Countries › United States
United States
At a glance
- Traffic
- on the right
- Currency
- USD
- Plugs
- types A, B · 120 V
- Emergency
- 911
Entering the country
- Canadian citizens: passport, NEXUS card or enhanced licence. Visitor stays of up to 6 months; electronic I-94 at land borders. Count your days (Borders tab): IRS substantial presence test.
Driver and insurance
- Your Canadian or US licence is enough for a visitor.
- Insurance: your Canadian or US proof of insurance is enough.
Speed limits
| Town | Road | Motorway | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, light RV | 25–35 | 45–65 | 65–80 |
In mph. Signs always take precedence. With a trailer, check the limit for combinations.
Tolls and vignettes Electronic toll
Tolls mostly in the East, Florida, Texas, Illinois and California. More and more are cashless: a transponder (E-ZPass, SunPass, TxTag…) costs less than toll-by-plate, which arrives by mail with fees.
Low-emission zones
None known for cars and RVs.
Boondocking Depends on the region
Federal land (BLM, national forests): free dispersed camping, often 14 days in one spot. Store parking lots (Walmart, Cracker Barrel…): depends on the store and the city, always ask. Rest areas: overnight banned in several states.
Mandatory equipment
Nothing special for a visitor.
Good to know
- Several states set a lower limit when towing (California: 55 mph). Watch the signs.
- Insurance: your Canadian proof of insurance is recognised; check your liability limit.
- Stopped school bus with red lights: you must stop in both directions (unless there's a median).
California
- When towing: 55 mph everywhere and keep to the right lane (or two right lanes).
- Agricultural inspection at the state line: fruit and plants may be taken.
Florida
- Many cashless tolls (SunPass, E-ZPass compatible). Without a transponder, toll-by-plate.
New York
- Cashless tolls (E-ZPass). Manhattan south of 60th Street: congestion toll.
- Propane: banned in several tunnels and on some bridges in the city.
Alaska
- By road you cross the Yukon and British Columbia: two Canadian border crossings.
Famous routes
- Route 66Chicago to Santa Monica on the Mother Road: diners, neon motels, the Ozarks, the Texas plains and the Arizona desert.
- Pacific Coast HighwayHighway 1 from San Francisco to San Diego: Big Sur, cliffs, seals and Southern California beaches.
- Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge ParkwayThe Appalachian crest from Shenandoah to the Great Smoky Mountains: overlooks, mills, bluegrass music and fall colors.
- Overseas Highway (Florida Keys)Miami to Key West island to island over 42 bridges, including the Seven Mile Bridge: snorkeling, sunsets and Key deer.
- Grand Teton, Yellowstone and GlacierJackson to St. Mary: the Tetons, Yellowstone's geysers and bison, Flathead Lake and the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
- Grand Circle of the Southwest parksA loop from Las Vegas: Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches, Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend and the Grand Canyon.
Frequently asked questions
- United States: what do you need to enter the country with your vehicle?
- Canadian citizens: passport, NEXUS card or enhanced licence. Visitor stays of up to 6 months; electronic I-94 at land borders. Count your days (Borders tab): IRS substantial presence test. Your Canadian or US licence is enough for a visitor. Insurance: your Canadian or US proof of insurance is enough.
- United States: what are the speed limits?
- Car and light RV: 25–35 in town, 45–65 on rural roads, 65–80 on motorways (mph).
- United States: do you need a vignette or pay tolls?
- Tolls mostly in the East, Florida, Texas, Illinois and California. More and more are cashless: a transponder (E-ZPass, SunPass, TxTag…) costs less than toll-by-plate, which arrives by mail with fees.
- United States: are there low emission zones?
- None known for cars and RVs.
- United States: is wild camping allowed?
- Depends on the region. Federal land (BLM, national forests): free dispersed camping, often 14 days in one spot. Store parking lots (Walmart, Cracker Barrel…): depends on the store and the city, always ask. Rest areas: overnight banned in several states.
- United States: what equipment is required in the vehicle?
- Nothing special for a visitor.