Explore the USA with Car Hire

What cars can I hire in the USA?

Hertz offers a wide range of vehicles for car rental in the USA, so it’s easy to match your booking to city driving, long highway routes, road trips or family travel.

• Economy and compact cars are ideal for city trips in places like New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, with easier parking and lower fuel use
• Sedans add extra comfort for longer drives and are a popular choice for road trips between major cities, such as Dallas to Austin or Tampa to Orlando
• SUVs work well for mixed routes, giving you more space and a higher driving position, especially useful for longer days on the road
• 4WD/AWD vehicles are a better fit for mountain regions and winter travel, such as routes near North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains or other colder-weather destinations
• Minivans and people carriers suit families and groups with more luggage, especially for airport pickups and multi-stop itineraries
• Pickup trucks are a practical option when you need extra carrying capacity for outdoor gear or longer travel plans
• Premium vehicles are available if you prefer a more refined driving experience

Vehicle availability may vary by location and dates.

Are there any restrictions on hiring a car in the country?

To hire a car in the USA with Hertz, drivers are generally required to be at least 25 years old to rent without a surcharge. While drivers aged 21 to 24 may be permitted to hire certain vehicles, an additional young driver fee may apply, which varies by vehicle category.

The main driver must hold a valid, full driving licence that has been issued for at least one year, and an International Driving Permit may be required if the licence is not in the Roman alphabet. At pickup, the primary driver must present a major credit card in their own name to cover the security deposit, even if the rental was prepaid.

In addition, a valid driving licence, passport or ID, and the credit card used for the deposit are required when collecting the vehicle.

Speed Limits in the USA

Speed limits vary by state, so always check local signage and rules when crossing state lines.

• Interstates (rural): Typically 65–75 mph, but some states (like Texas) allow speeds up to 80–85 mph on designated highways
• Interstates (urban areas): Usually 55–65 mph, depending on congestion and city density
• Highways and major roads: Commonly 55–70 mph, with variations based on terrain and traffic flow
• City streets: Mostly 25–35 mph, though residential neighbourhoods often enforce 20–30 mph limits for safety
• School zones: Strict limits, often 15–25 mph, and actively enforced when children are present or during posted hours
• Construction/work zones: Reduced limits (e.g., 35–55 mph), with heavy fines for speeding, even if workers aren’t visibly present
• Unmarked roads: Many states default to 25 mph in residential areas and 55 mph on rural two-lane roads unless signs indicate otherwise

Road Types in the USA

The USA has a wide variety of road types, and understanding how each one works makes planning a road trip smoother and safer.

• Interstate Highways (I-routes): High-speed, multi-lane roads connecting major cities and states. Ideal for long-distance travel
• U.S. Highways (US-routes): National routes that may pass through towns and cities, offering both fast stretches and urban sections
• State Highways (SR / SH): Managed by each state. Connect regional towns, scenic routes, and rural areas. Road quality and speeds vary
• City Streets: Roads within urban areas and suburbs with lower speed limits and frequent intersections
• County Roads: Local roads offering access to rural communities, farmlands, and small towns
• Rural Roads: Narrow, less-trafficked routes that are common in countryside areas. Often unlit and winding
• Parkways & Scenic Byways: Designed for leisure drives with beautiful landscapes. Lower speeds; some restrict commercial vehicles
• Toll Roads & Turnpikes: Faster, premium highways requiring payment via cash, card, or electronic pass systems
• Freeways / Expressways: High-capacity, limited-access roads used within metro areas for fast commuting
• Service Roads / Frontage Roads: Smaller roads running alongside highways, giving access to local businesses, gas stations, and facilities

Toll Roads in the USA

When getting a car hire in the USA for a road trip, map your route in advance and check for toll roads along the way. Here are a few major toll routes you may encounter on popular highways and intercity drives:

