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Road rules abroad

United Kingdom → United States

Driving in the US when you know the UK

Differences first, worst-to-get-wrong first. Rules that match are folded away at the bottom.

What to check before you drive in the US

These are the key destination rules to check first. The comparison below shows every verified difference. Follow local signs and instructions on the road.

Which side of the road do you drive on in the US?
In the US you drive on the right.

Read the full driving rules in the US .

Looking to rent a car? Rental agencies often have there own rules on driving ages and equipment, make sure you check with them before you travel.
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What's different (3)

Which side of the road you drive on

Critical
UK · homeLeftChecked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationRightThe same in every state. Road traffic law is state law, so the citation is Californian: the Vehicle Code requires a vehicle to be driven on the right half of the roadway. No state differs.Checked 9 Aug 2026 · official source

Whether you need an International Driving Permit

Critical
UK · homeNot requiredA full foreign licence is accepted on its own for visits.Checked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationDepends on where your licence is fromDepends on your licence country and on the state. Not every state requires an International Driving Permit, and the US does not issue them to visitors — get one at home before travelling. Check the destination state's motor vehicle department.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Emergency number

Good to know
UK · home999112 also works and reaches the same service.Checked 3 Aug 2026
US · destination911Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Known on one side only (37)

Speed limit on the motorway

Varies by region
UK · home70 mphChecked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNo single national answer:
Texas75 mphThe commission may set 80 or 85 where the road is designed for it — the highest signed limits in the country.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
California65 mphThe general maximum unless 70 is posted.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Speed limit on country roads

Varies by region
UK · home60 mphSingle carriageway roads.Checked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNo single national answer:
Texas70 mphThe statutory maximum unless the commission raises it for a numbered highway.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
California55 mphOn a two-lane undivided highway, and for anything towing a trailer.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Speed limit in towns and cities

Varies by region
UK · home30 mphEngland and Scotland. Wales uses 20 mph as the default in built-up areas.Checked 3 Aug 2026
Wales20 mphThe default in built-up areas. Some roads are signed back up to 30.Checked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNo single national answer:
Texas30 mphThe default through an urban district unless zoned otherwise.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

How much alcohol you may have in your blood

Varies by region
UK · home80 mg/100mlEngland and Wales. Scotland uses a lower limit.Checked 3 Aug 2026
Scotland50 mg/100mlChecked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNo single national answer:
California0.08 % BAC — about 80 mg/100mlChecked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

What you must carry in the car

UK · homeNothing — no equipment is legally requiredNothing is legally required. Drivers arriving from most of continental Europe expect a triangle and a vest to be compulsory here; they are not.Checked 20 Aug 2026
US · destinationNot yet verified

Which side you overtake on

UK · homeRightChecked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNot yet verified

Speed limit on a dual carriageway

UK · home70 mphChecked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNot yet verified

Speed limit when towing a trailer or caravan

UK · home
  • Motorway — 60 mph
  • Dual carriageway — 60 mph
  • Country roads — 50 mph
Checked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNot yet verified

Youngest age you may drive

UK · home17 yearsChecked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNot yet verified

Holding a phone while driving

Varies by region
UK · homeNot allowedApplies to holding any device that can send or receive data, even at a red light.Checked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNo single national answer:
CaliforniaNot allowedChecked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Turning at a red light

Varies by region
UK · homeNot allowedRed means stop for every direction. A separate green arrow is the only exception.Checked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNo single national answer:
CaliforniaAllowedAfter a complete stop at the limit line, yielding to pedestrians, unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Who must wear a seatbelt

UK · homeEveryone, in every seatA seatbelt must be worn in any seat that has one.Checked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNot yet verified

Age below which a child needs a child seat

UK · home12 yearsUntil age 12 or 135 cm tall, whichever comes first.Checked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNot yet verified

Height below which a child needs a child seat

UK · home135 cmUntil 135 cm tall or age 12, whichever comes first.Checked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNot yet verified

