By car in the USA

Traveling in America without a car is possible, but difficult. Public transportation is limited in most cities, and small towns and natural parks are often off the map without a car. Therefore, renting a car for a tourist or a newly arrived Ukrainian is not a luxury, but a convenience that opens up the country. But it has its own rules and pitfalls.

What documents are needed

American rental companies are clear about the rules, but the nuances differ:

• A Ukrainian driver's license is valid for the entire rental period.
• International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official translation of a Ukrainian license. It is not always required, but if the license is not in English, it is almost always asked for.
• Foreign passport - especially if you rent a car from a large network or for the first time.
• A credit card in the driver's name for the deposit (most companies do not accept debit cards or accept them with strict conditions).

Tip: if you don't have a credit card, look for local independent rental companies (they are often more flexible and can take a cash deposit).

Age rules

No surprises here, but important:

• 25 years and older - no additional fees.
• 21-24 years old - almost all companies will give you a car, but with a “young driver fee” ($20-40/day).
• Under 21 - rent only under exceptional programs (students, military).

Insurance: compulsory and additional

The base rental price in the United States often does not include anything other than the car itself. Insurance is added separately:

• LDW/CDW (Loss/Damage Waiver) - covers damage or theft.
• SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance) - liability to third parties.
• PAI (Personal Accident Insurance) - injury coverage for the driver and passengers.

Life hack: if you have a premium bank card (Visa/Mastercard Platinum or higher), check - they often automatically give LDW, and you can refuse the rental company's insurance.

Fuel policy

In the United States, there are two main options:

1. Full-to-Full - you pick up and return with a full tank. It is most beneficial if you remember to refuel before returning.

2. Prepaid Fuel - you pay for a full tank in advance, but the rest is not returned.

Where to save money: Costco, Sam's Club or ARCO chains sell gasoline cheaper than regular gas stations, but Costco and Sam's Club require a membership card.

Features of renting in the United States

• Toll roads - in many states, they are without barriers, the bill is sent to the company's address, and it adds its own commission.
• Transponders (SunPass, E-ZPass ) - useful for toll roads, but check how much the company charges for their use.
• Crossing state borders - usually no problem, but sometimes you need to notify the rental company (especially when traveling to Canada or Mexico).
• Returning in another city is convenient, but almost always with a one-way fee.

Tips

1. Take pictures of the car from all sides before you leave.

2. Read the contract - sometimes paid options (GPS, child seat, additional driver) are hidden in the small print.

3. Book in advance online - it is often twice as cheap as on the day of arrival.

Culture of intersections: STOP, 4-way stop and the rule “first come, first served”

In courtyards and quiet areas, there is often a 4-WAY STOP. The algorithm is simple: the first one to arrive moves first; if you arrive at the same time, the driver on the left gives way to the right. At a regular STOP, a complete stop is mandatory (the wheels must actually stop), and only then can you move forward slowly. In big cities, it's easy to get a fine for “roll-through” (when you just slow down).

Right turns on red in most states are allowed after a complete stop and in the absence of a NO TURN ON RED sign and pedestrians. There are some notable exceptions: for example, in New York City, right turns on red are prohibited unless explicitly permitted by a sign. Also, in a number of states, it is allowed to turn left on red from a one-way street to a one-way street after coming to a complete stop (this is confirmed by the official New York City manual).

Pedestrians, school zones and school buses

School zones are slow and cell phone-free. The speed limit is often reduced to 15-25 mph during certain hours or when the yellow signal is flashing.

The school bus is the “holy grail”: when the brake lever is extended and the red lights are flashing, everyone who approaches stops. Exceptions depend on the type of road (for example, on median-divided roads, the rules for oncoming lanes may differ) - it's best to check state regulations. Fines are painful, and some states have cameras on buses. Stop early: children can run out suddenly.

“Move Over” and special signals: the obligation to change lanes or slow down

If you see police, ambulance, tow truck or road service with flashing lights on the roadside, move to the next lane or slow down significantly if you cannot safely change lanes. The Move Over law is in effect in all 50 states; the details vary, but the bottom line is the same: don't fly close to beacons that are on - it's both dangerous and punishable by a fine.

Light, rain, and mountains: when headlights are a must

Many states have a “wipers on - lights on” rule: if the wipers are working, turn on your headlights even during the day - you are better seen in a downpour or fog. In some places it is a direct legal requirement, in others it is a strong recommendation, but the police like to punish for ignoring it on rainy days. In California, the rule is explicit: if the wipers are coming, turn on your headlights. Make it a habit - no discussion.

