and New York, drivers as young as 18 can rent a car.

However, do watch out if you are aged between 21 (or 18) and 24 – it’s possible that you’ll be hit with a “young renter fee,” making your rental more expensive. You may also have a limited choice of cars.

Read Reviews Before You Hire a Car

Like any service – be it a hotel, restaurant, or tour company – reading reviews before you spend your hard-earned cash on a hire car is always a good idea. Make sure you check out what previous customers have to say about the company you are considering using, and make an informed decision.

Not all reviews are going to be glowing, but if most people have positive things to say about the service, then chances are they’re trustworthy and reliable. 

Get Clued Up About Car Insurance

Driving in the US requires at least one thing: insurance! Make sure you consider it in your budget making .

You need to have basic insurance when renting a car in order to actually drive on the roads. Usually, car rental services are automatically covered to a certain degree within the cost of the rental – particularly collision damage waiver (CDW) and loss damage waiver (LDW).

It can be confusing to work out the details, and you may be offered – or talked into getting – additional insurance on top of the basic stuff. However, you may be covered by your credit card or your travel insurance. Make sure you check all these things before saying yes to the smooth-talking car rental employees.

Right Turn is Permitted at Red Traffic Lights

This rule of the road might be confusing for those of you from countries such as the UK, where turning on the red is a definitive no. But in the US, drivers are allowed to turn right on a red light.

This may sound like anarchy to you, but it does make sense. Once you have come to a stop at the red, drivers must look out for pedestrians and cyclists, and if the road is clear, they make a right turn. It can take some getting used to, but by the end of your road trip it will become second nature.

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Put Your Phone Away

Using your phone while driving in the US is illegal. You can’t hold or touch your mobile phone while driving. Different states have different laws when it comes to electronic devices behind the wheel – it’s not illegal in Alaska , for instance, and in North Carolina you can’t text, but internet access is okay (for some reason).

Overall, the takeaway here is that you shouldn’t really be using your phone when driving. No texting, no zooming in on a map, no nothing. Hands-free devices are allowed, however, there are specific rules surrounding these as well. 

Drinking and Driving is a No Go

It’s never a good idea to get behind the wheel after you’ve had a drink. Generally, it’s a rule of thumb that you should not drive after any amount, even if the drink-drive laws in a particular state allow you to have one (or more) drinks.

Most states allow drivers to have 0.08mg alcohol per 100ml of blood, but it can be lower in some states, while others have a complete ban on any alcohol.

If you’re caught under the influence, you will be charged large fines and have legal fees to deal with. Driving under the influence of any substances is against the law. There are large fines, you’ll have your license taken away, and the offense will stay on your record.

In short, don’t drink and drive!

Pay Attention to the Weather 

The weather can vary from state to state. It could be wet, it could be icy, or there could be a blizzard, a hurricane, flooding, high winds, or it could simply just be super hot!

Before you head out on the road, you should be clued up on the weather conditions that you can expect for the days ahead. Make sure you plan appropriately – for example, having extra water for the radiator in hot weather, or snow tires during the winter in certain states. 

You do not want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with help hours away.

Be Aware of What to do in an Accident 

If something happens while you’re driving in the US, and you get into an accident, it’s important to know what to do. 

The first thing you should do is stop your car and pull over, if you can – do not leave the accident. The next step is to check if anyone is hurt and call the emergency services (911).

If the accident isn’t serious or hasn’t caused any injuries, take note of the insurance information of any other vehicles involved in the accident including the drivers’ names, addresses, licenses, and phone numbers. 

It’s also a good idea to ask any bystanders, who may have seen the accident take place, for their contact details. This may be very important when it comes to insurance claims.

Finally, take pictures of the scene. Even if there’s no damage done to either vehicle, you can be hit with a hefty insurance claim, so any evidence you have can really help.

Last but not least, don’t forget to report the incident to your insurance company/hire car company.

Toll Roads 

Tolls for highways and bridges are fairly common throughout the US. You might come across them while cruising around on your road trip. You’ll need to know how to pay for them, of course.

Most toll roads have an electronic toll system – cars simply pass through the toll gates, and the driver will be charged instantly on their credit or debit card. Obviously, this is easier for locals than it is for travelers driving in the US.

Luckily, ]] toll gates still have cash payments as an option, but not all of them. Usually, a sign will let you know what sort of payments are accepted at the upcoming gates.

If you do pass through a toll without paying, you will get an invoice from your rental company at the end of the trip.

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Be Careful Where You Park

Parking in the US is not always straightforward, and can be especially confusing if you’re in an urban area. Street parking is usually very restricted. Most cities will have some sort of parking enforcement instead.

Basically, you need to be careful where you park. Parking in a place where you shouldn’t be will result in fines or your car being towed away. One place, in particular, is within 10 feet of a fire hydrant.

Street parking in towns and cities is metered. These parking meters take change (nickels, dimes, and quarters) and will allow you to park for a few hours. They are checked by parking attendants, so keep note of the time.

Other options include parking lots – you get a ticket when you enter and you pay when you leave.

Always Carry Your License

Make sure to keep any documents related to your eligibility to drive in the US, i.e. an International Driving Permit, insurance and registration documents as well as your valid driving license, on hand.

