The question of International Driving Licencee (actually an International Driving Permit) came up either here or on the C4P forum about amonth ago.

As well as the hireco's requiements you need to think about which states you are driving in. At least one, IIRC Florida, required an IDP.

No personal experience of driving over there but my brother out law has. He would endorse ORB's advice about dealing with police. Whereas in UK you'd probably get out of the car if stopped that's the last thing a US cop wants or expects - think the prevalance of firearms over there.

EDIT: Previous thread is here:

www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=109108

Edited by Bromptonaut on 13/06/2015 at 11:59

Thanks for all the comments. He is 27 years old so no young driver loading. Too late to organise an IDP now as he is already abroad , back next week for half a day and the only post office that issues them is 30 miles away!

He's going west coast so no Florida which I believe is the only state that used to insist on an IDP several years ago, but not now.

Yes he'll take out excess insurance in the uk, have also used Questor although I never needed to make a claim.

I'll pass the advice on about police etiquette!

Interesting about the nozzle colours, is it possible to misfuel a petrol car? i.e. are nozzle sizes different as per in the uk?

Edited by brum on 13/06/2015 at 22:53

So what are you supposed to do if a US cop pulls you over?

Open the window and stick your hands out? Or put them on the steering wheel?

Its a mad country, I have no ambition to ever visit the USA again.

Hands on steering wheel is recommended.

The USA varies by state more than one would think, there are parts I would not want to go again, others though don't seem bad at all.

Having hired a few rentals in the US I will say that upon returning the car they pay very little attention to condition or damage, I think from what I was told by a few of the rental companies that small dings and scratches are expected and even though I have never returned a vehicle in a worse condition than I got it I did return a Dodge Charger once to Hertz after driving to the grand canyon from Vegas in it...It was filthy and inside and out was covered in dust despite my best efforts to clean it a little before returning. Nothing was mentioned, and I never had any problems later on with deposits etc.

Car hire is extremely popular in the US and generally things seem to run like clockwork.

Take photos before and after just in case...

I lived in rural New York state, near Lake Placid for a while a few years ago, was stopped on the interstate near Plattsburgh, 85 in a 55 zone in an ancient Chevrolet blazer 4X4 and much to my surprise was sent to court as i was resident.

$100 fine paid in cash and grovelled, (speedo had packed up!) letter from repair garage did not help. warned not to get caught again.

I think it was a novelty for the judge, and he was surprised i did not have a lawyer, but when i had asked beforehand a lawyer wanted $1200 just to plead guily for me and attempt mitigation. I declined.

The local police were actually very helpful on other occasions. I left my coat and passport in a restaurant up by the canadian border and they called the restaurant and got them to keep it safe for me.

Another time, i was travelling to Montreal on the highway for my 40th birthday and was assisted across the border by canadian immigration when i helped calm down a young man who had been refused entry as he had no id and no money.. Immigration officer said thank you sir, off you go!

Many happy memories of visiting and living in the US.