United States (US)
The United States is a federation of 50 states and the District of Columbia spanning six time zones from the Atlantic to the Pacific, plus Alaska and Hawaii.
Driving in United States
Licence exchange, road rules, fines, buying a car, and cycling.
Driving rights in the United States vary substantially by state — there is no federal driver licence. Visitors may generally drive on their home-country licence (often paired with an International Driving Permit for non-English licences) for 3–12 months depending on the state. Once you establish residency in a state, you must transfer to that state's driver licence within a timeline that ranges from 10 to 90 days. Each of the 50 states and DC operates its own Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with its own rules, fees, and testing. Driving is essential in most of the US outside dense urban cores.
Driving Licence Exchange
No federal reciprocity. Each state decides. Most states require written test, eye exam, road test — except some reciprocal agreements (e.g., Germany, France, South Korea, Taiwan with certain states).
Germany, France, South Korea, Taiwan, Canada
A small number of states have bilateral exchange agreements. Virginia accepts direct exchange from Germany, France, South Korea, and Taiwan — written and practical test waived; vision check only. Florida accepts exchange from Canada and some other countries. Check with your destination state's DMV before assuming your country qualifies. Process (where applicable): valid foreign licence, proof of state residency, SSN or ineligibility letter, vision test, applicable fee.
Bilateral agreements are state-by-state, not federal. Germany-Virginia is the most well-known. Most expats — even from "reciprocal" countries — must check their specific state, as the agreement does not extend nationally.
EU licences carry no automatic reciprocity in the US — there is no US-EU bilateral agreement at the federal or most state levels. EU licence holders must complete their destination state's standard DMV process: (1) Written knowledge test at the DMV (free study guides online per state). (2) Vision/eye exam. (3) Practical road test in most states. (4) Proof of state residency (utility bill, lease), SSN or ineligibility letter, passport + visa. Book early — DMV appointments are often weeks out in major cities.
Exception: Virginia's bilateral agreements include Germany and France specifically. Confirm with your state's DMV website. Until your US licence is issued, drive on your EU licence (with IDP if not in English) for the state-allowed grace period (typically 30–90 days after residency established).
Most non-EU licence holders must complete the full state DMV process: written knowledge test, vision exam, and road test. Book appointments at your state's DMV. Required: proof of state residency, SSN (or a signed ineligibility letter from the SSA), passport and valid visa, and applicable fees.
Some states allow driving on a valid foreign licence plus IDP for the first 30–90 days while you arrange a state licence. Check the specific rules for your state on arrival.
Road Rules
Urban 25-35mph / Rural 55-65mph / Interstate 55-85mph (Texas has 85mph sections). Posted in mph.
The US Interstate Highway System covers ~77,000 miles (124,000 km) of controlled-access freeway. All interstates have posted speed limits — typically 55–75 mph (88–120 km/h) in urban areas and 65–80 mph (104–128 km/h) in rural areas. Rural Texas has an 85 mph (136 km/h) section (TX-130). There is no unrestricted-speed equivalent to Germany's Autobahn.
0.08% BAC most states (Utah 0.05%). Under 21 zero tolerance 0.02%. Commercial drivers 0.04%.
Handheld illegal while driving in 34 states. Hands-free OK. Texting banned in 48 states.
Mandatory all passengers in most states. Primary enforcement in 34 states.
Rear-facing under 2yr. Forward-facing harness to 4-5yr. Booster to 8-9yr or 4'9" height. Back seat to age 13.
Limited: NYC CBD congestion pricing $9 (active 2026), some California port restrictions. No Euro-style LEZ.
Traffic Fines (Bußgeldkatalog)
Fines set by state/municipality. Points added to license; accumulated points lead to suspension. Auto enforcement cameras in many cities.
| Offence | Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding 10mph over | $150-250 | — |
| Speeding 20mph over | $250-500 | 3-4 |
| Running red light | $150-500 | — |
| DUI first offense | $500-2000 + license suspension + mandatory education | — |
| Reckless driving | $200-1000 + possible jail | — |
| No insurance | $200-1000 + license suspension | — |
| Hit and run | Criminal charge $1000+ + license revocation | — |
| Using handheld mobile phone while driving (34 states) | $50–250 first offence; $100–500+ repeat | — |
| No seatbelt (primary enforcement states) | $25–200 per unbelted occupant (varies by state) | — |
Buying a Car
New from dealer or used (private/dealer/CarMax/Carvana). Negotiating price expected at dealerships. Finance via bank/credit union/dealer.
- 1.Research (Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, TrueCar)
- 2.Pre-approve financing at credit union for negotiating power
- 3.Test drive
- 4.Vehicle history report (Carfax)
- 5.Independent mechanic inspection $100-200
- 6.Negotiate out-the-door price
- 7.Sign purchase agreement
- 8.Register at DMV within 30-60 days
- 9.Title transfer
- 10.Obtain plates
- 11.Get insurance before driving
- •Title verification (no liens)
- •VIN check against theft database
- •Emissions inspection in many states (CA Smog, IL, NY)
- •Safety inspection varies by state
Sales tax 0-10% of purchase price. Registration $30-500/year. Title fee $30-80. Doc fee $100-800 dealer markup.
Registration, Insurance & Tax
Register at state DMV within 10-90 days of purchase or moving. Requires bill of sale, title, insurance proof, emissions/safety pass, SSN or ID. Renewal annual or biennial.
All states except NH require minimum liability. Common min: 25/50/25 ($25k bodily injury per person / $50k per accident / $25k property). Many lenders require full coverage if financing.
Annual property tax on vehicles in ~27 states (VA, CA not, but CA has VLF). Ranges $50-1500/year depending on value and state.
Varies by state. Safety inspection annual in 15 states. Emissions inspection in states with air quality concerns (CA biennial smog check, NY, IL counties).
Cycling
Varies wildly: Portland/Minneapolis/NYC/SF strong infrastructure; most US car-centric and cycling dangerous
- •Follow vehicle traffic laws
- •Ride with traffic direction
- •Helmet required under 16-18 in many states
- •Lights required at night (front white, rear red)
- •Hand signals for turns
- •Stop for school buses with red lights
- •Citi Bike NYC $25/month, Bay Wheels SF $30/mo bikeshare
- •Always lock with U-lock
- •Ride defensively — drivers often don't check
- •Wear reflective gear
- •Use Strava/Google Maps bike routing