Driving in the USA: Traffic Rules for Foreign Visitors & Crew (2026)

The basics: side, speed, and signs

• Drive on the right. The steering wheel is on the left. If you normally drive on the left, take the first few miles slowly — old habits resurface at junctions and when pulling out of car parks.
• Speeds are in miles per hour (mph), not km/h. A “65” sign means 65 mph, which is about 105 km/h. Typical limits: 25–30 mph residential, 55–75 mph highways, up to 80–85 mph on some western interstates.
• Speed-limit signs are white rectangles with black text reading “SPEED LIMIT” above the number — not round signs. A red octagon means STOP; a yellow diamond is a warning.
• Stop fully at red lights and stop signs — a rolling stop is a common ticket.
• Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and front passengers in every state; children use proper car seats.
• Yield to pedestrians at crossings and intersections.
• Watch for school zones and work zones, where limits drop and fines are often doubled.

Can you turn right on a red light?

Yes. In all 50 states you may turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and traffic — unless a sign says “No Turn on Red.” Two things to remember: New York City is the big exception (right on red is banned across the city unless a sign allows it), and you must never turn on a red arrow.

When must you stop for a school bus?

When a yellow school bus shows flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, traffic must stop — and on an undivided road that means vehicles in both directions. Stay stopped until the lights stop and the arm folds away. The only exception is a divided highway separated by a raised barrier or an unpaved median of at least five feet, where oncoming traffic need not stop. If in doubt, stop — penalties for passing a stopped school bus are severe.

Drink-driving limits (DUI)

Driving under the influence is a serious crime everywhere in the USA. The blood-alcohol limits are:

• 0.08% for drivers 21 and over in 49 states and Washington, D.C.
• 0.05% in Utah — the strictest state limit.
• 0.04% for anyone driving a commercial vehicle.
• Zero tolerance for drivers under 21.

A DUI can mean heavy fines, licence suspension, and jail — and for non-citizens it can affect your visa or ESTA status and future entry to the USA. The only safe limit is zero: if you have been drinking, take a taxi or a ride-share.

Traffic fines: what to expect

Fines are set state by state and vary widely, so treat these as a rough guide. Beyond the fine, most offences add licence points and raise insurance costs.

• Speeding: roughly $50–$500+ (often doubled in school or work zones).
• Running a red light or stop sign: roughly $50–$500+.
• Hand-held phone or texting: roughly $20–$500+, rising for repeat offences.
• Reckless driving: roughly $100–$1,000+, often a misdemeanour with possible jail.
• Drink-driving (DUI/DWI): roughly $500–$10,000+ in total costs, plus licence loss and possible jail.

These are illustrative only — the real amount depends on the state, the county, how far over the limit you were, and any prior offences.

Do you need an International Driving Permit?

Not always. If your licence is in English using the Latin alphabet, most major US rental companies accept it on its own. If your licence is in another script (for example Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, or Japanese), carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) — an official translation of your licence. It is not a substitute for your licence, so carry both, plus your passport. The USA does not issue IDPs to visitors, so get one in your home country before you travel.

My captain’s tips for crew

• Respect the fatigue. Driving tired after a long-haul is as dangerous as driving impaired. If you are wiped out, take the hotel shuttle or a ride-share and collect the car after you have rested.
• Think in mph. Set the rental’s display to mph and remember 60 mph is about 100 km/h.
• Sort tolls first. Many US highways are cashless — ask the rental desk how tolls are handled and whether a transponder is included.
• Renting a car? Check the crew car-rental rates listed higher up on this page before you book.
• If police stop you, pull over safely, stay in the car with your hands on the wheel, have your documents ready, and be polite. Officers are used to helping visitors.

FAQ

Which side of the road do you drive on in the USA?

The right-hand side, with the steering wheel on the left of the car.

Are US speed limits in miles or kilometres?

Miles per hour. A “65” sign means 65 mph, which is about 105 km/h.

Can I turn right on a red light?

Yes, after a full stop and yielding, unless a sign forbids it. New York City is the main exception, and you can never turn on a red arrow.

What is the drink-driving limit in the USA?

It is 0.08% in 49 states and Washington, D.C., and 0.05% in Utah. Commercial drivers are limited to 0.04%, and drivers under 21 face a zero-tolerance rule.

Do I need an International Driving Permit?

Not always — an English, Latin-alphabet licence is usually accepted. For other scripts, carry an IDP, and get it before you travel.

Sources & disclaimer

This is general information for visitors and crew, not legal advice. US traffic laws and fines are set by each state and change over time — always confirm the current rules with the state DMV where you are driving. Official references: USA.gov — driving as a non-citizen and NHTSA — drunk driving.