Driving In California

This page provides the basic rules of the road for driving in California.

Telephone Numbers
In an emergency dial 911.

Speed Limits
Speed limits are measured in miles per hour (MPH)

Freeways

65mph/104kph

Hospital Zones

30mph/48kph

Urban Areas - Residential Zone

30mph/48kph

Urban Areas - Business Zone

25mph/40kph

Urban Areas - School Zone

20mph/32kph


Driving Tips and Road Information

Climate:
The Californian climate is generally warm, but the state is split into five climate zones which do see some variation:

  • Coastal: Can see a lot of variation in weather as it masses the majority of the population.
  • Desert: Rainfall is minimal; temperatures fluctuate greatly on a daily and yearly basis.
  • Foothill: Generally similar to valley weather, but sees more rain than fog.
  • Mountain: The only region where heavy snow is experienced, cold in winter, bright and sunny in the summer.
  • Valley: Hot and low in humidity in the summer, the opposite extreme in winter.  Rainfall amounts can vary by region.

Earthquakes:
In the unlikely event of you encountering an earthquake whilst driving in California, you should pull over to the side of the road (wait until you are away from bridges, or telephone/power poles), draw to a stop and remain in your vehicle.

Car Rental:
It is normally possible for foreign visitors to use their native driving licence within the U.S.A. for a period of up to one year. Be aware that the minimum age permissible to rent a car is generally 21 years, and in some instances 25 years.  Often there are additional costs involved if you are a young driver between 21 and 25. Most car rental companies in the U.S.A. require you to have held your licence for a minimum of one year.  You will need a valid credit card for payment. If you are going to rent a car, it is wise to clarify the details and requirements prior to your departure to avoid any problems.

Insurance:
It is difficult to find companies who will insure foreign visitors, because of the issues surrounding assessment of previous driving record.  For this reason, you will be treated as if you have no previous driving experience, and the cost will be high as a consequence. 
Insurance companies who do sell auto insurance to foreign visitors:

If you are staying for 6 months or more you can reduce insurance premiums by getting an American drivers licence. 
If you have a rental/hire car, insurance is much more economical and will not incur higher insurance rates.  For this you will need to be over 21 years, hold a valid driving licence from your own country, present your passport and have a major, recognised, credit card.

Disabled Drivers:
The requirements for disabled parking permits vary across the U.S.A; some states accept international permits whilst others require you to obtain a temporary local permit.  To confirm the requirements of the state(s) you are visiting contact the local tourist board:
Tourist Board for California - http://www.gocalif.com/

Safety - dangers include:

  • Theft.
  • Drowsiness while travelling on long roads and across vast distances.
  • Human fatigue.

Precautions:

  • Don't carry large amounts of cash or valuables
  • Store cheques, cash and jewellery out of sight.
  • Plan your journey before you leave, and use maps to ensure you don’t get lost.

Alcohol:
Do not drink and drive. The legal age for consumption, transportation or possession of alcohol is 21. Packaged alcohol is permitted to be sold between 6am and 2am, and bars, nightclubs and restaurants are licensed similarly.

Road Conditions:
Up to date road conditions can be found at the government website: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/index.htm.

Breakdown:
Check with your own automobile association for possible affiliations and cover abroad. Visit the American Automobile Association website at: http://www.aaa.com. There are offices in every city and most major towns across America.

Requirements

Minimum driving age:
You must be at least 18 years old to drive in California.

Driving licences:
In the U.S.A you are not required to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you hold a valid driving licence, although often you are required to have held your licence for a minimum of one year. In the U.S.A and Canada driving licence’s include the drivers photograph, so if you are from a country where this is not the case it is wise to also carry your passport to avoid any unnecessary complications or delays should you have to produce it. If you are from the U.K. remember to take both parts of your driving licence (photo card and paper licence with the further details).

Visas:
The U.S.A participates in the Visa Waiver Pilot Program, whereby if you are visiting for a period of 90 days or less for the purpose of tourism or business you will not require a visa.  The countries who qualify are: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Seatbelts:
All occupants of a vehicle must wear seatbelts at all times.
All other visitors are not exempt from carrying a visa.

Useful Links and Further Information

Local Tourism:
Californian Division of Tourism: www.gocalif.com

Gay/Lesbian:

If you are looking for car rental in California we recommend Hertz Car Rental.
If you need maps of California then try Maps Worldwide, who has a comprehensive range of maps for sale.

Important Note: Each state has different driving laws, be sure to look up the individual laws. If you drive in the USA, remember that each of the 50 states has its own set of traffic laws and regulations. Fortunately, most of the laws are the same, but some states have slightly different rules. When you rent a car, you should ask the agent if there are any special driving rules in that state. When driving in multiple states, check a tour book for any special driving rules in each state.


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