Renting a Car in the USA if You're Under 21 - and with No Fee

[Tom Collins]

kali9

Visiting the United States, under 21, and looking to rent a car or other vehible? Usually no problem, as the age for rental is generally 18. However, keep in mind that car-rental companies try to protect their cars in the case of relatively inexperienced drivers by imposing young-driver fees and making only economy class cars available to them.

Furthermore, car rental under 21 with no fee is possible if you know where to go and what to do. For example, if you're traveling with an older friend or family member you can ask him or her to rent for you. You can also buy a membership from the rental company to have the young-driver fee waived.

State Laws Vary

Most laws affecting driving are set by each of the individual 50 states, so while there will be many similarities in terms of speed limits, age restrictions, car-rental rules, and other things, there may be some differences, as well. So make an attempt to research online the rules of each state where you plan to drive in terms of the issues relevant to you.

Basic Rules to Remember

• You should drive your car on the right hand side of the road.
  
• Observe speed limits; police do patrol both highways and local roads, and in the case of local roads, a number of municipalities especially strictly, as they rely on traffic fines to help finance themselves.
  
• You should never drive a car if you are over the legal blood alcohol limit. Different states have different limits, but basically the concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream may be at or above 0.08 percent. If in violation, you can be ticketed, and sometimes even arrested.
  
• Always heed STOP signs and traffic lights.
  
• Don’t that near many primary and secondary schools, speed limits are extra low. I'd also recommend switching on flashing lights in these school zones.
  
• Safety first! All passengers are The driver and passengers are obliged to wear seat belts, and you may be ticketed for not doing so.
  
• In increasing numbers of cities and states, texting while driving is also illegal and can result in a ticket.