VAN-COMPARATOR Guide
Driving an RV in the USA on a foreign license
Renting an RV in the United States with a European license: the IDP (International Driving Permit), minimum age, US road rules and the local traps that surprise Europeans.
Good news up front: no special license is required to drive a rental RV in the United States, even a 33-ft Class A — a standard car license is enough, since rental vehicles stay under the 26,000-lb threshold that triggers a commercial license. What remains is traveling with the right paperwork and knowing the three or four local rules that surprise Europeans.
IDP: recommended, sometimes required
A French (or Belgian, Swiss...) license is recognized for a tourist stay, generally up to three months. But the IDP — International Driving Permit — is strongly recommended: it is the official translation of your license, which some states, rental companies and insurers require, and which simplifies any roadside stop. In France it is requested free of charge on the ANTS website, with lead times of several weeks to a few months: apply as soon as you book the flight. The IDP is worthless on its own — always present both documents together.
Age and rental conditions
Most rental companies require a minimum age of 21, sometimes 25 for the biggest rigs, with a young-driver surcharge between 21 and 24. The license must be at least a year old, and the deposit goes on a credit card in the driver's name. These conditions vary between platforms: Van-Comparator shows them in the offer details.
The American rules that surprise
Right turn on red is allowed after a full stop unless signed otherwise — but never in New York City. A stopped school bus with flashing lights means stopping in both directions; the fine is heavy. 4-way stops are taken in order of arrival. Speed limits are posted in mph (55–80 on highways depending on the state) and enforcement is strict. Finally, in an RV, some states cap speeds for towing vehicles and restrict use of the left lane: keep right — you are slow and wide.
Alcohol, stops, checks
The alcohol limit is 0.08% almost everywhere, but the open container law bans any opened bottle in the cabin — including the passenger's, including in a living area reachable while driving. If pulled over, stay in the vehicle, hands visible, and wait for instructions. For the rest of the preparation (insurance, deposit, one-way fees), it is all in our guides renting an RV in the USA and what license for a motorhome.