You need to have these in your vehicle when you’re driving, just in case something happens. Having no form of identification with you can cause a lot of unnecessary problems.

Driving on the Highway 

Getting your motor running and heading out on the highway is one of the best parts of driving in the US. But it pays to know the basics of driving on a highway.

You can overtake (called “passing” in the US) on the left or right, as long as it is safe – obviously. The default lane is the rightmost, but you may need to move over to the left at certain times – for example, if you see a police car pulled over on the hard shoulder.

You should also give way to emergency vehicles, but you already knew that!

Get to Grips with Getting Gas

You may call it petrol where you’re from, but here in the US, it’s gas. Finding a place to fill up shouldn’t be too difficult unless your trip takes you into the middle of nowhere.

Usually, fuel prices in the US are lower than those in Europe. Prices can vary from state to state, however. One thing to note is the pump colors. In the US, green is diesel, black is unleaded.

Make sure you double-check (triple-check, to be safe) before you put any sort of fuel in your car. 

There you have it, everything you need to know about driving in the US.

The main thing to remember is that laws can be different state-to-state. However, always wear a seatbelt, never drink and drive, and (most importantly) remember to drive on the right-hand side of the road!

No doubt you’ll have an amazing, unforgettable trip as having your own wheels is truly one of the best ways to see the country!

The next step? Fine-tuning that road trip playlist to perfection.

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And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Sheridan Cahoon

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Can I Drive a Car in the US as a Tourist?

Published by Joe Webster .

Driving with an International Licence Drive in the US

Driving with an international license in the us, your license should be issued in english, no medical conditions affect driving abilities, visitor status and driving permits, requirements for eligibility of driving in the us, how can i acquire a united states driving license, bottom line.

You're traveling to the US as a tourist and want to drive legally. No problem. All you need is to meet several requirements and follow US driving laws.

Do you need an International Driving Permit? Do you have to go through a test to understand traffic laws? And do you need insurance to drive legally?

We'll answer them here. This article offers everything you need to know about safely operating a car in this country as a visitor.

Driving is an integral component of American life; many rely on cars as primary forms of transport. Like every country worldwide, any driver must hold an official license before legally driving on US roadways and highways.

However, foreign drivers wanting to drive in the US face unique obstacles due to having to abide by specific rules regarding foreign licenses and registration processes.

Foreigners with valid driving licenses from their home countries can drive in the US. They are permitted to do so for up to three months without needing an American driver's license.

So this means those coming from India on long holidays or business trips can transfer a foreign driver's license and use it, provided all relevant conditions have been fulfilled.

Before traveling, visitors are strongly urged to research any policies concerning foreign drivers to properly operate a vehicle within US law.

Visitors must familiarize themselves with relevant paperwork requirements to operate vehicles while on American territory legally.

Yes, driving in the US with a valid foreign license is possible. Under US driving law, drivers operating vehicles on public roads require a valid driver's license. They can obtain it locally as long as it meets US law standards.

Foreign licenses issued by authorized government agencies outside of the US typically remain valid for an indeterminate amount of time after you arrive in America.

However, you should be mindful of any restrictions associated with driving with a foreign license before setting out on the roads.

For instance, if your stay exceeds six months, obtaining an official driver's license issued from one of 50 United States or Washington DC could become necessary.

Terms and conditions vary from place to place. So contact a DMV office to get more information.

English-only licenses provide essential safety standards. Examiners, as well as police officers on the road, can easily interpret what's written on it, helping ensure they effectively analyze your driving license and interpret any potential violations that might come their way.

At the same time, this reduces potential conflicts with traffic police who may only speak English and, therefore, could present potential obstacles when trying to communicate in other languages.

A valid driver's license must include your name, digits, and symbols written out accurately in English for accuracy purposes.

If you plan to drive abroad for longer than three months, getting an International Driver's Permit (IDP) is ideal.

Foreign officials should also easily understand it when conducting checks on the authenticity or validity of your driving permit. Please be aware that IDPs issued in English provide more clarity for checking authenticity or validity when driving overseas.

What happens if you don't have an International Driver's Permit and cannot issue one in English? Some travel agents and government officials may advise using translation services to allow you to drive abroad legally.

As per law, anyone looking to drive professionally or as a hobby must meet specific conditions which allow them to do so safely. This particular condition includes not having any medical problems that hinder operation and control.

What conditions may hinder your control of a vehicle? Look at the following list.

• Visual disabilities
• Heart issues
• Neurologic conditions (seizures or epilepsy, sleep disorders, mental fitness problems, and sensory losses)
• Physical limitations inhibiting response time or coordination

As part of their US driving license application, applicants must go through a thorough medical exam, including vision testing and seizure disorder evaluation, to qualify.

Medical professionals will assess all conditions interfering with safe driving during this period.

All physical dysfunction should be reported to the relevant authorities so they may assess if an applicant meets driving responsibilities.

There may be special arrangements where individuals with certain medical conditions still qualify and receive permission to drive as long as certain criteria or precautions are followed.

Short-term visitors refer to those entering the US on an occasional or temporary basis for six months or less and entering with either a tourist, student or another temporary authorization visa.

Visas may be extended up to two years. However, most visitors only stay up to six months before returning home. Staying longer requires getting an International Driving Permit from one's country of origin in advance before arriving in America.

