how to rent a car, laws and more

How to rent a car, laws and more

North America

The United States’ means of transportation is the car. The roads, roads and cities are all designed for this great symbol of four-wheeled consumption. And this means that, with the exception of some metropolises, such as New York, San Francisco and Washington, you will not be able to rely on public transport to get around within and between cities. And this goes for two of Brazilians’ favorites, Miami and Orlando. As intercity buses are not widely used there either, the road trips They are one of the favorite forms of travel for North Americans and tourists.

Also read: How to use the New York subway

For these reasons, renting a car is almost mandatory, depending on where you are going and how you organize your itinerary in the country. I mean: you can even manage without one, Luíza has actually backpacked there like that. But you run the risk of having your mobility, practicality and freedom compromised, especially if you intend to travel through small and medium-sized cities.

Even if you’re already an experienced driver, it’s never that simple to arrive in a new country, start your car and drive away. Even though many traffic laws are similar to ours, there are some details that we need to pay attention to so as not to end up committing mistakes, disrupting traffic in other people’s countries and getting an unpleasant fine in the end.

But don’t be scared – it’s nothing out of this world and not something you can’t easily assimilate. Driving in the United States is much easier than driving in Brazil. When I went to Orlando, I was newly licensed, with very little traffic experience. And I managed very well there. Of course, I got honked at one time or another, most of the time because I was driving slower than the truck drivers would like, even though I was close to the speed limit on the road. And I confess that I was also confused by the measurements in miles per hour. Okay, what’s the problem with the metric system, USA?

Cars in New York in the United States

The first thing you need to know is that it is not necessary to obtain a PID (International Driving Permit) to rent a car in the United States. A CNH is valid as a license for tourists who are going to stay in the country for a short period.

Click here to search for the best car rental prices in the United States

Traffic laws in the United States

1. The biggest difference I noticed between American and Brazilian laws is that right turn is free. This means that, even if the signal is closed for the intersection you are at, you can “go ahead” if you are going to turn right. That’s it almost always allowed, unless there is a sign saying “No turn on red”. At first it’s a little strange, because it feels like we’re breaking the signal. But if you are stopped in the right lane and they start honking, know that they are saying “hurry up, my son!”

ATTENTION: This law is valid in Florida and most other American states, but it is a good idea to look for the specific legislation in the state you are going to visit to make sure it is valid there too. In New York City, for example, it is not valid.

2. Don’t keep changing lanes all the time. Each lane in the United States is for one thing. Observe traffic signs carefully and stay in the lane indicated for what you want to do. If you want to turn right, stay in the right lane until you make the turn. If you want to go left, stay there. If you are going to enter Ocean Road, for example, the signs will warn you well in advance which lane you should be in. Stick to it and go with god. Otherwise, you will probably face many kilometers until your next return. And, in addition to driving in a zigzag pattern being frowned upon there, it can even result in fines (or a conversation with the police) depending on the severity of the situation.

Traffic Laws in the United States

3. Preference at intersections goes to whoever arrived first. I find this rule very strange, but yes, whoever arrived first goes first. Respect this order.

Crossing in New York, United States

4. Whenever you see a school bus, those yellow ones, pay attention. If he is stopped with a “Stop” sign raised on his side, you must stop behind him. In general, they raise this sign because a child is getting off the bus and wait until they are safely on the sidewalk.

5. By the way, any stop sign is for stopping, are we understood?

How to run the United States

6. Don’t drive after drinking. I shouldn’t even be saying this here, right? But there are people who still do this and I can’t understand these people. If you are one of these, don’t drive drunk in the United States or in Brazil. If you do, I’ll hope you get caught and sleep a night in jail. Kisses.

7. In some cases, street parking is paid. You park your car and put coins in the parking meters. The more coins, the longer you can stay there. Some even accept notes and credit cards. If you exceed the allowed time, you will pay a fine. And if you find a “free” parking space, remember to check if it says “No Parking” anywhere or if there is a fire hydrant nearby, or you run the risk of parking in a prohibited place.

Car rental in the United States

Tips to avoid putting your feet in your hands

1. It looks like something out of a movie, but the guards there actually appear out of nowhere and start winking at you. Can you imagine the fear when you see the lights and the siren? They don’t need to justify the reasons why they are stopping you. Just pull over and remain seated, with your hands on the steering wheel and wait for what the police officer will say. Only get out of the vehicle if he asks you to and have your driver’s license, passport and car documents nearby.

2. Highways tend to have lots and lots of tolls. Many of them are not operated by people, so it’s a good idea to always have some coins with you. In some cases it is possible to buy passes that allow you to pass through toll booths without stopping. In Florida, for example, there is SunPass. Ask your car rental company.

Traffic in New York, United States

3. Although it is not mandatory, you can consider taking the PID. This is because the permission to use only your driver’s license in the United States may suddenly drop (it has already happened) and you may find yourself unable to drive just a few days before your trip. Furthermore, it is a guarantee that the police officer will understand everything that is written in the document and will not tease you because your driver’s license is in Portuguese.

3. Don’t be cheap and rent a GPS along with the car. I got lost countless times in Orlando with the GPS (damn mileage system). Without him I don’t think I would have ever left the airport.

4. If you happen to get a fine, don’t worry. In most cases, the car rental company will charge the amount directly to your credit card, without complications or bureaucracy.

Attention: It is not a good idea to travel to the United States without international health insurance, as hospital costs there are very high. Read here how to find cost-effective insurance.

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