Driving Tips in the USA

Car Hire Depot information in USA

DriveAway Holidays offers the best rates and choices with reputable suppliers in USA. Our Suppliers are located throughout major cities of USA.

Car Hire Driving Distances in USA

• Boston to New York – 350 kms (3hrs/ 50mins)
• Chicago to Milwaukee – 150 kms (1hr / 50 mins)
• Colorado Springs to Denver – 120 kms (1 hr/ 15 mins)
• Las Vegas to Los Angeles – 430 kms (4hrs)
• Miami to Fort Lauderdale – 50 kms (40mins)
• New York to Washington – 365 kms (4hrs)
• San Francisco to Los Angeles – 615 kms (5hrs/ 50 mins)

Driving Licence

A full valid driver’s license is required for a minimum of 1 year. An International licence is recommended for Australian drivers licence holders.

Age Restrictions

Generally the minimum age is 21 years, but can vary between the car hire company and location. Maximum age limits apply in some locations, a young/senior driver surcharge may apply. Please check Terms and Conditions when making an enquiry or booking.

Rules, Laws and Regulations

General driving rules, laws and regulations in the United States of America;

• Vehicles drive on the right hand side of the road.
• Pass others on the left hand side of the road.
• All occupants in a vehicle must wear a seat belt.
• Right turn is permitted at red traffic lights, but only after stopping, unless signed otherwise.
• Mobile Phones are not permitted while driving, with the exception of a hands-free system.
• Always use indicator lights when turning.
• Radar detectors are illegal in some states.
• All vehicles must give way to emergency services vehicles.
• Drivers are to carry at all times while driving, a valid drivers licence, registration documents and insurance documents.

Child Safety Seats

Child Safety Seat rules and regulations in the USA varies from state to state. Any children under 6 years of age should be seated in an appropriate child restrait, however the maximum age may differ depending on the state laws. In most states, children under the age of 16 must be wearing a seat belt and only be seated in the back seats.

Speed Limits

Speed is measured and displayed in Miles per hour (mph) and in most states the maximum speed limit allowed is either 65-70mph (110km/h) mainly used on motorways. Speed limits will vary depending on the state, so always keep and eye out for road signage. Throughout USA radars are used by authorities to enforce speed limits and because of the different laws and regulations in each state, penalties for any traffic violation will vary, but is most cases a fine will be given which can be quite hefty.

Drink Driving

As you may know, laws and regulations varies from state to state, but in most states the allowable alcohol limit while driving stays relatively the same at 0.08mg/ per 100ml of blood. However in some states such as Colorado have a limit of 0.05mg/ per 100ml of blood. To avoid any confusion, don't drink and drive! simple.

Tolls

There are a number of roads and bridges in the USA where a toll is payable. The majority of tolls roads in the USA have now implemented electronic toll collection points, where a RFID tag is affixed on the front windscreen and when passing a toll gate a RF tag reader picks up the tag information from above (approx 5 metres away) and debits the tag holders account for the toll. Cash payment is still option at some, however, rental cars that pass the toll gates and fail to pay, the hirer will receive a toll notice/invoice from the supplier.

Road Signs

In the United States, road signs are standardized by federal regulations used in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the Standard Highway Signs (SHS). As of Dec 2008 25 states have adopted the National MUTCD, 2003 edition with no state supplement, 20 states with state supplement and 7 states have a State MUTCD in conformance with the National MUTCD. Regulatory Signs give specific instructions to road users, such as stop, give way (yield), speed limits and no parking signs. Signs will vary in shapes, colour and typeface such as the octagon used with a stop sign and a X shape for rail crossings. Warning Signs warn road users of any upcoming hazards, changes in road conditions, schools or traffic signals. Shapes are commonly diamond shaped, coloured in either yellow or fluorescent yellow and with the exception of a few signs that have a square or rectangular shape. Guide Signs detail highway route markers (shield shape), street signs, mile markers and exit signs. Interchange Signs are green with either a square or rectangular shape, Guide signs use a shield shape and street signs are rectangular, although colors will vary.

Parking

Parking laws and regulations will vary from state to state, so be sure to check signage before leaving your vehicle for any restrictions and instructions. Most on-street parking in major cities and towns operate using the pay-n-display system, where a parking ticket is purchase from a machine near-by and placed on the front windscreen.

Visa Information

Visa, passport and entry requirements for Australians visiting the United States of America;

• Australian citizens holding an Australian passport can travel to the United States visa-free if the following requirements below are met by the individual;
  1. Must be travelling on an unexpired machine readable passport. An e-Passport must be used for all passports renewed/extended after October 26, 2006.
  2. Must be travelling for business or pleasure only (not Government business).
  3. Must be staying in the US for 90 days or less
• A valid e-passport is required with at-least 6 months validity.
• A return/onward travel ticket/itinerary is required.
• Contact the Embassy or Consulate of the United States of America in your local state for additional information regarding visas and/or entry requirements.

*Please note distances and time should only be used as a guide, and may vary according to the route taken.

Last Updated 10 June 2010