USA Driving Tips

It would be no surprise to learn that the world’s largest economy also has the best road network on the planet. The landscape is criss-crossed by interstate highways, while turnpikes (toll highways) and state roads fill in the gaps. America is best seen by car and the car rental rates here are very reasonable, with discounts usually being offered for longer rental periods.

Rules of the Road
Although drivers must be at least 16 years old to drive in the States, to rent a car you will need to be at least 21; some car rental companies may not rent cars out to people under 25 years, however. Cars drive on the right hand side of the road and drivers must carry a full license at all times.

Drivers and passengers must both wear a seatbelt and many states now stipulate that passengers in rear seats also buckle-up if the car is fitted with them. Regarding drink driving, the maximum blood/alcohol level in the US is 0.8mg/ml and, although fairly lean, anyone caught driving above this limit should expect to receive harsh penalties.

USA Road Network
America’s network of interstate highways offers the fastest travel option for drivers to most parts of the country. They run north-south and east-west, with the former receiving an odd number after the ‘I’ and the latter an even number. Turnpikes are usually newer highways that have been constructed to deal with the extra traffic near large cities and incur tolls, while a massive network of single-lane highways run to towns and villages countrywide.

Car Rental
Virtually all of the major car rental companies are US owned and operated and very good deals can be had in most parts of the country. Cars can be booked online with pick-ups at virtually any airport of your choice, and there are offices for most car rental firms in the cities, including with: Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.