Residents or permanent residents in the US are individuals who possess green cards and legally admit themselves as permanent citizens of this nation.

Individuals granted residency status also receive an Individual Development Permit that must be renewed every ten years to remain valid within this nation.

Permanent residents enjoy many rights and benefits unavailable to short-term visitors, including access to social services like healthcare, employment opportunities, and education assistance.

Thus, applying for residency requires a far more stringent process than getting a tourist visa or temporary authorization for tourism travel.

Driving is an honor that carries certain duties to ensure everyone's road safety. For anyone wishing to operate legally in the US, meeting certain qualifications—like being at least 18 years old when driving—is necessary.

You will need accurate identification to qualify for a license, whether state driving licenses issued from within your home country or international ones issued abroad, as well as an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Keep in mind that expired licenses are prohibited. If your ID has expired, obtain a new ID before driving. Furthermore, you must be free from health problems that make you unfit to drive.

Safety should always come first when driving anywhere within the US. Thus, you must abide by all requirements for safe driving practices before beginning your trip.

Once you have all the required papers and can show that you meet all the requirements for driving a car, you can legally drive wherever you want to go.

But of course, compliance with all traffic laws is highly crucial. Violating them could result in stiff fines or, worse yet, jail time.

Acquisition of a United States driving license is significant if you plan on staying for any length of time in this country. Foreigners enjoy equal access to driving licenses as American citizens, though various forms of ID and proof of residence will likely be needed when applying.

At your application appointment, bring two proofs of ID showing full name, DOB, and photographs, as well as proof of residency such as bills or residential agreements for license requirements.

Due to state driving tests being non-negotiable and payment of relevant fees being necessary before taking these exams.

Once you pass, if successful, you will receive a temporary license valid between 30 to 90 days before receiving your permanent one in the mail.

Driving as a tourist in the US is entirely possible. Simply ensure all necessary documents are in order and familiarize yourself with road rules. Soon enough, you'll be driving on highways and byways across this great nation.

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10 of the most scenic drives in the USA

Mar 10, 2021 • 5 min read

Going-To-The-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is easily one of the most scenic drives in the USA © Laura Brown / Lonely Planet

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America has some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth, and there are plenty of scenic drives around the country that show off dramatic landscapes and dreamy sunsets. Here are 10 of the most scenic drives in America.

Before you leave, make sure you check health and safety regulations in any area you are traveling to, as well as the weather conditions. Mountain roads in particular are subject to closures due to snow. Prior to setting off on any road trip, make sure your car is ready for the journey. You could save 15 percent or more on car insurance by switching to GEICO.

Going-To-The-Sun road – Glacier, Montana

Going-To-The-Sun Road in Glacier National Park in Montana is almost 50 miles carved into the beautiful Rocky Mountains. It is the only road that traverses the park, providing access to Logan Pass at the Continental Divide. This alpine road is so winding it takes up to ten weeks for snow plows to clear them each year, so the best time to visit is later in the summer and early autumn. We recommend lodging on the Western edge of the park in Kalispell, where there is also an airport.

Skyline Drive – Shenadoah, Virginia

Skyline Drive is a 105-mile mountain road that runs the length of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, starting in Front Royal, about an hour west of Washington, DC. There are 75 overlooks, providing amazing views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Piedmont. It is especially beautiful in the summer and autumn. Drivers should plan to spend a full day doing Skyline Drive, and we highly recommend you make time to watch an evening sunset from a west-facing overlook.

California State Route 180 (King’s Canyon Scenic Byway)

This state road has the benefit of going through two National Parks in short order. The first is the General Grant Grove of Giant Sequoias in Sequoia National Park. The road continues for another 50-miles through the Western Sierra to King’s Canyon National Park, an underrated gem in the National Park system. The nearest major city to King’s Canyon is Fresno, California.

Cades Cove Loop

The 11-mile Cades Cove Loop is deep into Great Smoky Mountain National Park and it makes for a perfect leisure drive. Spend 2-3 hours exploring an early 1800s European settlement and appreciate the fresh air and beauty of the mountains. Make sure you plan a picnic and stop at Cable Mill, which also has restrooms. For accommodations, we recommend nearby Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The nearest airport is in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The Overseas Highway: Miami to Key West

The 110-mile Overseas Highway drives, well, overseas – connecting Miami to Key West through all the Keys. Drivers will feel the salt air and sunshine on their face and find plenty of charming nooks to explore along the way. There are beaches with public parking and unique local art gardens. At the end, arrive in beautiful Key West.

North Cascades Scenic Byway

The North Cascades Scenic Byway in Northern Washington is the most mountainous and hair-raising road traversing that park. You will see turquoise blue glacier water and sprawling mountain peaks. Make sure to stop for a photo at the Washington Pass Overlook. Eat, explore and stay at one of the 1920s towns along the way, and spend some time in the outdoorsy Methow Valley. Like most mountain passes, this is closed in the winter due to snow. North Cascades is relatively far away from society, the nearest airport is Seattle.

Beartooth Highway – Southwest Montana

This 68-mile mountain pass crosses from the town of Red Lodge, through Southwest Montana, and into the Northern entrance to Yellowstone National Park. It crosses through the beautiful Beartooth Mountains, one of the most remote regions of the United States, and one of the most ecologically diverse. The Beartooth Highway offers some incredible vistas as it climbs up the mountains. The nearest major airport is in Billings, Montana.

