Driving in the USA: top tips
You must carry a proof of insurance and ownership of the vehicle at all times. If the vehicle is a rental, you will be provided with all the necessary documents to carry.
Checklist for driving in the USA
- Full and valid driver’s licence
- Proof of Insurance
- Passport/national ID
- Warning triangles
What is the alcohol limit for driving in the US?
There is no US law that requires you to carry a breathalyser, but the country is cracking down on drink driving. Each state has its own blood alcohol limit, and the most common level we found was 0.08 per cent, the same as in England and Wales.
US highway toll fees and petrol prices
The US has road tolls that you should be aware of.
Tolls are often placed before entering cities and usually charge a standard fee. For example, entering New York will cost £14.00, or £9.75 during off peak hours. Advertisement – Article continues below
If UK fuel prices give you nightmares you will be sleeping soundly while visiting the US. Petrol and diesel priced at around 40p per litre means you can afford to rent that big V8 muscle car for the week and not worry about turning off the air-con.
Driving in the USA: insurance and breakdown cover
Since you’re likely to be renting a car in the US, we suggest you spend a little extra on insurance and breakdown cover. You’ll be driving on unfamiliar roads and the premiums the hire companies ask are usually quite reasonable.
Driving in the USA: top tips
Watch out for undertaking
Undertaking is perhaps the biggest culture shock for UK motorists on US roads.
Undertaking is not illegal, and is exercised on most motorways. US drivers aren’t particularly fond of indicating for direction change, either, which will make you watch your mirrors even more closely.
Right turns at red lights
You’re also allowed to turn right when a traffic light is red, provided that there is no oncoming traffic.
Take your turn at the crossroads
If you come to a four-way intersection without lights, the car that arrived first has priority and then the next. This will take some getting used to, so when approaching intersections slow down and keep an eye out on who’s arrived to the stop mark when.
What are your top tips for driving in the US? let us know in the comments section below…
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