What the lines and painted kerbs mean

UK · home
  • Double yellow line — no parking. No waiting at any time, even without an upright sign.
  • Single yellow line — no parking during signed hours. The hours are on nearby time plates, not on the road.
  • Double red line — no stopping. Red routes. No stopping at any time.
  • Single red line — no stopping. Red routes. Applies during the times shown on nearby signs.
  • White zigzag line — no stopping. Marks the approach to a pedestrian crossing.
Checked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNot yet verified

Winter tyres

UK · homeNot requiredChecked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNot yet verified

Helmets on a motorbike or scooter

Varies by region
UK · homeRequired for rider and passengerRider and passenger. The helmet must meet an approved standard and be fastened. Sikhs wearing a turban are exempt.Checked 2 Sep 2026
US · destinationNo single national answer:
TexasRequired for rider and passengerRider and passenger. A person aged 21 or over may ride without a helmet only if they have completed an approved motorcycle safety course or hold health insurance that covers motorcycle injuries. Police may not stop a rider just to check this.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source
CaliforniaRequired for rider and passengerDriver and any passenger, on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or moped.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source

Largest motorbike or scooter you may ride on a car licence

Varies by region
UK · home
  • Engine up to 50 cc
A full car licence lets you ride a moped up to this engine size without L plates or a moped test. If you passed your car test on or after 1 February 2001 you must first complete a compulsory basic training (CBT) course. Anything larger needs CBT and the motorcycle tests. The Highway Code's Annex 2 defines the two-wheeled moped class by a maximum design speed of 45 km/h (28 mph) rather than by engine size; that figure is not on the page cited here. Stated for licences issued in Great Britain; the source does not say whether foreign car licences get the same allowance.Checked 2 Sep 2026
US · destinationNo single national answer:
Texas
  • Engine up to 50 cc
  • Power up to 5 hp
  • Top speed up to 30 mph
Texas does not count a moped as a motorcycle, so any class of driver licence covers one; that rule is Transportation Code 521.085, which takes its meaning of motorcycle from this definitions chapter. A moped must sit inside all three limits: it cannot reach more than 30 mph in a mile, its engine cannot produce more than five brake horsepower, and if it has a combustion engine that engine is 50 cc or less and drives through a transmission with no gear shifting. Only the horsepower and speed limits apply to an electric machine. Anything larger is a motorcycle and needs a Class M licence.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source
CaliforniaNone — you need a motorcycle licenceA car licence (Class C) covers no moped or motorcycle. A moped (top speed 30 mph, under 4 brake horsepower) needs a Class M2 licence or endorsement; anything larger needs Class M1. One exception: the holder of a California licence of any class may ride a rented moped for up to 48 hours without the M2 endorsement.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source

What a rider must wear or carry

Varies by region
UK · homeNothing beyond a helmetNo law requires protective clothing beyond the helmet. Eye protection is advised, and if worn it must meet an approved standard.Checked 2 Sep 2026
US · destinationNo single national answer:
CaliforniaNothing beyond a helmetThe DMV Motorcycle Handbook says the only item required by law is a DOT-compliant helmet. Eye protection, jacket, gloves and boots are recommended, not required.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source

How you pay for motorways

UK · home
  • Toll booths
  • City charges
Almost all motorways are free. The M6 Toll and several bridges and tunnels charge. London and Durham charge to drive in the city centre.Checked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNot yet verified

Alcohol limit for professional drivers

Varies by region
UK · homeNot yet verified
US · destinationNo single national answer:
California0.04 % BACCommercial vehicles, and passenger-for-hire driving.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

How long you may drive on your own licence

UK · home12 monthsCounted from when you last entered Great Britain.Checked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNot yet verified

When you must switch your headlights on

UK · homeNot requiredHeadlights are required at night and when visibility is seriously reduced.Checked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNot yet verified

Hands-free phone calls

Varies by region
UK · homeAllowedThe phone must be in a holder or fully hands-free, and must not block your view.Checked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNo single national answer:
CaliforniaAllowed, with restrictionsAdults may use hands-free mode. Drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Who has priority at a roundabout