In the Rocky or Sierra mountains, pay attention to chains/skid plates. On the passes, R1/R2/R3 modes may be in effect: from “have winter tires/chains in the trunk” to “chains for all cars without exception”. In Colorado, Traction Law (tread and/or chain requirements) is introduced on sections of I-70 during the cold season. In winter, if you are not prepared, you may not be allowed to drive further or be fined.

Phone, belts, child seats

Texting while driving is prohibited almost everywhere, and more and more states are introducing hands-free only (you can only talk through a headset or car multimedia). Not holding your phone in your hands while driving is an easy way to get a ticket and get into trouble with your insurance. Updates on hands-free are published by the GHSA, and the NHTSA urges you to avoid any distractions.

Seat belts are required in all states in the front seats, and in most states in the rear seats as well. Child seats/boosters - the rule is strict: up to a certain age/height, a child can only ride in a certified seat according to the instructions. If in doubt, many cities have free Car Seat Inspection Stations (coordinated by NHTSA).

Alcohol/cannabis: lower is safer

In most states, driving with a BAC of ≥ 0.08% is considered criminal; for commercial drivers, the limit is lower (0.04%), and there is a “zero tolerance” for minors. Utah has set 0.05% as the general limit. Cannabis (even if legal according to local rules) does not give the right to drive under the influence. The principle of implied consent applies: refusal to take the test entails separate sanctions.

Parking lots and curbs: read signs and even colors

In many cities, curbs are painted: red - do not stop, yellow - loading, white/green - short stop, blue - places for people with disabilities. This is a California classic, but other cities have similar approaches. Add to this paid parking meters, scheduled street cleaning, and resident permit zones - sometimes it's better to leave your car at P&R and take public transportation.

Cameras, radars and “hair dryers”

Automatic cameras monitor speed and red light running in many cities. Radar detectors in private cars are generally allowed, but there are high-profile exceptions: Virginia and Washington, D.C. are banned, plus a ban on military bases and in heavy trucks. If you are crossing VA/DC, it is better to turn off and put away the detector.

HOV/Express and toll roads

The “diamond” on the asphalt is the HOV (carpool) lane: usually 2+ passengers (sometimes 3+ during rush hour). Motorcycles are usually allowed, and electric vehicles are allowed depending on state programs. Part of the HOV is HOT/Express: if you are traveling alone, you can pay a dynamic rate and use the lane. On the East Coast there is a large E-ZPass network, in Florida - SunPass. Check with the rental company to find out the policy on toll roads: companies sometimes add administrative fees for each day of using photo rates.

If you are stopped by the police or have an accident

If you see beacons behind you, calmly pull over to the right, turn off the engine, stay inside the car, hands on the steering wheel; at night, turn on the interior light. If they ask for documents, show them your driver's license, registration, and insurance. Explain calmly, don't argue on the roadside - you can dispute many things later.

In the event of an accident, first of all, take care of safety: if possible, move the car off the roadway, call 911 in case of injuries/significant damage. Next, take a photo of the scene, exchange data (name, phone number, insurance, policy number, registration, VIN), and witness contacts. In some states, there are thresholds when a police report is required; rental companies also require immediate notification and completion of their own report.

“Local trifles” that save you from big expenses

• Speed in mph: 65-75 mph on highways is typical, but in cities it is easy to get under 30-35 mph; in work zones, fines are often doubled.
• A red arrow (RED ARROW) means a complete ban on turning, even if turning right on red is usually allowed.
• A pedestrian in a crosswalk is your stop signal, even if someone behind you is “speeding up”. It is forbidden to overtake a car that has already stopped to let a pedestrian pass (see NY DMV).

Mini-memo before driving in a new state

1. Check your state's rules for right/left turns on red and hands-free.

2. Check how Move Over works in your state (it works everywhere, but the nuances vary).

3. In the mountains - do you need chains/winter tires now; what modes can be enabled.

4. If you are planning to use toll roads, decide on a transponder (E-ZPass/SunPass) or rental policy regarding tolls.

If you want to be safe with documents

Legal advice at Visit Ukraine will help you understand how the rules of a particular state (or several states of the route) will affect your trip:

- whether you can turn right/left on red in a particular city;

- what to do if you already have a ticket or have received a “letter of happiness” from a camera in the mail;

- how to file a claim with the insurance company/rental company after a minor accident;

- how to prepare for winter in the mountains (chains, restrictions, fines).

