Driving in the United States: instructions for use

Driving in the United States: instructions for use


Have you decided to drive in the United States, to go on a real road trip to our American neighbors? Here's what you need to know before you turn the key.

Driving license

Is your Quebec driver's license valid for driving in the United States? Yes he is! And now, everywhere across this huge country.


Georgia used to require an International Driver's Permit (IDP), but this rule was abolished in January 2017. However, you must make sure that your license is valid when traveling on American soil. It is also best to always have your passport with you.

If you prefer, and especially if you are going for a long period of time, you can still apply for an international driving license. (By the way, it costs only $ 25 and is valid for a period of one year.) To do so, contact CAA, it is the only Canadian authority that can issue it.

Indeed, this permit, translated into several languages, turns out to be a facilitator during a police intervention. But beyond the PCI, the most important thing is to always respect the Highway Code of the places visited.



Insurance

The importance of private liability insurance

Unlike what happens in other countries, the Quebec automobile insurance system has the particularity of distinguishing between bodily injuries, covered by a public plan administered by the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) , and material damage, covered by private insurers.

It is therefore imperative to know that during an accident, the SAAQ only compensates bodily injuries, that is to say that it does not cover the costs for injuries that you may have caused to others or material damage. caused by the accident. Rather, your private insurance will take over to cover these two aspects. Good liability insurance is therefore essential for traveling abroad, as is collision insurance.

In other words, depending on the nature of your accident and the type of damage you have caused, it will not be the same insurance that will come into play. Hence the importance of choosing your private insurance carefully before go.

Travel insurance in the event of hospitalization following an accident

In the event that you have to be hospitalized following a traffic accident, the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) will reimburse you for the costs incurred. If a long hospital stay is necessary, the SAAQ will take care of your repatriation.

Although the SAAQ and RAMQ offer you good protection when you are in the United States, it is still recommended that you take out travel insurance. This can facilitate interventions in hospitals. Even if our sun card is known to our American neighbors, some hospitals may refuse to treat an individual if they do not have proof, such as travel insurance, that they have the capacity to pay for the necessary care. .

Note that for SAAQ insurance to be valid (as well as RAMQ coverage), the length of stay must be less than 182 days per year. Good to know if you want to embark on a one-year tour of the United States ...



Laws of the road

Each state has different legislation. Regarding the seat belt, for example, it depends on the States. While it's mandatory in some, it's just highly recommended in others, and it's even optional in the state of New Hampshire! However, we advise you to put it across the country.

When it comes to the maximum speed of movement, it is again each state that establishes it. Look at the map below before you start, it can help you avoid fines.