US Rt 163 (Monument Valley, Utah)

US Rt 163 is the 64-mile highway running from Arizona through the Navajo Nation in Southern Utah, showing off the dramatic and beautiful landscapes of Utah in Monument Valley. The red rocks and cliffs are one of the most iconic scenes in America, and the wide-open space makes the drive feel uncrowded. Plan at least two hours to make this drive and take time to stop for photography. Sunsets are particularly spectacular. The nearest major airport to Monument Valley is in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Park Loop Road – Acadia National Park, Maine

The 27-mile Park Loop Road is the primary road around Mount Desert Island in Acadia National Park. It offers scenic ocean vistas where the rocks hit the water, and the forest changes colors with the seasons. Make sure to plan extra time to stop for hiking and photography. For inexpensive accommodations, we recommend staying in nearby Bangor, Maine.

Trail Ridge Road – Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

The Trail Ridge Road is a 48-mile long mountain route, nicknamed the ‘Highway to the Sky.’ The highway starts in Estes Park in the East and goes to Grand Lake in the West. It climbs up more than 4,000 feet to above the tree line in Rocky Mountain National Park. Considered the highest elevation paved road in Colorado, it features plenty of hairpin turns. Plan at least half a day to fully appreciate this trip. The nearest major airport is in Denver.

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International driver’s license for U.S. citizens

If you are a U.S. citizen planning to drive while traveling abroad, find out the driver’s license requirements for the country you are visiting.

You may be able to drive in another country with your state-issued U.S. driver’s license or with an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Check which license you need while driving outside the U.S.

When visiting another country as a U.S. citizen:

• Your state driver's license is valid while driving in Canada and Mexico.
• In other countries, you may need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) for foreign drivers.

Use the Department of State's website to search for the country you will be visiting . On that country’s page, see the "travel and transportation" section. It will explain your destination’s driver’s license rules for visitors.

How to get an International Driving Permit

If you have a U.S. driver's license, learn how you can get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) .

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

United States travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: April 18, 2024 11:47 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, united states - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in the United States

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Border with Mexico

Criminal incidents associated with drug trafficking are more frequent at the border with Mexico, in the following states:

If crossing the U.S.– Mexico border by car:

• remain extremely vigilant
• only use officially recognized border crossings
• avoid travelling at night

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, particularly in urban centres and tourist locations.

• Don’t leave bags or valuables unattended in parked cars, especially rental vehicles, even in trunks
• Ensure that your belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times

Violent crime

Within large urban areas, violent crime more commonly occurs in poor neighbourhoods, particularly from dusk to dawn. It often involves intoxication.  Incidents of violent crime are mainly carried out by gangs or members of organized crime groups but may also be perpetrated by lone individuals. Although violent crime rarely affects tourists:

• be mindful of your surroundings at all time
• verify official neighbourhood crime statistics before planning an outing
• if threatened by robbers, stay calm and don’t resist

Crime Data Explorer – Federal Bureau of Investigation

Gun violence

The rate of firearm possession in the US is high. It’s legal in many states for US citizens to openly carry firearms in public.

Incidences of mass shootings occur, resulting most often in casualties. Although tourists are rarely involved, there is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

Familiarize yourself on how to respond to an active shooter situation.

Active Shooter Event Quick Reference Guide - Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

Home break-ins

Canadians living in holiday homes have been the victims of break-ins and burglary.

Make sure you lock windows and doors securely at night and when you are away.

Common criminal strategies

Be on alert for robbery ploys targeting visitors.

Some criminals on highways target travellers leaving airports or other tourist destinations. They signal tourists to stop due to an issue with their vehicle. They then wait for the driver to pull over or exit the car before grabbing exposed valuables. Criminals may also throw items at the windshield, obscuring the view of the road and forcing the driver to pull over. 

If you’re the victim of such a ploy:

• avoid pulling over on the side of the road
• put on your hazard lights and slowly drive to a gas station, police station or other safe and populated area

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs, including debit card cloning. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, and hotels 

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains a public alert system on terrorism to communicate information about terrorist threats.

National Terrorism Advisory System  – U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Hiking and mountaineering

If you intend on hiking, backpacking or skiing:

• never practise these activities alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• obtain detailed information on hiking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you are properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the US authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

You must provide proof of your Canadian citizenship upon entry to the U.S. There are several documents that can satisfy this requirement.

Travel by air

Canadian citizens travelling by air to the United States must present one of the following documents:

• a passport, which must be valid for the duration of their stay
• a valid NEXUS card, used at self-serve kiosks at designated airports

This requirement applies to all Canadian citizens, including children, travelling by air to or even just transiting through the United States.

Useful links

• Canadian passports
• Mobile Passport Control app – U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Travel by land or water

As per the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), Canadian citizens aged 16 years and older must present one of the following documents when entering the United States by land or water:

• a valid passport
• a Trusted Traveler Program card
• an enhanced driver’s licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC) from a province or territory where a U.S. approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented
• a Secure Certificate of Indian Status

The WHTI-compliant document you choose to use must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Canadian citizens aged 15 years and under entering the United States by land or water require one of the following documents:

• an original or a copy of a birth certificate
• an original Canadian citizenship certificate
• Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI ) – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Trusted Traveler Programs  – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Enhanced Driver’s Licenses: What Are They?  – U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Apply for a Secure Certificate of Indian Status  – Indigenous Services Canada

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.