If you're driving in the United States for the first time, a gas station may seem like a bit of a “different planet” - everything is self-service, the price is per gallon, and gasoline is not the usual “A-95” or “A-92”, but rather labeled with octane ratings of 87, 89, 91-93.

Fuel volume and labeling

In the United States, the volume is measured in gallons: 1 gallon ≈ 3.78 liters. The price on the ceiling is usually indicated “per gallon” (per gallon), and the first figure may make you happy, but remember to convert.

Types of gasoline:

• Regular (87) - suitable for most ordinary cars.
• Midgrade (89) - sometimes recommended by the manufacturer.
• Premium (91-93) - for cars with a high degree of engine compression.
• Diesel - not at all gas stations, always marked with green pistols (but be careful: in the United States, the color of the handle does not always guarantee the type of fuel, read the inscription).

A tip from those who have already traveled: if you rent a car, look at the gas tank cap, it often says what the minimum octane is.

How to refuel

1. Choose a gas station and pay with a card. Drive up to the pump, insert the card into the terminal, enter the ZIP code (postal code). If you have a Ukrainian card and do not have an American ZIP, enter 00000 or try any zip code of the state where you are now (sometimes it works). Choose the type of fuel, insert the gun and press start.

2. Pay in cash. Go to the cashier, tell him the number of the column and the amount or “fill up”. He turns on your column for this amount. You return, fill up, take the change if there is any left.

3. If the card doesn't work. In many chains (Shell, Chevron, Exxon), you can pay with your card not at the pump, but inside at the cashier. In Walmart or Costco, only membership cards often work - you simply won't be allowed to refuel there without a subscription.

Features and nuances

• Self-service - in most states, you refuel yourself.
• Oregon and New Jersey are the exceptions: there are still gas stations there, and you won't be allowed to refuel on your own.
• Tank ventilation - American guns can “click” on and off if inserted too deep. A life hack is to pull the gun out a little and hold it.

How to save money

• GasBuddy is an app and website where local drivers update prices at gas stations daily.
• Waze - navigation + fuel prices along the route.
• Club cards - Costco, Sam's Club, BJ's offer gasoline cheaper by 10-30 cents per gallon, but membership is required.
• Morning refueling - in some networks, prices may rise in the evening before weekends or holidays.

For rented cars

If you rent a car, check whether you need to return the car with a full tank (full-to-full). Don't buy “prepaid fuel” from the rental company if you don't need it - it's rarely profitable.

Keep the gas station receipt to prove that the tank is really full in case of a dispute.

Even the most experienced driver is not immune to trouble on the road. In the United States, the procedure after an accident is more formalized than in Ukraine, and the way you act in the first few minutes depends on whether you will have unnecessary expenses and problems with the police or insurance.

First minutes after an accident: don't panic

1. Stop safely

• If there are injured people or the car is seriously damaged, stay put.
• If the accident is minor and no one was injured, the law in many states requires you to move your car to the side of the road so as not to block traffic.

2. Turn on the hazard lights and, if available, put up an emergency triangle (in the US, this is not required, but is highly appreciated).

3. Check the condition of the passengers and call 911 if there is even a suspicion of injury.

• In the United States, 911 is a single number for police, ambulance, and fire.
• The operator can leave you on the line until help arrives.

Information sharing: what and how

The law in most states requires you to share information even if the other driver says: “It's no big deal.” You need:

• Full name and contact information.
• Car registration number and state.
• Driver's license number.
• Policy number and insurance company.
• VIN of the car (you can take a picture from the plate near the windshield).

Advice from the rental company: always take photos/videos of the accident scene, damage, road signs, markings, and weather conditions.

Police and report

• In some states, a report is required if there are injuries or damages over a certain amount (often $500-$1000).
• In minor cases, the police may not come, but you have to file a report with the DMV or insurance company within a few days.
• If you're in a rental car, call the rental company right away: most companies require a 24-hour notice.

If you are in a rental car

1. Contact the company right away - even if the damage seems minor.

2. Do not repair the car yourself - this can cancel the insurance.

3. If you had a CDW/LDW (Collision Damage Waiver), the rental company takes care of the repair, but there is often a deductible.

