Travelling to The USA

Road Laws

Renting a car is a very affordable way to see America, in most areas it is much cheaper than hiring a car in the UK. For approximately $200 a week you can get a good sized family vehicle.

You will need your full UK licence (both parts) to rent a car and that will cover you for the duration of your stay (up to 90 days on the Visa Waiver Program).

Petrol (or Gas in America) is also much cheaper than the UK, the price varies so often but the box on the right will give you a guide to the national average.

Each state has it's own road laws so check with the Department of Motor Vehicles in the state you are visiting, for instance in some states it is illegal to use your car's horn, but some things are similar across America.

• In all states, except New York City, you may turn right whilst at a red stop light if it is clear and safe to do so unless a sign says otherwise.
• Traffic Lights tend to go red, green, yellow, red.
• School busses are often equiped with flashing lights and signs to indicate that children are getting on or off the bus. At these times all vehicles must stop until the lights cease to flash.
• Rear Indicator Lights aren't always orange or yellow. Sometime they are red and are difficult to distinguish in the light clusters.
• You should always carry your Driving Licence, Insurance Papers and the Vehicles Registration Documents in the car.

Finally remember that in the USA they drive on the right hand side of the road. Fortunately there are very few roundabouts (traffic circles)!