• Foreign representatives in Canada

Additional information at borders

Customs officials may ask you to provide your address while in the United States (including Puerto Rico). Customs Border Protection (CBP) officers may also ask for:

• evidence of residential, employment or educational ties to Canada
• proof that the trip is for a legitimate purpose and is of a reasonable length
• proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay     

Dual citizens

Although U.S. authorities don’t formally require dual nationals to carry both a U.S. and a Canadian passport, carrying both documents as proof of citizenship may facilitate your entry into the United States and your return to Canada.

• Travelling as a dual citizen
• Dual Nationality  – U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs

Canadian visitors can usually stay in the United States for 6 months without a visa. You must declare your intended duration of stay upon entry into the United States.

In most circumstances, Canadian citizens don’t require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada but there are some exceptions.

Canadians Requiring Visas  – U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Canada

Canadian permanent residents

Canadian permanent residents may need a non-immigrant visa to enter the United States.

You must obtain this visa from the U.S. authorities before entering the country. You must also have a valid passport from your country of citizenship.

Cross U.S. Borders – U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Visa Waiver Program

If you are a citizen of a country that is part of the visa waiver program (VWP), you don’t need a visa to enter the U.S. for stays up to 90 days. Instead, you must obtain pre-travel authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior your departure.

• Visa Waiver Program  – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program  – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)  – U.S. Department of Homeland Security

You must also carry proof of Permanent Resident Status in Canada upon re-entry into Canada.

U.S. permanent residents

Canadians who are permanent residents of the United States must present a valid U.S. permanent resident card upon entry.

International travel as a U.S. Permanent Resident  – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

First Nations and Native Americans born in Canada

Members of Canada’s First Nations and Native Americans born in Canada may freely enter the United States for the purposes of employment, study, retirement, investing, or immigration.

• Entry and exit for First Nations and Native Americans  – U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Canada
• Green Card for an American Indian Born in Canada – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Working in the United States

Most Canadian business travellers may apply for admission at a U.S. port of entry without first obtaining a non-immigrant visa. However, travellers entering the United States in certain business-related categories are required to present specific documents to establish eligibility for admission.

If you plan to work in the United States, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for specific requirements.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada

Studying in the United States

Canadian citizens don’t need visas to study or participate in a student exchange program in the United States. However, they need to be registered with SEVIS, a U.S. student tracking system. Students must present their registration form to CBP officers each time they enter the United States.

• SEVIS – U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Canadian students  – U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Canada

Length of stay

If you wish to stay longer than 6 months, you must apply for an extension at the nearest U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office once you are in the United States and before the expiry of your initial authorized stay. Immigration officers may ask you to demonstrate that you are a temporary visitor in the United States.

The U.S. government strictly enforces immigration regulations. Remaining in the United States beyond your authorized period of stay can result in serious consequences such as detention or deportation.

There is no set period that you must wait to re-enter the United States after the end of your authorized stay. However, if a CBP officer suspects you are spending more time in the United States than in Canada, it will be up to you to prove to the officer that you are a temporary visitor, not a U.S. resident.

Extend your stay  –  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Upon entry into the United States, non-U.S. citizens must provide biometrics, such as digital fingerprints and a photograph.

Most Canadian citizens are exempt from this requirement. However, it will apply to Canadian citizens who:

• need a visa or a waiver of ineligibility
• must obtain an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record form to document dates of entry and exit from the country

Random screenings of exempt Canadians have occurred at border crossings and airports. If you feel that your information has been wrongfully collected, you can address the issue directly with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

• Biometrics  – U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Arrival/Departure Forms: I-94 and I-94W – U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Electronic devices

U.S. border agents are entitled to search your electronic devices, such as your phones, computers or tablets, when you are entering the United States. They don’t need to provide a reason when requesting a password to open your device.

If you refuse, they may seize your device. The border agent could also delay your travel or deny entry if you are not a U.S. citizen.

Before crossing the border, put your device in airplane mode to ensure remote files don’t get downloaded accidentally.

Inspection of Electronic Devices  – U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Preclearance

The preclearance service provides clearance for entry into the United States for persons and their luggage at a Canadian preclearance airport before departure instead of on arrival in the United States.

When using U.S. preclearance facilities at a Canadian airport, you must meet U.S. entry requirements. You will be interviewed by a U.S. preclearance officer. They are authorized to inspect your luggage and can refuse you entry into the United States.

It’s an offence under Canada’s Preclearance Act to knowingly make a false or deceptive statement to a preclearance officer.  While you are in a preclearance area, you are subject to Canadian law, including:

• the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
• the Canadian Bill of Rights
• the Canadian Human Rights Act
• Canada’s Preclearance Act
• Canadian criminal law

You may withdraw your request to enter the United States and leave the preclearance area at any time unless a U.S. preclearance officer suspects on reasonable grounds that you have made a false or deceptive statement or obstructed an officer. The officer may then detain you for violations of Canadian law.

