United States → United Kingdom
Driving in the United Kingdom when you know the United States
Differences first, worst-to-get-wrong first. Rules that match are folded away at the bottom.
What's different (2)
Whether you need an International Driving Permit
CriticalUnited States · homeDepends 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
United Kingdom · destinationNot requiredA full foreign licence is accepted on its own for visits.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Emergency number
Good to knowUnited States · home911Checked 3 Aug 2026
United Kingdom · destination999112 also works and reaches the same service.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Known on one side only (29)
Which side of the road you drive on
United States · homeNot yet verified
Speed limit on the motorway
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNo 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
California65 mphThe general maximum unless 70 is posted.Checked 3 Aug 2026
Speed limit on country roads
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNo single national answer:
Texas70 mphThe statutory maximum unless the commission raises it for a numbered highway.Checked 3 Aug 2026
California55 mphOn a two-lane undivided highway, and for anything towing a trailer.Checked 3 Aug 2026
Speed limit in towns and cities
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNo single national answer:
Texas30 mphThe default through an urban district unless zoned otherwise.Checked 3 Aug 2026
United Kingdom · destination30 mphEngland and Scotland. Wales uses 20 mph as the default in built-up areas.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Wales20 mphThe default in built-up areas. Some roads are signed back up to 30.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
How much alcohol you may have in your blood
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNo single national answer:
California0.08 % BAC — about 80 mg/100mlChecked 3 Aug 2026
United Kingdom · destination80 mg/100mlEngland and Wales. Scotland uses a lower limit.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Which side you overtake on
United States · homeNot yet verified
Speed limit on a dual carriageway
United States · homeNot yet verified
Speed limit when towing a trailer or caravan
United States · homeNot yet verified
United Kingdom · destination
- Motorway — 60 mph
- Dual carriageway — 60 mph
- Country roads — 50 mph
Youngest age you may drive
United States · homeNot yet verified
Holding a phone while driving
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNo single national answer:
CaliforniaNot allowedChecked 3 Aug 2026
United Kingdom · destinationNot allowedApplies to holding any device that can send or receive data, even at a red light.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Turning at a red light
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNo 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
United Kingdom · destinationNot allowedRed means stop for every direction. A separate green arrow is the only exception.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Who must wear a seatbelt
United States · homeNot yet verified
United Kingdom · destinationEveryone, in every seatA seatbelt must be worn in any seat that has one.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Age below which a child needs a child seat
United States · homeNot yet verified
United Kingdom · destination12 yearsUntil age 12 or 135 cm tall, whichever comes first.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Height below which a child needs a child seat
United States · homeNot yet verified
United Kingdom · destination135 cmUntil 135 cm tall or age 12, whichever comes first.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
What the lines and painted kerbs mean
United States · homeNot yet verified
United Kingdom · destination
- 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.
Winter tyres
United States · homeNot yet verified
How you pay for motorways
United States · homeNot yet verified
United Kingdom · destination
- Toll booths
- City charges
Alcohol limit for professional drivers
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNo single national answer:
California0.04 % BACCommercial vehicles, and passenger-for-hire driving.Checked 3 Aug 2026
United Kingdom · destinationNot yet verified
How long you may drive on your own licence
United States · homeNot yet verified
United Kingdom · destination12 monthsCounted from when you last entered Great Britain.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
When you must switch your headlights on
United States · homeNot yet verified
United Kingdom · destinationNot requiredHeadlights are required at night and when visibility is seriously reduced.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Hands-free phone calls
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNo 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
United Kingdom · destinationAllowedThe phone must be in a holder or fully hands-free, and must not block your view.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Who has priority at a roundabout
United States · homeNot yet verified
United Kingdom · destinationTraffic already on the roundabout goes firstGive way to traffic approaching from your right, unless signs say otherwise.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Parking on the pavement
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNot yet verified
United Kingdom · destinationNo single national answer:
EnglandAllowedExcept London, where it is banned. Discouraged everywhere, and obstructing the pavement can be fined.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
WalesAllowedDiscouraged, and obstructing the pavement can be fined.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Parking facing against the traffic
United States · homeNot yet verified
United Kingdom · destinationAllowedBy day only. At night you must not park facing against the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
How far you must park from a junction or crossing
United States · homeNot yet verified
United Kingdom · destination
- A junction — 10 m
Low-emission zones
United States · homeNot yet verified
United Kingdom · destinationIn 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 · official source
Congestion charges
United States · homeNot yet verified
Whether police can fine you on the spot
United States · homeNot yet verified
United Kingdom · destinationYes — 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 · official source
Typical fines
United States · homeNot yet verified
United Kingdom · destination
- Holding a phone — fine from 200 GBP, 6 points (Drivers who passed their test within the last 2 years lose their licence instead.)