Driving in USA as a foreigner

Image by Bertsz from Pixabay

If you’re planning a trip to the USA and you know that you will be driving there, there are a few factors you need to consider before your departure. First, you need to make sure that your passport will be valid for at least 6 months from the last day of your stay. 

Visa is the next thing you need to consider once you made sure that your passport is valid. There is a very strict security policy in the USA regarding visitors, so the visa is probably the most important aspect. Some countries also allow their citizens to apply for an ESTA instead of a Visa, which could be a better option if you want to complete the application faster. 

Not every state is the same

You should definitely do some research about the driving requirements in the state you will be staying in. Different states have different rules regarding foreign drivers, so it is generally a bad idea to assume that all rules apply throughout the whole country.

However, most states require foreign drivers to carry an  international license USA recognizes. This is usually in a form of an IDP, or an International Driving License that you can get in your home country. 

How to get one of These Licenses? 

An IDP is a form of driving identification that translates into 10 different languages and allows you to legally drive in many different countries all over the world. You will have to visit the motor vehicle department in your home country and check what the requirements to obtain this permit are. 

Some rental car agencies require foreigners to have both their driver’s license and the IDP to even be able to use their service. Therefore, this tells you how important is IDP in the USA. 

How Long Can you Drive?

Using a foreign license, you can drive up to 3 months in the USA. This is calculated from the first day of your arrival in the USA, according to the official records. If you’re stopped driving by the authorities after this period, you can expect some serious consequences, but usually in a form of financial fees. 

In some cases, if you already have your IDP, you may be allowed to drive for longer. However, if you don’t you will be required to get one, but keep in mind that you can only do so in your native country. 

Driving Requirements in the USA

We have already gone through the legal requirements in terms of documents you need to have. Now, we should mention a few more requirements that need to be met. First, you must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for driving. Additionally, any expired licenses are not allowed and won’t be tolerated. 

A driver needs to be free from any type of medical condition that may impair the ability to operate a vehicle. And last, but not least, you need to follow all regulations and driving laws issued by the state you’re in.