Preclearance Locations  –  U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Criminal Record

If you have a criminal record, no matter the severity or the date of the offence, you may be refused entry to the United States. You may also experience problems when travelling through U.S. airport facilities. A pardon for an offence issued by Canadian authorities is not recognized under U.S. law to enter the United States.

If you are ineligible to enter the United States, you may apply directly to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for a temporary waiver of inadmissibility via the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Canadian citizens may also apply at land borders.

U.S. ports of entry are computerized and connected to a centralized database. Information is readily available on criminal convictions in both Canada and the United States. Even though you may have entered the United States without hindrance in the past, you could run into difficulty if your record shows a criminal conviction or a previous denial of entry. Attempting to gain entry without a waiver could result in several weeks of detention and a permanent ban from entering the United States.

• Applying for Waiver  – Person entering into the United States with criminal record or overstay – U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Previous use of cannabis, or any substance prohibited by U.S. federal laws, could mean that you are denied entry to the U.S. If you attempt to enter the U.S. for reasons related to the cannabis industry, you may be deemed inadmissible.

• Cannabis and international travel
• Cannabis and the U.S. – U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Canada
• Laws pertaining to cannabis

Boating in U.S. waters

Operators of small pleasure vessels arriving in the United States from a foreign port must report their arrival to U.S. Customs and Border Protection immediately for face-to-face inspection at a designated reporting location.

Some exceptions apply, including under Nexus Marine.

Pleasure Boat Reporting Requirements  – U.S. Customs and Border Protection

You must have a valid Canadian passport to take a cruise from the United States. Some of the countries you visit will not permit entry without a passport. A passport is also important to re-enter the United States at the end of the cruise.

Ship authorities might retain your passport during the cruise, in accordance with their own administrative regulations and to facilitate clearance with U.S. Immigration.

If your passport is kept:

• obtain a receipt
• ensure you recuperate your passport at the end of the cruise
• always keep a photocopy of your passport with you

When examined at a port of entry, cats and dogs must show no signs of diseases communicable to humans. If there is evidence of poor animal health, you may need to get your pet examined by a licensed veterinarian, at your own expense. U.S. authorities may also require a health certificate.

Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before entry, except for puppies under 3 months of age. Vaccination against rabies is not required for cats.

Other animals are also subject to controls or quarantine requirements.

Bringing Pets and Wildlife into the United States  – U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Children and travel

Canadian citizens under 19 travelling with a school or other organized group under adult supervision must travel with written consent from their own parent/guardian.

• Children: Traveling into the U.S. as Canadian Citizen  – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Consent letter for travel with children
• Travelling with children

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Polio (poliomyelitis) is an infectious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. It is caused by poliovirus type 1, 2 or 3. Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 (cVDPV2) is present in this country. Polio is spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water. Infection with the polio virus can cause paralysis and death in individuals of any age who are not immune.

Recommendations:

• Be sure that your polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Polio is part of the routine vaccine schedule for children in Canada.
• One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended as an adult .

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Zika virus may be a risk in some areas of the United States. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s webpage Areas at Risk for Zika  for the most up-to-date information on Zika risk in the United States.

During your trip to a Zika risk area:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to areas where Zika is a risk with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel to these areas.

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy .

• In this country, risk of  dengue  is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions webpage on Dengue in the U.S. States and Territories for the most up-to-date information on dengue outbreaks in the United States
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

• visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
• working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
• hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
• working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
• working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Health care is excellent. Service is available throughout the country. However, treatment costs are expensive.

All hospitals must accept and treat emergencies, regardless of the person’s ability to pay. Clients will, however, be charged for all services rendered. Foreign visitors without travel health insurance will have to pay out of pocket for their medical treatment.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

There are restrictions and prohibitions on the import of certain prescription drugs into the United States.

Some medication that can be purchased over-the-counter in Canada is restricted to prescription-only status in the United States.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication
• Ensure to have a physician’s note explaining your medical condition, if applicable

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Laws vary greatly from state to state. Consult the website of the state you wish to visit prior to arrival.

Penalties and transfer of offenders

A serious violation of the law may lead to a jail sentence or, in some states, a death sentence. Canadian citizenship confers no immunity, special protection or rights to preferential treatment.

If a jail sentence is imposed, it will be served in a U.S. prison, unless a request for a transfer to a Canadian prison is approved by the United States and Canada. Both countries have signed a treaty that permits a Canadian imprisoned in the United States to request a transfer to complete the sentence in a Canadian prison.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Although the possession of cannabis is legal in some U.S. states, it remains illegal under U.S. federal laws in any form and quantity, making it illegal to bring across the Canada-U.S. border.

Don’t attempt to cross the Canada-U.S. border with any amount of cannabis in any form, even if you are traveling to a U.S. state that has legalized possession of cannabis. If you do so, you can expect legal prosecution and fines, and possibly jail time.

• Entry/exit requirements pertaining to cannabis

Prescription medication

Personal medication may be subject to U.S. drug importation laws and regulations.

In general, personal importation of a 90-day supply of medication is allowed. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has absolute discretion to allow or not your Canadian-purchased medication into the United States.

