United States → United Kingdom
Driving in the UK when you know the US
Differences first, worst-to-get-wrong first. Rules that match are folded away at the bottom.
What to check before you drive in the UK
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 UK?
- In the UK you drive on the left.
- What is the speed limit in the UK?
- 70 mph on motorways, 70 mph on dual carriageways, 60 mph on country roads and 30 mph in towns and cities. Those are the national default limits, which apply where no sign says otherwise.
- What is the drink driving limit in the UK?
- The legal limit in the UK is 80 mg/100ml. England and Wales. Scotland uses a lower limit.
- What do you have to carry in your car in the UK?
- Nothing. The UK requires no equipment by law.
Read the full driving rules in the UK and the required car equipment in the UK .
Looking to rent a car?
Rental agencies often have their 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
CriticalUS · homeRightThe 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
Whether you need an International Driving Permit
CriticalUS · 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
UK · destinationNot requiredA full foreign licence is accepted on its own for visits.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Emergency number
Good to knowUS · home911Checked 3 Aug 2026
Known on one side only (37)
Speed limit on the motorway
Varies by regionUS · 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 regionUS · 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 regionUS · homeNo single national answer:
Texas30 mphThe default through an urban district unless zoned otherwise.Checked 3 Aug 2026
UK · 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 regionUS · homeNo single national answer:
California0.08 % BAC — about 80 mg/100mlChecked 3 Aug 2026
UK · destination80 mg/100mlEngland and Wales. Scotland uses a lower limit.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
What you must carry in the car
US · homeNot yet verified
UK · destinationNothing — 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 · official source
Which side you overtake on
US · homeNot yet verified
Speed limit on a dual carriageway
US · homeNot yet verified
Speed limit when towing a trailer or caravan
US · homeNot yet verified
UK · destination
- Motorway — 60 mph
- Dual carriageway — 60 mph
- Country roads — 50 mph
Youngest age you may drive
US · homeNot yet verified
Holding a phone while driving
Varies by regionUS · homeNo single national answer:
CaliforniaNot allowedChecked 3 Aug 2026
UK · 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 regionUS · 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
UK · 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
US · homeNot yet verified
UK · 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
US · homeNot yet verified
UK · 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
US · homeNot yet verified
UK · destination135 cmUntil 135 cm tall or age 12, whichever comes first.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
What the lines and painted kerbs mean
US · homeNot yet verified
UK · 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
US · homeNot yet verified
Helmets on a motorbike or scooter
Varies by regionUS · homeNo 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
CaliforniaRequired for rider and passengerDriver and any passenger, on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or moped.Checked 2 Sep 2026
UK · destinationRequired 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 · official source
Largest motorbike or scooter you may ride on a car licence
Varies by regionUS · homeNo single national answer:
Texas
- Engine up to 50 cc
- Power up to 5 hp
- Top speed up to 30 mph
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
UK · destination
- Engine up to 50 cc
What a rider must wear or carry
Varies by regionUS · homeNo 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
UK · destinationNothing 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 · official source
How you pay for motorways
US · homeNot yet verified
UK · destination
- Toll booths
- City charges
Alcohol limit for professional drivers
Varies by regionUS · homeNo single national answer:
California0.04 % BACCommercial vehicles, and passenger-for-hire driving.Checked 3 Aug 2026
UK · destinationNot yet verified
How long you may drive on your own licence
US · homeNot yet verified
UK · destination12 monthsCounted from when you last entered Great Britain.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
When you must switch your headlights on
US · homeNot yet verified
UK · destinationNot requiredHeadlights are required at night and when visibility is seriously reduced.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Hands-free phone calls
Varies by regionUS · 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
UK · 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
US · homeNot yet verified
UK · 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 regionUS · homeNot yet verified
UK · 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
US · homeNot yet verified
UK · 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
US · homeNot yet verified
UK · destination
- A junction — 10 m
Youngest age you may ride the smallest class of scooter
Varies by regionUS · homeNo 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
California16 yearsRiders under 21 must first complete a training course and hold an instruction permit for six months.Checked 2 Sep 2026
UK · destination16 yearsCategory AM. CBT, a theory test and a practical test are needed for a full moped licence.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source
Riding between lanes of slow traffic
Varies by regionUS · homeNo 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
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
UK · destinationAllowedNo 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 · official source
Smallest motorbike allowed on the motorway
US · homeNot yet verified
UK · destination
- Engine at least 50 cc
- Power at least 4 kW
Headlights on a motorbike in daytime
Varies by regionUS · homeNo 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
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
UK · destinationNot requiredDipped headlights in daylight are advised to make the rider easier to see, but they are not required.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source
Low-emission zones
US · homeNot yet verified
UK · 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
US · homeNot yet verified
Whether police can fine you on the spot
US · homeNot yet verified
UK · 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
What you should carry, but do not have to
US · homeNot yet verified
UK · destination
- Warning triangle
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- High-visibility vest
Typical fines
US · homeNot yet verified
UK · destination
- Holding a phone — fine from 200 GBP, 6 points (Drivers who passed their test within the last 2 years lose their licence instead.)