Car rental in the USA is one of the most convenient ways to travel across this vast country. Having a car gives you freedom of movement, and you won’t have to rely on public transportation or traditional guided tours. You can plan your itinerary entirely on your own.
Car rental prices in the USA average around 70 USD per day. This amount includes SLI + CDW insurance (although the initial price quote is often given without insurance), unlimited mileage, which may sometimes be restricted to several states, as well as local taxes. Additional fees apply for extra insurance, a second driver (often free if the second driver is a spouse), GPS rental (if renting for more than a week, purchasing a GPS may be cheaper), EZ Pass rental (an automatic toll payment system that saves time at toll booths), and child car seats.
To rent a car in the USA, you must be at least 18 years old (21 at some companies), present a passport with a valid visa, a driver’s license (domestic licenses are accepted), and a credit card.
The cost of a gallon of gasoline in the United States is $3.30 USD. For more information on the cost of gasoline in the U.S., visit the website.
The following speed limits apply in the US:
1) Populated area (business/residence district): 20-25 mph.
2) Freeway (freeway): 55-75 mph
3) Residential area (alley): 15 mph
Traffic Rules in the U.S.
1) It is illegal to transport children under the age of 6 without a special restraint.
2) In 26 states and the District of Columbia, seat belts must be worn by everyone in the auto. The low beam must be on at all times of the day.
3) Talking on the phone while driving is prohibited, but not in all states. It is illegal to carry open bottles of alcoholic beverages in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
4) It is illegal to overtake a school bus boarding/dropping off children.
Approximate Traffic Violation Fines in the USA
Speeding — from 70 to 500 USD
Driving on the shoulder — 450 USD
Parking in a disabled spot — 250 USD
Seat belt violation — 50 USD
Driving under the influence — license suspension, a large fine and/or imprisonment
Endangering a road service worker — license suspension
A police officer may issue you a written ticket or state the fine verbally, but you will pay it online or through a bank.
Toll roads in the USA are called “toll roads.” To pay for the drive, you need to exit the main highway to a side lane. The EZ Pass device, rented from the car rental company, allows you to use toll roads without stopping to pay. The system automatically reads the card information and sends the bill to the rental company, which will charge your bank card even if you have already left the country. The cost of tolls varies from state to state.