Explore the USA with Car Hire

What cars can I hire in the USA?

The U.S. covers too many kinds of trips for one vehicle category to suit everything. Hertz lets you choose the right vehicle from a diverse range:

• Compact cars: A practical choice for shorter stays, lighter packing, and city-heavy plans.
• Small and mid-size sedans: Well-suited to business trips, couples, and travellers who want comfort without stepping into a larger category.
• Full-size cars: Better for longer drives where cabin space matters more after several hours on the road.
• SUVs and crossovers: A strong option for family travel, extra baggage, and routes where comfort and space are more useful than a smaller footprint.
• Minivans and larger vehicles: Best for group holidays, airport collections with several bags, and trips where everyone needs to travel together.
• Premium vehicles: For travellers who want extra comfort, upgraded features, and a more refined drive.
• 4WD/AWD/ (4x4): Suited to routes that leave the highway, rural roads, or areas with unpredictable weather, where extra traction and stability matter more.

Vehicle availability may vary by location and dates.

Are there any restrictions on hiring a car in the country?

Drivers must be at least 25 years old to rent without a surcharge. Drivers aged 21 to 24 may be eligible for selected vehicle categories, subject to a young driver fee that varies by car type.

A valid driving licence held for at least one year is required, along with a passport or national ID. If your licence is not in the Roman alphabet, an International Driving Permit is also needed. At pickup, the main driver must present a major credit card in their own name for the security deposit, regardless of whether the booking was prepaid.

Since rules can vary by state, location, and vehicle group, it is best to check the rental terms before confirming the car.

Speed Limits in the USA

Speed limits in the USA are set by each state, so posted signs are your best guide, particularly when crossing state lines or moving between road types.

• Interstates (rural): Generally range from 65 to 75 mph. Texas permits up to 85 mph on certain designated stretches.
• Interstates (urban areas): Typically 55 to 65 mph, adjusted for higher traffic volumes near major cities.
• Highways and major roads: Usually 55 to 70 mph, depending on road conditions and surrounding terrain.
• City streets: Most fall between 25 and 35 mph, with residential streets often set lower for pedestrian safety.
• School zones: Limits of 15 to 25 mph apply during school hours and are actively monitored.
• Construction and work zones: Speeds are reduced, and fines are significantly higher, even when workers are not on site.
• Unmarked roads: Where no sign is posted, most states default to 25 mph in built-up areas and 55 mph on rural two-lane roads.

Road Types in the USA

Knowing the different road categories in the USA helps you navigate more confidently and plan your route with better accuracy.

• Interstate Highways (I-routes): High-speed, multi-lane roads built for long-distance travel between states and major cities.
• U.S. Highways (US-routes): A national network of roads that pass through towns and open country, with a mix of speeds and road character.
• State Highways (SR / SH): Maintained by individual states and connecting regional towns, rural areas, and scenic corridors. Standards vary widely.
• City Streets: Urban and suburban roads with lower speed limits, frequent signals, and heavier pedestrian activity.
• County Roads: Local roads serving smaller communities, farmland, and rural settlements. Often unpaved in remote areas.
• Rural Roads: Narrow, low-traffic routes through open countryside, frequently unlit and without lane markings.
• Parkways & Scenic Byways: Leisure routes designed to showcase natural or historic landscapes, with lower speeds and restrictions on commercial vehicles.
• Toll Roads & Turnpikes: Premium highways that require payment by cash, card, or electronic transponder at designated toll points.
• Freeways / Expressways: High-capacity limited-access roads within metropolitan areas, built for faster urban commuting.
• Service Roads and Frontage Roads: Smaller roads running parallel to major highways, providing access to fuel stations, businesses, and local facilities.

