The Global Expat Hub
United States of AmericaUnited States of America drives on the right. Here is how to rent, buy and get legal behind the wheel.
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RentingShort-term rental for the scouting trip, long-term rental and subscription cars for the first months; deposits and insurance excess.🛒
BuyingNew versus used prices, dealer versus private sale, registration, road tax and import duty on a car you bring.🪪
Your foreign licenceHow long you may drive on it (typically 3–12 months), whether an International Driving Permit is needed, and which countries' licences can be exchanged without a test.📝
Getting a local licenceTheory and practical tests, medical certificate, translations, typical fees and waiting times in New York.🛡️
Insurance & inspectionsMandatory cover, no-claims history from home, annual roadworthiness tests.⛽
Running costsFuel about $0.95/litre, tolls, parking and low-emission zones.Rules of the road
- Drive on the right; overtake on the left.
- Speed limits, alcohol limits and phone rules, and how strictly they're enforced.
- Roundabout and right-of-way conventions that catch foreigners out.
- Official rules: U.S. Code (Cornell LII) — state laws vary ↗
Official & reference sources
Labelled partner · Advertise with usCar rental & purchase partnerLong-term rental, leasing and trusted dealers in New York for newcomers
One labelled partner per page. Paid placements never influence the United States of America liveability score, safety rating or warnings.
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