Driving in America
Everything you need to know before you get behind the wheel in the USA. Licences, road rules, RV tips, and practical advice for visitors from the UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, and beyond.
Licences & Legal Requirements
Can I drive in the USA with my foreign driver's licence?
Yes. Citizens of most countries can drive in the USA using their valid home country driver's licence for up to one year. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national licence — it acts as a certified translation and is accepted by all US states. You can get an IDP from your national motoring association before you travel (e.g. AA or RAC in the UK, NRMA in Australia, CAA in Canada, ADAC in Germany).
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
An IDP is not legally required in most US states if your home licence is in English or has a photo. However, it is strongly recommended. If your licence is not in English (for example, a German or Spanish licence), an IDP is effectively required as US police and rental companies may not accept a non-English licence alone. Get your IDP before you leave home — they cannot be issued in the USA.
What is the minimum age to rent an RV from Scamper?
You must be at least 25 years old to rent an RV from Scamper RV Rentals. This applies to all renters regardless of nationality.
Do I need special insurance to drive an RV in the USA?
Scamper RV Rentals includes basic liability coverage with every rental. We strongly recommend purchasing additional travel insurance that covers rental vehicle damage, medical expenses, and trip cancellation before you leave home. Your home country car insurance does not extend to US rental vehicles.
Rules of the Road
Which side of the road do Americans drive on?
Americans drive on the right side of the road. If you are from the UK, Australia, Ireland, South Africa, Japan, or another left-hand-traffic country, this will be the biggest adjustment. Take it slow for the first hour. Roundabouts in the USA also go counter-clockwise (yield to traffic already in the roundabout).
What are the speed limits in the USA?
Speed limits vary by state and road type. In Georgia: Interstate highways are typically 70 mph (113 km/h); state highways 55–65 mph (88–105 km/h); urban areas 25–45 mph (40–72 km/h); school zones 15–25 mph (24–40 km/h) when children are present. Speed limits are strictly enforced and fines are significant. Unlike Germany's Autobahn, there is no unrestricted highway in the USA.
Is it true you can turn right on a red light in the USA?
Yes. In Georgia (and most US states), you may turn right at a red traffic light after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign specifically prohibits it. You must yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic before turning. This does not apply if there is a red arrow signal.
What does a four-way stop sign mean?
A four-way stop (also called an all-way stop) means all vehicles approaching the intersection must stop completely. The vehicle that arrived first has the right of way. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first. This is common in residential areas and smaller towns — there is no equivalent in most European countries.
Are there toll roads in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia has several toll roads, including parts of GA-400 and I-75/I-85 in Atlanta. Most tolls are cashless and use electronic readers (Peach Pass). As a visitor, you can pay tolls online after your trip at georgia.gov/peach-pass, or use a rental that has a toll transponder. Scamper RV Rentals can advise on toll options when you pick up.
What do I do if I am pulled over by police?
Pull over safely to the right side of the road as soon as possible. Turn off the engine. Keep your hands visible on the steering wheel. Do not reach for documents until the officer asks. Be polite and cooperative. You will need to provide your driver's licence, vehicle registration (provided by Scamper), and proof of insurance. In the USA, it is normal for police to approach your window — do not get out of the vehicle unless asked.
Driving an RV
Is it difficult to drive a Class C motorhome?
Most first-time RV drivers adapt quickly. A Class C motorhome (like our Odyssey 27U or Redhawk SE 26XD) is built on a truck chassis and drives more like a large van than a car. The main adjustments are: wider turns (swing wide at corners), higher clearance (watch for low bridges and drive-throughs), and longer stopping distances. We provide a full walkthrough before you leave our lot.
What clearance height do I need to watch for?
Our Class C motorhomes are approximately 11–12 feet (3.3–3.7 metres) tall. Always check bridge and underpass clearance signs before entering. Avoid fast-food drive-throughs, car washes, and parking garages. GPS units designed for RVs (or apps like RV Trip Wizard) will route you around low clearances automatically.
Can I park an RV anywhere overnight?
No. Overnight parking rules vary by location. You must stay at designated campgrounds or RV parks. Walmart and some rest areas permit overnight RV parking in certain states, but this is not guaranteed. We recommend booking campgrounds in advance, especially for popular destinations like the Smoky Mountains or Florida state parks. Apps like Campendium, The Dyrt, and Recreation.gov are useful for finding and booking sites.
What fuel does the RV use?
All Scamper RV Rentals motorhomes run on regular unleaded gasoline (petrol). Fuel is sold by the gallon in the USA (1 US gallon = 3.785 litres). Gas stations are plentiful on interstate highways. Fuel prices in the USA are significantly lower than in Europe or Australia.
Practical Tips for International Visitors
Do I need a US SIM card or can I use my phone?
International roaming charges can be very high. We recommend purchasing a US SIM card on arrival (T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon all offer prepaid tourist plans) or enabling an eSIM before you travel. Having data is essential for navigation, finding campgrounds, and checking weather. Coverage can be patchy in rural Georgia and the mountains.
What navigation apps work best for RV road trips?
Google Maps works well for general navigation. For RV-specific routing (avoiding low bridges and weight restrictions), use apps like Waze, RV Trip Wizard, or the Garmin RV GPS. Always download offline maps for areas where cell coverage may be limited.
What should I know about US petrol (gas) stations?
Most US gas stations are self-service. You pay at the pump by inserting a credit or debit card (you may be asked for a ZIP code — enter 00000 if your card is foreign). Alternatively, pay inside at the counter. Fuel grades are Regular (87 octane), Mid-Grade (89), and Premium (91–93). Our RVs use Regular unleaded.
Is tipping expected at campgrounds or gas stations?
Tipping is not expected at gas stations or campgrounds. Tipping is standard at restaurants (15–20%), for taxi and rideshare drivers (15–20%), and for hotel housekeeping ($2–5 per night). Tipping is not required at fast food or counter-service restaurants, though it is increasingly common.
What emergency number do I call in the USA?
The emergency number in the USA is 911. This connects you to police, fire, and ambulance services. For non-emergency roadside assistance, call Scamper RV Rentals at 833-SCAMPER (833-722-6737). Save this number in your phone before you leave our lot.
Country-Specific Guides
We have written detailed guides for visitors from specific countries, covering licence requirements, visa rules, and suggested itineraries from Atlanta.
Ready to Hit the Open Road?
Scamper RV Rentals is a family-owned business in Atlanta, GA. We have been helping international visitors explore America by RV since 2016. Call us at 833-SCAMPER — we are happy to answer any questions before you book.