When taking any prescription medication to the United States, it’s important to:

• take only the quantity that you would normally take for the number of days you will be in the United States, plus an additional week’s worth
• pack medicines in their original packaging with the dispensary label intact that shows your name and other pertinent information such as the drug’s name, dosage and DIN (drug identification number)
• keep a duplicate of your original prescription, listing both the generic and trade names of the drug
• have a physician’s note explaining your condition and the reason for you to be legitimately carrying syringes, if applicable

Prohibited and restricted items  – U.S. Customs and Border Protection

2SLGBTQI+ travellers 

Some states have enacted laws and policies that may affect 2SLGBTQI+ persons. Check relevant state and local laws.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in the United States .

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of the United States , our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

• General information for travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and the United States.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in the United States, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the American court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in the United States to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Expedited removal

U.S. Customs and Border Protection can bar non-citizens from the United States for five years if, in their judgment, the individuals presented false documentation or misrepresented themselves. Lying to a customs official is a serious offence.

There is no formal appeal process under expedited removal. However, if you believe the law has been misapplied in your case, you can request a supervisory review by writing to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services district director responsible for the port of entry where the decision was made.

Find a USCIS office  – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Imports and exports

Contact the specific U.S. Customs and Border Protection office at the Canada/U.S. border crossing you are planning to use before starting your trip for the latest information on allowances and restrictions on bringing items into the United States. These change frequently.

Declare all items at your point of entry.

Contact information for USCBP  – U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Travel to Cuba from the United States

Existing U.S. sanctions restrict travel between the United States and Cuba. Tourists may not travel between the two countries. However, you may go to Cuba from the United States on other types of travel, if you meet certain requirements.

Cuba sanctions  – U.S. Department of the Treasury

You can drive in the United States if you have a valid Canadian driver’s license.

Traffic laws can vary from state to state.

Automobile insurance

Many states have mandatory automobile insurance requirements, and many require motorists to carry appropriate proof of insurance. Each state’s motor vehicles department can give you more specific information.

If you are in the United States and wish to drive to Mexico in your personal vehicle, you may need to purchase liability insurance and additional auto insurance.

• Foreign Nationals Driving in the U.S.  – U.S. government
• States’ motor vehicle department  – U.S. government
• Canadian Automobile Association
• American Automobile Association
• Road safety risks when travelling by land to Mexico
• Travel advice for Mexico

Hitchhiking

Never cross the border with a hitchhiker or as a hitchhiker. Though you may not be carrying anything illegal, the hitchhiker or driver might be, and you could be implicated.

Be equally careful about who and what you carry in your vehicle. As the driver, you could be held responsible for the misdeeds and belongings of your passengers, even if you were unaware of the problem.

The currency in the United States is the U.S. dollar (USD).

Canadian currency and personal cheques from Canadian banks are not widely accepted. Most banking transactions require a U.S. bank account.

There’s no limit to the amount of money that you may legally take into or out of the United States. However, you must declare to U.S. Customs and Border Protection:

• if you carry more than US$10,000 (in cash, cheque, money order,      travellers’ cheque or any other convertible asset) into or out of the      United States
• if you will receive more than US$10,000 while in the United States

Failure to comply can result in civil and criminal penalties, including seizure of the currency or monetary instruments.

Natural disasters can occur at any time.

Plan Ahead for Disasters  – U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Hurricanes usually occur from:

• May to November in the eastern Pacific Ocean, including Hawaii and Guam
• June to November in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to these regions during the hurricane season:

• know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad
• Latest advisories  – U.S. National Hurricane Center
• US National Weather Service  

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

• Stay away from flooded areas
• Follow the advice of local authorities
• Monitor local news to stay up-to-date on the current situation

Earthquakes

Earthquakes pose a risk in the following states:

• Washington State

If you’re in an area prone to earthquakes, familiarize yourself with emergency procedures.

• Earthquake - Get prepared
• Earthquakes  – Federal Emergency Management

Heat and humidity

Humidity and heat may be most severe during the hot season, from June to September, particularly in the South and South-West of the country.

Know the symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke, which can both be fatal.

• Sun and heat safety tips for travellers – Government of Canada
• Heat & Health Tracker – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Bush and forest fires

Bush and forest fires are common and a risk across much of the United States, particularly during the summer months. 

Wildfires can occur year-round but they are most common during periods of low rainfall and high temperatures.

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke. In case of a major fire:

• stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• always follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel, including any evacuation order
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation
• Forest fire information - National Interagency Fire Centre 
• National Wildfire Risk Index – Federal Emergency Management Agency
• Latest wildfire information  - United States National Wildfire Coordinating Group
• Map of wildfires  – Fire weather & Avalanche Center
• California forest fires   – California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

Tornadoes pose a risk in states east of the Rocky Mountains, particularly in:

• Mississippi

U.S. National Weather Service

There are several active volcanoes in the United States.

In the event of a volcanic eruption, ash could lead to air travel disruptions. The air quality may deteriorate and affect you, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments.

• Monitor local media for the latest updates
• Follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation order
• Be prepared to modify your travel arrangements or even evacuate the area on short notice
• Volcanic eruptions  - U.S. National Park Service
• Vog  – Government of Hawaii

Tsunamis 

The state of Hawaii is prone to tsunamis. A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor.

If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

Tsunami Evacuation Zones  – Government of Hawaii

Local services

Dial 911 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.

Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee.

