Driving in a new country can be exciting, but it’s important to understand the rules and responsibilities that come with it. Whether you borrow a car from your host family, drive a vehicle for work, rent one for a weekend trip, or buy your own, the same laws apply to you.
What Are the Driving Laws in the USA?
When it comes to driving culture in the U.S., certain rules apply nationwide:
- Drivers must stay on the right-hand side of the road.
- Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt.
- A valid (unexpired) driver’s license and insurance are required to operate a vehicle.
- Cars must always yield to pedestrians.
- There is zero tolerance for texting while driving or driving under the influence of alcohol.
- Headlights must be used at night and during low-visibility conditions.
- Speed limits—posted in miles per hour (mph)—must always be followed.
- Don’t rely totally on GPS – defer to detours and marked signs.
- If a school bus has flashing red lights and an extended “stop sign” arm, you must stop. This applies to traffic in both directions on undivided roads (no median).
Driving Laws Vary by State
Many driving laws vary by state, even from the road, so it’s important to do your research. For example, turning right at a red light is prohibited in New York City, while U-turns are illegal in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. California requires drivers to stop even if a pedestrian hasn’t fully entered the crosswalk. Some states allow drivers to hold a phone, while others require hands-free use only.
Find your state’s rules
Every U.S. state runs its own Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Your state’s DMV website is the official source for driving laws, license requirements, registration, and fees where you live. Use the USA.gov state DMV directory to find yours, and check it before you drive, apply for a license, or buy a car.
Before You Drive in the U.S.
Be sure to review the American Driver’s Manual, available for free from your state’s DMV. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with U.S. road rules, signage, and four-way stops before you get behind the wheel.
Watch our Driving in the U.S. video below for an overview before you start.
International Driving Permit (IDP)
You should get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before arriving in the U.S. You cannot get one after arrival. An IDP translates the information on your driver’s license into 10 languages so that officials in other countries can read it. It must be used alongside your home country driver’s license and is not valid on its own. If your home license is not in English, an IDP (or official translation) is strongly recommended, and often required by car rental agencies.
Most states allow you to drive with your foreign license (and passport) for up to one year, but some limit this to 3–6 months. Always verify with the local DMV.
Always carry your driver’s license, IDP, and passport when behind the wheel. If a law enforcement officer asks to see your license, you must show both your IDP and your foreign license.
Do I need a U.S. driver's license during my J-1 visa program?
- Passport with visa
- DS-2019 Form
- A printout of your electronic I-94 record
- Home country driver’s license
- International Driving Permit (optional but helpful)
- Social Security card, or Form SSA-L676 (“Refusal to Process SSN Application”) if you are not eligible for a Social Security number. Visit the Social Security Administration website for more information.
- Proof of legal presence or address, such as a lease or utility bill
- Any other documents listed on your state’s DMV website
Can I drive a motorcycle with my U.S. driver's license?
Motorcycles require a separate motorcycle license or endorsement. Most states require you to wear a helmet.
Note: Most international insurance (including student travel plans) does not cover motorcycle accidents, so ride carefully or consider avoiding motorcycles altogether.
What are the insurance requirements?
Whether you’re renting or driving a personal vehicle, liability insurance is required by law, even for short-term stays. You cannot drive a car in the U.S. without insurance, and if you are caught driving uninsured, you will be ticketed and fined. Make sure that any car you drive has insurance that will cover you as a driver or a passenger in the event of an accident.
Important: The Accident and Sickness insurance you have through InterExchange is not car insurance. It will not cover vehicle damage or liability.
For rental-specific coverage options, see Traveling by Car in the U.S.
What are the parking laws in the U.S?
Parking laws in the U.S. vary by state and city, but several rules apply nationwide. You should never park in areas marked “No Parking,” near fire hydrants (within 10–15 feet), in crosswalks, in front of driveways, at bus stops, in handicap spots without a permit, or by double parking (blocking a lane beside a parked car).
Always follow posted signs, which may list time limits, street cleaning schedules, or permit requirements. Use metered parking where required—many cities use parking apps—and park in the direction of traffic. On hills, curb your wheels correctly and use your parking brake.
Some areas restrict parking overnight or during snow emergencies, and residential zones may require special permits.
Important Note
Parking tickets can range from $25 to over $200, and unpaid fines can lead to towing, booting, or issues with vehicle registration. International visitors should pay all fines promptly, as unresolved violations can impact visa status or future travel to the U.S.
What should I do if I get pulled while driving?
Getting pulled over can feel stressful, especially in an unfamiliar country, but staying calm and following a few simple steps will make the process much smoother.
- Pull over safely and as quickly as possible — use your turn signal and move to the right shoulder or a safe area.
- Turn off your engine, roll down your window, and keep your hands visible on the steering wheel.
- Avoid sudden movements. If you need to reach for your license, registration, or insurance card, tell the officer first (for example, “My documents are in the glove compartment — is it okay if I reach for them?”).
- Be polite and answer questions honestly. You are required to show your driver’s license, IDP (if applicable), registration, and proof of insurance when asked.
- If you receive a ticket, you do not need to argue or resolve it on the spot. You can review your options — including how to pay or contest it — on your state DMV or court website.
- Never attempt to drive away before the officer says you’re free to go, even if you disagree with the stop.
If you’re ever unsure about your rights or how to handle a specific situation, your program sponsor or local host organization can help point you toward guidance.
What should I do if I get into an accident while driving?
If you’re in a car accident, first check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone requires medical attention or there is significant damage. Stay at the scene until the police arrive, and if possible, do not move your car until police have assessed the scene.
While you wait, exchange the following information with the other driver:
- Full name
- Telephone number
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Vehicle registration and expiration date
- Insurance company and policy number
- Make, model, and year of the car
Take photos of the damage and scene and ask for witness contact information if available. If you hit a parked car, leave a note with your name, phone number, and license plate under the windshield wiper, and write down the other car’s license plate number and model for your own records. Failure to report the accident or leave your information is a crime.
Learning to drive in the U.S. takes time, but the rewards are worth it. Having the freedom to get around on your own schedule can definitely lead to a more unique and fulfilling experience.
Quick Tips
Learn more about how to explore the U.S. through other transportation methods.