4. If you rented a car without additional coverage, be prepared that even a small scratch can be expensive.

Important nuances for drivers from Ukraine

• Don't leave the scene of an accident, even if the other driver “doesn't mind” - this can be considered a “hit and run” (leaving the scene of an accident), which is a criminal offense in most states.
• If you are not sure of your rights or feel pressured by the other party, you have the right not to sign documents on the spot, except for those required by the police.
• Many police officers wear body cameras, so your words and actions will be recorded.

In the United States, it's better not to drive without insurance, not only because of the laws but also because of the cost of repairs. Here, even minor damage can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. In addition, in most states, car insurance is mandatory, and the type of insurance you have depends on how much you will actually pay in the event of an accident.

What types of insurance coverage are there?

There is no “single” insurance in the United States, as we are used to. There are several types of coverage, and they can be combined:

1. Liability Insurance.

• Covers damage to another car, property, or people's health if the accident is your fault.
• It does not cover repairs to your car.
• It is mandatory in almost all states, but the minimum limits vary (for example, in Florida - $10,000, in California - $15,000 per victim).

2. Collision Coverage.

• Pays for the repair of your car, regardless of whose fault the accident was.
• It has a deductible - the amount you pay yourself before the insurance covers the rest.

3. Comprehensive Coverage.

• Protection against events not related to an accident: theft, vandalism, fire, falling branches, flood.
• Also has a deductible.

4. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (Uninsured or underinsured driver)

• If the person responsible for the accident has no insurance or insufficient insurance, this option will cover your expenses.
• In some states, it is mandatory.

5. Medical Payments / Personal Injury Protection

• Pays for the treatment of you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault.
• In “no-fault states” (e.g., New York, Florida), this type of coverage is mandatory.

Insurance when renting a car

If you rent a car, basic Liability insurance is usually already included. But pay attention to the additional options:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) / Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) - exempts you from paying for car repairs or replacement in case of damage or theft. It is not “insurance” in the classical sense, but rather a waiver of claims by the rental company.
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) - medical coverage for the driver and passengers.
• Roadside Assistance - help on the road: tow truck, wheel replacement, battery start.

Life hack: many premium bank cards (Visa Platinum, Mastercard World) already include CDW for rented cars. Check with your bank before you go - you may not have to pay the rental company for this option.

What to look for

1. In the United States, there is no “single database” of accidents, so rental companies often insure themselves and charge the client the maximum.

2. Read the fine print in the contract - sometimes insurance does not cover trips to neighboring countries (Canada, Mexico) or certain roads (for example, dirt roads in national parks).

3. Some insurances are valid only in the state where you took them out - this applies to car owners, not tourists with rental cars.

In the United States, distances are vast, the road network is extensive, and rules and prices can vary from state to state. Apps are your main assistant to save time, money, and avoid unpleasant surprises on the road.

Navigation and road conditions

• Google Maps is a classic for planning routes, tracking traffic in real time, and finding gas stations and parking lots along the way.
• Waze is ideal for drivers who want to know about traffic jams, speed cameras, accidents, or road repairs ahead. The data is updated by drivers themselves.

Life hack: You can set up a route in Waze to avoid toll roads, which is useful if you are traveling long distances and want to save money.

Gas stations and fuel prices

• GasBuddy - shows gasoline and diesel prices in your area and along your route. Local users update the information daily.
• Fuelio - helps you keep track of fuel costs, mileage, and average consumption.
• AAA Mobile is an application of the American Automobile Association: discounts at gas stations, a map of charging stations for electric vehicles.

Life hack: prices at Costco or Sam's Club are often 10-30 cents lower than average, but you need a club card.

Parking

• ParkMobile is an online payment for parking in many US cities. You can extend the time through the app without returning to the car.
• SpotHero - allows you to book parking spaces in advance, often with a discount of up to 50%.
• BestParking - search for cheap parking in garages and parking lots in major cities.

Car rental and car sharing

• Turo - car rental directly from owners (similar to Airbnb, but for cars). Often cheaper than in large rental networks.
• Enterprise, Hertz, Avis - official applications of large companies where you can book, change or extend your rental.
• Zipcar - hourly or daily car rental in cities, convenient for short trips.

Safety and assistance on the road

• AAA Mobile - call a tow truck, change a tire, start the battery.
• OnStar Guardian - for GM car owners and subscribers: help in emergencies, calling an ambulance or police.
• iTranslate or Google Translate - quick translation in case of communication with the police or insurance company if your English is not at a high level.