• Florida’s Turnpike (Florida): A major north–south toll highway running from Miami toward Orlando and Central Florida, widely used for both commuter and tourist travel
• New Jersey Turnpike (New Jersey): One of the busiest toll roads in the country, connecting major Northeast cities and serving as a key link between New York, Philadelphia, and points south
• Pennsylvania Turnpike (Pennsylvania): A long cross-state toll road stretching from the Ohio border toward Philadelphia, popular for interstate travel and trucking routes
• Chicago Skyway (Illinois): A short but important elevated toll road connecting Chicago to the Indiana Toll Road, often used by travelers heading toward the Great Lakes or the East Coast
• Dallas North Tollway (Texas): A major toll route running through the Dallas metropolitan area, helping drivers move quickly between suburban communities and the city center

Driving Basics

Whether you're planning a USA road trip for the first time or getting back behind the wheel after a while, knowing the local driving basics makes every journey smoother and safer. Here are some essential driving rules in the USA:

• Keep right, pass left: In the USA, you drive on the right side of the road, and the left lane is mainly for overtaking. The steering wheel is on the left for easy driving.
• Follow posted speed limits: Limits change by state and road type, so always watch for signs, especially in school zones and construction areas
• Stop fully at stop signs: A complete stop is required, even if the road looks clear
• Yield to pedestrians: Pedestrians generally have the right of way at marked crosswalks
• Stay aware of school buses: When a school bus stops with flashing red lights, traffic in both directions must stop (rules vary slightly by state)
• Keep headlights on in low visibility: Use lights during rain, fog, or snow, and anytime visibility is reduced
• Know right-on-red rules: In most states, you may turn right at a red light after a full stop, unless a sign prohibits it

Parking Rules in the USA

Parking rules in the USA can change by city and state, so always follow posted signs first, especially near busy attractions in the USA and around famous restaurants in the United States, where time limits and tow-away zones are common.

• Street signs control everything: Look for time limits, permit-only zones, street sweeping hours, and tow-away restrictions before you leave the car
• Curb colors can signal restrictions (where used): Many cities use curb markings (for example: red for no parking/tow-away zones; other colors for loading or time-limited use), but meanings can vary locally
• Street sweeping is strictly enforced in many places: Temporary ‘no parking’ windows are posted, and cars can be ticketed or towed if left during sweeping hours
• Accessible parking is protected by law: Only vehicles with valid disability plates/placards may use accessible spaces, which must be clearly signed
• National parks and trailheads may have limited parking or permits: Some parks manage access with permit systems for high-demand areas, and overflow parking may be used during peak periods

Tip: In high-demand areas (downtown, waterfronts, stadium districts), plan on garages, pay-by-app meters, or time-limited street parking, and double-check the nearest sign before you lock up.

Environment Rules to Follow While Driving in the USA

If you’re planning a road trip in the USA 10-days itinerary across the top attractions in the USA, a few region-specific environment rules can affect where you can drive, what you may pay, and what your vehicle must comply with.

• Know the emissions rules where you’re driving. The U.S. has federal tailpipe emissions standards (EPA), but some states follow California’s stricter vehicle regulations under Clean Air Act Section 177, which can shape what vehicles are sold and regulated locally
• Expect emissions testing in some metros. Many areas operate Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs under the Clean Air Act. If you’re renting long-term or driving a personal vehicle across states, local I/M rules matter most at registration time, but they’re a real part of “rules of the road” for in-use vehicles
• California Smog Check is a real compliance requirement. In California, a Smog Check is required every other year for many vehicles as part of registration renewal, with special requirements in some cases (such as STAR)
• Congestion and pollution charging zones exist in some cities. New York City’s Congestion Relief Zone charges vehicles entering Manhattan at or below 60th Street (rules and tolls vary by vehicle type and time)
• Anti-idling rules can be enforced. Some regions limit how long you can idle, especially near schools. For example, New York notes NYC-area limits of three minutes for all vehicles and one minute near schools, and separate statewide limits for heavy-duty vehicles

Hertz vehicles are tested and fall under the low-emission category. So, you don’t have to worry about passing emission tests when you are on a road trip or cruising through the best tourist places in the USA. You can also choose for quiet emission-free EVs and self-driving cars.

Note: Environment and emissions rules can vary by state and even by city. Before you start exploring, check the local regulations for your route and destinations so you know what applies where you’ll be driving.