Driving in the USA – 10 Things I Wish I Knew the First Time

Driving in the U.S. is a bit like stepping straight into a movie. The roads are wide, the signs are massive, the cars are even bigger – and the service at the gas stations makes Swedish ones look like self-serve kiosks.But there are also a few things I really wish I’d known before I got behind the wheel that first time.

Here’s my list — full of laughs and lessons from the road.

1. Everything’s bigger – even the parking spots

First aha moment: realizing we could park our rental car without folding in the mirrors. Americans love their cars — and they love to give them space. Some lots even have “expectant mother” parking spots!

2. Traffic cops are everywhere

You’ll see them all along the highways. Law enforcement is much more present in the U.S. than in Sweden, and traffic stops happen often. Always keep your driver’s license and registration handy — because “License and registration, please” is the first thing you’ll hear if you get pulled over.

3. They drive… differently

One mystery I still haven’t solved: why do Americans refuse to use their turn signals? You have to read the body language of the car — kind of like decoding a teenager.Oh, and they’ll pass you on the right. The first time it happens, it’s downright weird.

4. GPS is your lifeline

Google Maps is a lifesaver… until it decides the “fastest route” goes straight through an industrial area you’d rather not visit.Pro tip: always double-check your route before you start driving.

5. Gas is about a third of the price back home

Yep, you read that right. Fill it up and hit the road — just for the fun of it. (That’s half the joy of America: the driving, not just the destination.)

6. The four-way stop showdown

Think Swedes are polite behind the wheel? Wait till you reach a “4-Way Stop.”Everyone stops. Everyone smiles. Everyone waves. And no one knows who should go first. It’s like a politeness duel.

7. Haggle for that upgrade

When the rental agent offers “a bigger car for just a few extra bucks” — haggle! They usually want to get rid of the SUVs anyway.And honestly? Cruising around in a big car just feels right here.

8. Your credit card is just as important as your license

Rental companies will place a hefty hold on your card, so make sure you’ve got enough credit — or you’ll be stuck with jet lag, luggage, and no car.The same goes for hotels: expect deposits there too. A solid credit card limit is your best friend.

9. Right Turn on Red

In almost every U.S. state, you can turn right at a red light (Right Turn on Red, or RTOR) — as long as you come to a complete stop first and make sure it’s clear.But beware: there are exceptions. It’s not allowed in New York City.

10. The music makes the moment

No road trip is complete without the right soundtrack. I always keep a playlist ready — from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Chris Stapleton.Because when the sun sets over the highway outside Nashville, it feels exactly as American as you always dreamed it would.

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Bonus: Who’s actually pulling you over?

On American roads, several types of law enforcement share the job of keeping an eye on speeders.On highways, it’s usually the Highway Patrol or State Troopers — they appear out of nowhere, in shiny cars marked with the state emblem and wearing hats straight out of a movie.Drive through small towns, and you’ll likely meet the Sheriff’s Office. In the cities, it’s the City Police.What they all have in common? They take speed limits seriously — even on those endless, straight stretches where it feels like you’re the only person left on Earth.