Illinois, Indiana (Jasper, Lake, Laporte, Newton, and Porter counties), Kansas City, Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin.

Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Utah, Wyoming.

Indiana (excluding Jasper, Lake, LaPorte, Newton and Porter counties), Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio.

Arizona, Nevada, Southern California

Florida, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands

Bermuda, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York State and Pennsylvania.

Northern California, Hawaii.

Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington.

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to the United States, in Washington, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

You may call the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa toll-free at 1-888-949-9993.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Saguaro National Park offers travelers an iconic slice of the Southwest

Get your camera ready for Saguaro National Park .

The park is home to the tallest cactus species in the country and a symbol of the Southwest, the saguaro, They’re particularly concentrated in the west district of the park, just outside Tuscon, Arizona.

“We like to call that one the Instagram side because you can literally go anywhere in the park, and there will be at least two or three dozen saguaros in the background of your photo,” said Cam Juárez, Community Engagement and Outreach coordinator and public information officer at the park.   

Here’s what else travelers will find at Saguaro, the latest national park in USA TODAY’s yearlong series .

Why is Saguaro National Park worth seeing?

“Saguaros are super special because they only exist in this part of the world the way they do,” said Juárez. “You can visit certain parts of Mexico, you can visit certain parts of central Arizona, but you’re never going to see them the way you see them here.”

They’re not the only scenic beauties in the biodiverse park. 

“Our peaks are in the neighborhood of around 9,000 feet,” Juárez said. Visitors can find aspen, pine and fir trees in its sky islands. “As you climb every few 100 feet down in elevation, you're experiencing different biomes all the way down to grasslands, to desert shrub, to basically just what you would imagine a desert to look like.”

Which side is better for Saguaro National Park?

The park is divided into east and west districts, which bookend Tucson. Tucson International is the closest airport.

“My favorite is the west district, just because I love seeing the saguaro. You're going to have 2 million, versus maybe a quarter million saguaros on the east side,” Juárez said. “But if you're a backcountry hiker and you want to hike long distances, the east district, Rincon Mountain District, is definitely better.” 

He noted the Arizona Trail , from the U.S.-Mexico border up to the Grand Canyon, goes right through the east district. 

Can I drive in Saguaro National Park?

Yes. There is a $25 vehicle entry fee for the park, which is cashless. 

Visitors can purchase passes online at Recreation.gov or at a park kiosk using a debit or credit card.

How long does it take to go through Saguaro National Park?

You could visit both sides of the park in one day but may be better off with two.

“If you only have one day, definitely take the Cactus Forest loop ,” Juárez recommended. Cactus Forest Drive is a scenic 8-mile roadway in the east district. The west district has a 5-mile Bajada Loop Drive.

What is the best time to visit Saguaro National Park?

Juárez called October and mid-November magical. That’s just before the park’s busiest time of year, which he said runs from after Thanksgiving through April.

“Two times a year, we see a lot of rainstorms,” he added. “We have our traditional summer monsoons, and we have our winter rains. As a bimodal desert, you're going to see different blossoms at different times of the year.”

He said monsoons amplify the park’s already magnificent sunsets.

“The different colors of red and yellows and golds, coupled with purple skies, it's just everything that you see on postcards,” he said. “It just comes alive.”

What does the saguaro mean to Native Americans?

“The Tohono O’odham have a very special relationship with the park. Their whole culture revolves around the saguaro cactus, or as they call it, the Ha:san ,” Juárez said. Tribal members may harvest the fruit for traditional uses with a special permit through the Interior Department and National Park Service. “The fruit is harvested as part of their traditional medicine, their traditional foods. A lot of ceremonial wines come from that.”

He said other tribes tied to the land include Pascua Yaqui Tribe and Gila River Indian Community .

What else should visitors know about Saguaro?

“I would love for people to know that Saguaro National Park is making a concerted effort to be conscientious of the fact that the representation matters,” Juárez said. “ Friends of Saguaro National Park , in conjunction with our team here, developed what's called the Next Generation Ranger program, and it's not just a paid internship. It's an opportunity for (interns) to gain experience and gain what's called the Public Land Corps credit opportunity, which will help us diversify not just race and ethnicity but also ability and gender …  so when you walk into Saguaro National Park, you're going to run into very knowledgeable, very experienced, diverse young people that are matching our country's identity.”

Nearly 45% of the Tucson population is of Hispanic or Latino heritage, according to the U.S. Census . Several park staffers speak Spanish, including Juárez. 

“It comes in handy because we're not just talking our friends to the south. We're talking all the way down to Central America and South America that are visiting national parks,” he said, adding that sometimes they’ll welcome visitors in Spanish. “You should see the look on people's faces. They're like, ‘Wow, you speak my language.’ I encourage all of my coworkers and staff people to make it a point to try to at least learn how to say welcome and hello in different languages.”

National parks for every body: How to make the outdoors more accessible

The park is also making a concerted effort to welcome guests of all abilities. Both districts offer a variety of accommodations, including accessible trails , braille and large-text versions of the park brochure, touchable exhibits, captioned programs and more.

“I definitely am an active voice, as a person with a physical disability, that says we can't just give folks a smidgen of what able-bodied individuals can get,” Juárez said. “We should make a very concerted effort to expand on everything we've done so far.”