Driving in the USA: French Licenses, International Permits, and Rules to Know
A valid French license, the $7.25 international permit, four-way stops, and right on red: essential rules before driving in the United States.
By David Sanchez · · 8 min read
Your French driver's license is recognized in almost every US state for a tourist stay of less than three months. A few states, and especially some rental companies, require an international driving permit. The American rules of the road also hold several surprises for anyone who has never driven in the USA: four-way stops, right on red, and police traffic-stop procedures. There are two things to take care of before you leave, and about a dozen habits to learn.
Your French driver's license in the United States: when is it enough?
Rental companies are often more restrictive than local law: their terms and conditions may contractually require an international driving permit, regardless of the destination. Your license must also be at least one year old, and the driver must be at least 21 (25 at some companies). The details are in our guide to renting a car in the United States.
A few states in the East formally require a license in English or an international driving permit. The table below lists the main destinations on a western road trip and their status in 2016; check each state's official DMV website for up-to-date information.
| State | French license only | IDP required |
|---|---|---|
| California | Yes | |
| Nevada | Yes | |
| Arizona | Yes | |
| Utah | Yes | |
| Colorado | Yes | |
| Wyoming | Yes | |
| Oregon, Washington | Yes | |
| Florida, New York, Texas | Yes | |
| Georgia | Yes | |
| Connecticut | Yes | |
| South Carolina | Yes |
Source: Sixt, May 17, 2016. This information is indicative and may have changed: check with the DMV of each state you visit before leaving.
The France-Illinois and France-Iowa reciprocity agreements (diplomatie.gouv.fr, 03/25/2026) recognize all categories of French driver's licenses, but only within the jurisdiction of the Chicago consular district, so they have no practical relevance for a road trip in the West.
International driving permits: what they are really for and how to get one
An international driving permit is not a standalone document: it is valid only when accompanied by your original French license. Its practical purpose is to provide a certified translation recognized everywhere, preventing arguments at a rental counter or during a police stop.
ANTS procedure (service-public.fr, 03/03/2026): apply online at ants.gouv.fr, without going to a prefecture. Cost: $7.25 (printing and mailing fees). The word "free" on some websites dates back to before the process went digital. Processing time: allow at least one month before departure, and longer in July and August. Validity: three years, or the remaining validity of your French license if it expires sooner.
For $7.25 and five minutes of online paperwork, getting one every time eliminates any potential hassle. The same licensing requirements apply to renting an RV in the USA.
Four-way stops, right on red, and school buses: the rules that can be confusing
Four-way stop. There is no right-of-way rule based on position: the first vehicle to arrive goes first. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first. A complete stop is mandatory. Rolling through a stop is routinely ticketed.
Traffic lights beyond the stop line. Suspended traffic lights are on the far side of the intersection, not the near side. Stop before the white line, not underneath the light.
Right on red. Turning right at a red light is allowed in almost every state after coming to a complete stop and checking for pedestrians, unless there is a "No Turn on Red" sign. It is an unintuitive habit for Europeans.
School bus stopped. When a school bus activates its flashing red lights and its roadside STOP sign, traffic must stop in both directions on a two-way road. On a divided highway, the stop applies only to traffic traveling in the same direction. The fine is substantial, and points may be added to your record.
Speed limits in mph. Useful conversions: 25 mph (residential areas), 35 mph (urban roads), and 65-75 mph (interstates).
Carpool lanes (HOV). Lanes reserved for vehicles carrying at least two occupants, marked with a painted diamond on the road and an "HOV 2+" sign. A solo driver is ticketed immediately.
Police stops: the procedure that helps keep things calm
As soon as you see flashing lights: move to the right, stop, turn off the engine, turn on your hazard lights, and lower the driver's-side window.
Keep your hands visible on the wheel. Do not reach for your documents until the officer asks. Say out loud before making any movement toward the glove box ("I'm going to reach for my glove box"). Stay in the vehicle unless explicitly ordered to get out. Keep your tone calm and cooperative: for a foreign driver who is not used to this kind of stop, agitated behavior can consistently make the situation more difficult.
Documents to keep in the vehicle (not in checked luggage): your French license, international driving permit, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance (the insurance card, included in the rental agreement, should go in the glove box as soon as you pick up the vehicle).
Open-container laws. An open bottle of alcohol in the passenger compartment is illegal in almost every state. An opened bottle should be tightly sealed and transported in the trunk.
Driving in national parks: speed limits, wildlife, and unpaved roads
Speed limits are low and enforced by NPS rangers. In Yellowstone, they reach 45 mph on the main roads and drop to 25 mph in campgrounds and developed areas: figures vary by park, so check nps.gov before leaving. Sections of the Grand Canyon require the same cautious approach.
Wildlife always has the right of way. If an animal crosses the road, stop and turn off the engine without honking. A herd of bison can block the road for 20 minutes in Yellowstone: that is allowed. Warn other drivers about wildlife jams by slowing down gradually, without hard braking.
Unpaved roads. Some park roads, such as unpaved roads in Canyonlands and Yellowstone tracks during the wet season, require a vehicle with high ground clearance. Check nps.gov before renting a standard vehicle. Stopping on the road without a reason is prohibited in the parks: use the marked pullouts instead.
Our view: $7.25 and one month of lead time make an international permit worthwhile
For couples or families on a western road trip. Get the international driving permit without hesitation: $7.25, five minutes of online paperwork at ants.gouv.fr, and one month of lead time to plan for. In California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona, a French license alone is accepted, but an international permit prevents arguments at the rental counter or during a stop in the middle of the desert.
What we do not recommend. Relying on a state-by-state list without checking its publication date. The most detailed available list dates from May 17, 2016 (sixt.fr); local regulations change.
For a multi-state road trip. Learn five habits before picking up the vehicle: four-way stops, right on red, school buses, keeping your hands on the wheel during a traffic stop, and storing alcohol in the trunk. Before a road trip in the American West, one hour of reading is worth ten hours of stress on the road.
Frequently asked questions
Is my French driver's license enough to drive in the United States?
In almost every state, a French driver's license is enough for a tourist stay of less than three months. A few states, including Georgia, Connecticut, and South Carolina, formally required an international driving permit according to the available information (Sixt, May 17, 2016): check before leaving.
Is an international driving permit mandatory or just recommended?
An international driving permit is not mandatory in most states, but it is strongly recommended. Some rental companies require it contractually, and it prevents complications during a traffic stop.
How do I get an international driving permit before traveling to the USA?
Apply online at ants.gouv.fr. Cost: $7.25 (service-public.fr information, March 2026). Processing time: allow at least one month before departure.
What should I do if the police signal me to pull over in the USA?
If the police signal you to stop, move to the right, turn off the engine, lower the window, and keep both hands visible on the steering wheel. Do not reach for your documents until the officer asks, and say out loud before making any movement.