Toll Roads in the USA

Going on a road trip? Mapping your route beforehand is the best way to stay informed about all the possible toll routes. Here are a few of them:

• New York State Thruway (New York): A major toll highway running from New York City through Albany and Buffalo to the Pennsylvania border, widely used for both commuter and tourist travel across upstate New York.
• Indiana Toll Road (Indiana): Stretching across the full northern width of Indiana, this east-west toll road connects the Chicago area to the Ohio border and forms part of a key cross-country route for travellers driving between the Midwest and the East Coast.
• Ohio Turnpike (Ohio): A long toll road running east to west across northern Ohio, connecting the Indiana Toll Road to the Pennsylvania Turnpike and passing near Cleveland. Widely used by drivers travelling along the I-80 and I-90 corridors.
• Sam Houston Tollway (Texas): A major beltway circling the Houston metropolitan area, used by travellers navigating through or around the city. Connects key highways including I-10, I-45, and I-69.
• Dulles Toll Road (Virginia): A key toll route connecting Washington D.C. to Dulles International Airport and continuing west into the Virginia suburbs. Commonly used by travellers arriving or departing from the capital region.

Driving Basics

A few key rules apply across all US states and are worth knowing before you set off.

• Keep right, pass left: Traffic travels on the right-hand side of the road throughout the USA. The left lane is reserved for overtaking and should not be used for cruising.
• Observe speed limits: Limits vary by state and road type. Pay close attention when entering school zones, construction areas, and urban streets where limits can drop quickly.
• Stop fully at stop signs: rolling stop is not sufficient. Come to a complete halt before the line, even when the junction looks clear.
• Yield to pedestrians: At marked crosswalks and controlled intersections, pedestrians have the right of way. This is actively enforced in cities.
• School bus rules: When a school bus extends its stop arm and activates flashing red lights, all traffic must stop in both directions. Exceptions apply only on divided highways in certain states.
• Use headlights in poor conditions: Lights should be on during rain, fog, snow, or any time visibility is reduced, regardless of the time of day.
• Right turn on red: Permitted in most states after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign says otherwise. It is not permitted in most of Manhattan, New York City.

Parking Rules in the USA

Parking regulations are set at the city and county level, so rules can differ considerably from one place to the next. Always check the posted signs before leaving the car.

• Read the street sign first: Signs display time limits, permit zones, street cleaning schedules, and tow-away restrictions. When multiple signs are posted, the most restrictive applies.
• Kerb colour markings: Some cities use painted kerbs to indicate restrictions. Red typically means no stopping at any time, yellow indicates a loading zone, and blue is reserved for disabled permit holders. Colours are not standardised nationwide, so signage takes priority.
• Street sweeping windows: Many cities schedule regular street cleaning and will ticket or tow vehicles parked during those hours, even if no other restriction is posted.
• Accessible spaces: Reserved for vehicles displaying a valid disabled placard or plate. Fines for misuse are significant.
• National parks and high-traffic trailheads: Parking at popular sites may require a timed entry permit or use of overflow shuttle systems during peak season. Check the relevant park website before you go.

Tip: In busy areas such as downtown districts, stadium zones, and waterfronts, multi-storey garages and app-based metered spaces are more reliable than street parking. Always check the nearest sign before walking away from the car.

Environment Rules to Follow While Driving in the USA

Environmental regulations vary across states and cities. If your road trip takes you through multiple regions, it is worth knowing which rules may apply along your route.

• Federal and state emissions standards: The USA sets federal tailpipe emissions standards, but several states follow California's stricter regulations under the Clean Air Act. These standards influence which vehicles are permitted and how they are regulated in those states.
• Emissions testing programmes: Certain metropolitan areas operate Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance programmes. These are most relevant at the point of vehicle registration but reflect the broader in-use standards applied in those regions.
• California Smog Check: Vehicles registered in California must pass a Smog Check every two years as part of the registration renewal process. Additional requirements may apply in designated areas.
• Congestion charging in New York City: The Congestion Relief Zone covers vehicles entering Manhattan at or below 60th Street. Charges vary depending on vehicle type and time of entry, so factor this into your plans if your route includes central Manhattan.
• Anti-idling restrictions: Several cities and states limit engine idling time, particularly near schools and in dense urban areas. In New York City, the limit is three minutes for most vehicles and one minute when stopped near a school.

Hertz vehicles meet applicable emissions requirements, so you do not need to worry about compliance during your rental. A selection of low-emission and fully electric vehicles is also available for those who prefer a greener option.

Note: Emissions and environmental rules can differ by state and city. Check local regulations for the areas you plan to drive through before setting off.