UK · homeTraffic already on the roundabout goes firstGive way to traffic approaching from your right, unless signs say otherwise.Checked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNot yet verified

Parking on the pavement

Varies by region
UK · homeNo single national answer:
EnglandAllowedExcept London, where it is banned. Discouraged everywhere, and obstructing the pavement can be fined.Checked 3 Aug 2026
ScotlandNot allowedChecked 3 Aug 2026
WalesAllowedDiscouraged, and obstructing the pavement can be fined.Checked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNot yet verified

Parking facing against the traffic

UK · homeAllowedBy day only. At night you must not park facing against the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space.Checked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNot yet verified

How far you must park from a junction or crossing

UK · home
  • A junction — 10 m
Advisory rather than a fixed law, except where markings say otherwise.Checked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNot yet verified

Youngest age you may ride the smallest class of scooter

Varies by region
UK · home16 yearsCategory AM. CBT, a theory test and a practical test are needed for a full moped licence.Checked 2 Sep 2026
US · destinationNo single national answer:
Texas15 yearsFrom 15 a person may hold a restricted Class M licence for motorcycles of 250 cc or less, which also covers a moped. The restriction lifts at 16. An ordinary car licence, which covers mopeds too, is issued from 16.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source
California16 yearsRiders under 21 must first complete a training course and hold an instruction permit for six months.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source

Riding between lanes of slow traffic

Varies by region
UK · homeAllowedNo law bans filtering. The Highway Code tells riders to take care and keep their speed low when filtering in slow-moving traffic, and tells drivers to expect it.Checked 2 Sep 2026
US · destinationNo single national answer:
TexasNot allowedSince 1 September 2023 a motorcycle may not be ridden between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, or pass a vehicle inside the same lane. Two motorcycles may ride side by side in one lane.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source
CaliforniaAllowedLane splitting, riding a two-wheeled motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles, is legal. The Highway Patrol publishes safety guidelines, which are advice rather than law.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source

Smallest motorbike allowed on the motorway

UK · home
  • Engine at least 50 cc
  • Power at least 4 kW
The rule is set by engine size, not vehicle class: riders of motorcycles under 50 cc (4 kW) must not use motorways, so a machine of exactly 50 cc is allowed. The Highway Code gives the power figure in brackets as the equivalent of the engine size rather than as a separate test. Riders holding only a provisional motorcycle licence must not use motorways either.Checked 2 Sep 2026
US · destinationNot yet verified

Headlights on a motorbike in daytime

Varies by region
UK · homeNot requiredDipped headlights in daylight are advised to make the rider easier to see, but they are not required.Checked 2 Sep 2026
US · destinationNo single national answer:
TexasRequired at all timesAt least one headlamp must be lit whenever a motorcycle is ridden. Motorcycles made before model year 1975 are exempt.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source
CaliforniaRequired at all timesA motorcycle first registered from 1978 must have a headlamp that switches on with the engine and stays lit while the engine runs.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source

Low-emission zones

UK · homeIn many citiesLondon has its own ultra low emission zone. Clean air zones operate in Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Portsmouth, Sheffield and Tyneside, and Scottish cities have separate low emission zones. Most only charge vehicles that miss emissions standards.Checked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNot yet verified

Congestion charges

UK · homeIn some citiesLondon and Durham.Checked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNot yet verified

Whether police can fine you on the spot

UK · homeYes — visitors must pay at the roadsideFixed penalties are normally paid later, not at the roadside. A driver who cannot give a UK address must pay a deposit on the spot.Checked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNot yet verified

What you should carry, but do not have to

UK · home
  • Warning triangle
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • High-visibility vest
Advised, not required. One motorway exception is worth knowing: do not set a warning triangle out on a motorway hard shoulder — get behind the barrier instead.Checked 20 Aug 2026
US · destinationNot yet verified

Typical fines

UK · home
  • Holding a phone — fine from 200 GBP, 6 points (Drivers who passed their test within the last 2 years lose their licence instead.)
Checked 3 Aug 2026
US · destinationNot yet verified