Driving on the Right: It's Easier Than You Think
Driving in America is one of the great pleasures of visiting the country — and one of the biggest anxieties for British travellers. Driving on the right. Massive motorways. Unfamiliar road signs. Different rules.
Here's the honest truth: you'll adjust within 15 minutes. The biggest danger isn't the driving itself — it's muscle memory at junctions, where your instinct is to turn into the left lane. On highways and multi-lane roads, you'll forget you're on the "wrong" side almost immediately.
Renting a Car
Where to Rent
Book online before you leave the UK. Airport locations are the most convenient. Major companies:
- Budget-friendly: Budget, Dollar, Thrifty, Sixt
- Premium: Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, National
- Best for young drivers (21-24): Enterprise has the lowest young driver surcharges
What to Know
- Age requirement: 21+ (some companies allow 18+). Under-25 drivers pay a surcharge (£10-20/day extra).
- Credit card required. A debit card often won't work for the deposit hold. Bring a credit card.
- Insurance: Your UK comprehensive car insurance does NOT cover US rentals. Options:
- CDW/LDW (Collision/Loss Damage Waiver) from the rental company: £15-25/day
- Your credit card's rental car cover (many Visa/Mastercard cards include this — check before you go)
- UK travel insurance with rental car excess cover: often cheapest option
Car Types
| Category | Example | Daily Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Toyota Corolla | £20-30 | City trips, fuel economy |
| Mid-size | Toyota Camry | £30-45 | All-round touring |
| Full-size | Chevrolet Malibu | £35-50 | Comfort, highway driving |
| SUV | Ford Explorer | £45-70 | National parks, rough roads |
| Convertible | Ford Mustang | £50-80 | California coastal drives |
The Rules of the Road
Right-Hand Driving: Key Differences
- You're on the RIGHT side of the road. The driver sits on the LEFT side of the car. Your mirrors are reversed.
- Overtake on the LEFT. (Opposite to UK.) On highways, slower traffic keeps right.
- Junctions are your biggest challenge. At every junction, consciously look LEFT first (traffic comes from the left on American roads). This is where most mistakes happen.
- Roundabouts are rare. Most intersections are 4-way stops or traffic lights.
Speed Limits
| Road Type | Speed Limit |
|---|---|
| Interstate/motorway | 65-80 mph (varies by state) |
| State highway | 55-65 mph |
| Urban main road | 30-45 mph |
| Residential/neighbourhood | 25 mph |
| School zone (when active) | 15-25 mph |
Texas and Montana have the highest limits — some interstates are posted at 80 mph. California interstates are typically 65-70 mph.
Right Turn on Red
You can turn RIGHT at a red light after stopping, unless a sign says otherwise. Stop completely, check the way is clear (especially for pedestrians), then turn. This rule doesn't exist in the UK and catches many Brits by surprise.
4-Way Stop
Where 4 roads meet at a junction with stop signs on all sides. The rule: first to arrive, first to go. If you arrive at the same time as another car, the car on the RIGHT goes first. Stop completely, wait your turn, then proceed. It's surprisingly orderly.
School Buses
When a school bus stops with flashing red lights? YOU STOP. On both sides of the road. Do not pass. This is one of the most strictly enforced laws in America. Fines are enormous (£200-500+).
Fuel (Gas)
- Called "gas" (petrol). Stations are called "gas stations."
- Self-service is standard. Pull up, pay at the pump with your card (chip works — select "credit" not "debit"), choose "Regular" (87 octane — equivalent to UK unleaded), fill up.
- At some stations: You may need to pay inside first. Hand over your card or cash, specify your pump number, fill up, collect change.
- Price: Gas costs roughly half what petrol costs in the UK. A gallon (3.8 litres) is about $3-4 (£2.40-3.20). Filling a typical rental car costs £25-35.
Navigation
Google Maps / Apple Maps
Works perfectly. Download offline maps for your route before you leave (especially for national parks — cell service is patchy). Turn-by-turn voice navigation makes right-hand driving dramatically easier.
Phone Mounts Are Essential
Don't hold your phone while driving — it's illegal in most states and dangerous everywhere. A dashboard or windshield phone mount is your most important purchase. Budget £10-15 for a good quality mount that works with rental car dashboards.
If You're Stopped by Police
This matters. American police encounters follow strict protocols that differ from the UK:
- Pull over immediately to the right side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights.
- Stay in the car. Do not get out. Do not reach for anything until asked.
- Keep your hands visible on the steering wheel.
- Wait for the officer to approach your window. They will tell you what they need.
- Be polite and cooperative. "Good evening, officer" works.
- When asked for documents: Say "My licence is in my wallet" BEFORE reaching for it. Say "My rental agreement is in the glove box" BEFORE opening it. Announce your movements.
- UK licence is valid. If they're unfamiliar with it, explain calmly that you're a UK visitor.
This isn't about fear — it's about cultural awareness. Follow these steps and any traffic stop will be completely routine.
Parking
- Street meters: Usually 1-2 hour limits. Many accept cards now. Read the signs carefully — time-of-day restrictions are common.
- Parking garages: Common in cities. Daily rates: £10-40 depending on the city. NYC is the most expensive.
- Hotel parking: Often charged separately (£15-40/night in cities). Book hotels with free parking when possible.
- Free parking: Common at national parks (included with entry fee), shopping malls, suburban restaurants, and most locations outside major city centres.
Essential Driving Gear
Must-haves for a comfortable and safe American road trip:
- Phone mount — For navigation. Non-negotiable.
- Portable charger — GPS drains your battery fast. A power bank keeps you navigating all day.
- Sunglasses (polarised) — Western US driving involves intense sun. Polarised lenses cut highway and desert glare.
- Cooler bag — Fill at a gas station. Cold water and snacks save you from unnecessary stops.
- Hands-free cable — For calling and music. Most rentals have aux or Bluetooth, but a backup cable ensures connectivity.
- Travel pillow — Passengers will want to sleep on long drives.
Toll Roads
Several routes have electronic tolling. Your rental car may include a toll transponder:
- E-ZPass — Northeastern US (NYC, NJ, PA, MA)
- SunPass — Florida
- FasTrak — California
Check with your rental company. If no transponder is included, tolls are often photographed and billed to the rental company, who charge you + a processing fee. Sometimes unpleasantly expensive. Ask about toll options when you pick up the car.