UK/EU licence valid for tourist use
RequiredA full UK or EU photocard licence is accepted for visits up to 3 months in most states; carry it with your passport at all times.
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Country driving guide · 2026
Driving in United States
Everything UK and EU drivers need before crossing the border into United States: 9 legal requirements + 9 other things worth knowing.
9
Required
3
Recommended
6
Good to know
Tick before you go
Pre-departure checklist for United States
9 legal must-haves. Print it, tick them off, throw it in the glovebox.
UK/EU licence valid for tourist use
A full UK or EU photocard licence is accepted for visits up to 3 months in most states; carry it with your passport at all times.
ESTA or valid visa
Visa Waiver visitors must hold an approved ESTA (USD 21, ~EUR 19) linked to their passport before boarding any flight or land crossing.
Rental insurance with liability cover
Confirm the rental includes Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS) to at least USD 1,000,000; state minimums are far too low for a serious claim.
Drive on the RIGHT
Traffic drives on the right; almost all rentals are left-hand-drive automatics.
Speed limits in mph, vary by state
Interstates 65-85 mph (105-137 km/h), rural roads 55-70 mph (88-113 km/h), urban 25-35 mph (40-56 km/h); signs are in mph only.
BAC limit 0.08 g/100ml (0.8 g/L)
Federal limit is 0.08% BAC, except Utah at 0.05%; under-21s have a zero-tolerance limit and DUI penalties are severe including jail.
Stop for school buses with flashing lights
When a yellow school bus shows flashing red lights and a stop arm, all traffic in both directions must stop until it withdraws; fines exceed USD 500.
Four-way stops and undivided rural roads
At a four-way stop the first to arrive goes first; on undivided rural highways you must also stop for school buses coming the other way.
Declare cash over USD 10,000
Amounts of USD 10,000 or more (or foreign equivalent) must be declared to CBP on arrival via FinCEN Form 105.
Documents
1949 IDP recommended for some states
RecommendedThe US recognises the 1949 Geneva IDP; a few states (e.g. Georgia, Florida) prefer one alongside your home licence, and rental firms occasionally request it.
ESTA or valid visa
RequiredVisa Waiver visitors must hold an approved ESTA (USD 21, ~EUR 19) linked to their passport before boarding any flight or land crossing.
Rental insurance with liability cover
RequiredConfirm the rental includes Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS) to at least USD 1,000,000; state minimums are far too low for a serious claim.
Driving rules
Drive on the RIGHT
RequiredTraffic drives on the right; almost all rentals are left-hand-drive automatics.
Speed limits in mph, vary by state
RequiredInterstates 65-85 mph (105-137 km/h), rural roads 55-70 mph (88-113 km/h), urban 25-35 mph (40-56 km/h); signs are in mph only.
BAC limit 0.08 g/100ml (0.8 g/L)
RequiredFederal limit is 0.08% BAC, except Utah at 0.05%; under-21s have a zero-tolerance limit and DUI penalties are severe including jail.
Right turn on red is permitted
Good to knowUnless a sign says otherwise, you may turn right at a red light after a full stop; New York City is the main exception where it is banned.
Stop for school buses with flashing lights
RequiredWhen a yellow school bus shows flashing red lights and a stop arm, all traffic in both directions must stop until it withdraws; fines exceed USD 500.
Four-way stops and undivided rural roads
RequiredAt a four-way stop the first to arrive goes first; on undivided rural highways you must also stop for school buses coming the other way.
Emergency number 911
Good to knowDial 911 free from any phone for police, ambulance or fire; *FHP or *47 reaches state highway patrol on many Interstates.
Tolls
Toll roads use transponders and plate readers
RecommendedMany toll roads (NJ Turnpike, Florida, Texas, I-90) are cashless free-flow; rental firms add USD 3-5/day plus tolls: request the toll pass at pickup.
Typical toll cost
Good to knowExpect USD 5-15 (~EUR 5-14) per 100 km on tolled Interstates; vast stretches of the Interstate system are free.
Emissions / low-emission zones
No low-emission zones
Good to knowThe US has no LEZ/Umweltzone-style schemes; any roadworthy rental can enter any city centre without stickers or registration.
Environment
Mountain passes and winter conditions
RecommendedRocky Mountain and Sierra Nevada passes (I-70, I-80, US-50) require chains or M+S tyres in winter; check Caltrans/CDOT before crossing.
Required equipment
No mandatory in-car equipment
Good to knowNo legal requirement to carry hi-vis, warning triangle or first-aid kit, but rentals typically include a basic kit; hand-held phone use is banned in most states.
Money
USD, card-first, fuel ~EUR 0.85/L
Good to knowCurrency is US dollar; petrol averages USD 3.50/gallon (~EUR 0.85/L); cards work everywhere but US pumps often require a US ZIP code: pay inside if it rejects your card.
Declare cash over USD 10,000
RequiredAmounts of USD 10,000 or more (or foreign equivalent) must be declared to CBP on arrival via FinCEN Form 105.
Plan your United States road trip
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Places to add to your United States road trip.
Don't get caught out
Watch out for these
Drive on the RIGHT
RequiredTraffic drives on the right; almost all rentals are left-hand-drive automatics.
Speed limits in mph, vary by state
RequiredInterstates 65-85 mph (105-137 km/h), rural roads 55-70 mph (88-113 km/h), urban 25-35 mph (40-56 km/h); signs are in mph only.
BAC limit 0.08 g/100ml (0.8 g/L)
RequiredFederal limit is 0.08% BAC, except Utah at 0.05%; under-21s have a zero-tolerance limit and DUI penalties are severe including jail.
Stop for school buses with flashing lights
RequiredWhen a yellow school bus shows flashing red lights and a stop arm, all traffic in both directions must stop until it withdraws; fines exceed USD 500.
Four-way stops and undivided rural roads
RequiredAt a four-way stop the first to arrive goes first; on undivided rural highways you must also stop for school buses coming the other way.