Driving in United States: licence, roads and tolls

Tolls are set state by state and many are cashless, so a hire car needs a transponder or a plan.

• Rent the transponder at the desk. Most rental companies charge a daily fee for one and a much larger administration fee per toll if you go without. On the East Coast and in Texas or Florida this is not optional in practice.
• Right turn on red is legal almost everywhere after a full stop, and illegal in New York City. School buses with flashing lights stop traffic in both directions - the rule is absolute and heavily enforced.
• The alcohol limit is 0.08 %, which is 0.8 g/l, higher than most of Europe. Utah is 0.05 %.
• Under-25 drivers pay a young-driver surcharge at every major hire company, often more than the car.
• Distances defeat schedules. Los Angeles to San Francisco is a full day, and the gaps between fuel stations in Nevada, Utah and West Texas are measured in hours.