AJ1 recommends that you use public transportation such as buses, trains, and airplanes when possible. In the event that public transportation is not available and you choose to rent a vehicle, you MUST obtain the proper auto insurance that covers medical and liability requirements in your state. AJ1 recommends purchasing above the minimum requirements for both medical and liability. Though it is more expensive, the coverage is necessary if you are involved in an accident. Some car rental companies also require an international permit in addition to your international driver's license. Most car rental agencies will not rent an automobile to persons under 25 years of age.

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Renting a Vehicle

• Motorcycles/mopeds and recreational vehicles are NOT covered on your J-1 Insurance plan

• J-1 insurance is NOT Auto Insurance

• Each state has unique minimum insurance requirements and it is your responsibility to know them and to ensure you meet them.

• You must have a valid license

• Basic Safety Tips for Driving in the U.S.:

• Always wear your seatbelt. it is the law

• Do NOT text and drive (in many states, this is the law)

• Follow the rules and speed limits posted on the road

• Do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• Do not drive when you are tired

• Do not use your cell phone while driving; it is against the law in many states

• Remember that cars drive on the right side of the road in the USA.

 

Local Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

If you plan to drive in the U.S., you must understand the local, state and federal laws regarding driving. The best recommendation is to consult the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the state in which you would like to drive. Local DMV offices may be found through an Internet search, or by visiting the state's official DMV website. For more details about the DMV and driving in the U.S., please refer to the Resources section of our website.

 

Foreign Driver's License (Home Country Driver's License)

All U.S. states recognize foreign drivers' licenses. In most cases, your license will be valid for up to 4 months after the date you enter the U.S. Consult the DMV in the state where you wish to drive to confirm the length of validity and the rules for driving with a foreign driver's license. Your foreign license is valid if accompanied by your international passport.

 

Obtaining a Driver's License in the U.S.

Contact the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for the state where you will be working to find out whether you are eligible to apply for a U.S. driver's license. If eligible, obtain a copy of the state driver's manual from the DMV so that you can learn the state's driving rules, and study for the written test and the driving test. Ask which documents you need to present to the DMV when applying for a license. At a minimum, you will probably be required to show the following documents in order to apply for a state license:

• Passport

• Home country driver's license

• International driver's license

• Social Security card

• Motorcycles require a special driver's license, and many states have laws requiring that you wear a helmet. The accident and sickness insurance provided by AJ1 will not cover you in the event of an accident while you are driving a motorcycle.

 

What to Do in the Event of a Car Accident

In the event of a car accident, do not leave the scene of the accident. Contact the police immediately, and then call AJ1. Find out if anyone involved is injured. If someone requires medical attention, or to report the accident, dial 911 from any phone. 911 is the free direct number for emergency services with the local police anywhere in the U.S. If possible, do not move your car until the police arrive and are able to assess the accident scene. While waiting for the police, exchange the following information with the driver of the other car:

If there are any witnesses, ask for their names, telephone number and address in the event of insurance problems. If you have hit a parked car, you must leave your name, phone number and license plate number on a piece of paper and put it under the windshield wiper, so they may contact you. Also write down the car's license number and model of the car. Failure to leave your information or report the accident is considered a crime. Make sure that any car you drive has insurance that will cover you as a driver or a passenger in the event of an accident. You are responsible for any fines for moving violations or parking tickets. Failure to honor these fines may impair your ability to get a visa to the U.S. in the future.

• Name, telephone number and license ID number.

• License plate number, model and year of the car.

• Registration number and expiration date.

• Name of the insurance company and policy number.

• Use Extra Caution

• Stay on marked roads

• Be aware of special weather and road conditions (e.g., snow, fog, and flooding)

• Use extra care around school buses

• Follow parking rules

 

Bicycles, Motorcycles, Mopeds and Recreational Vehicles

Bicycle Safety A bicycle is the best and most cost effective way for you to get around. There are many sports or bicycle stores that sell used bicycles. You can also check the local paper or online classified ads to find bicycles for sale in your area. Make sure that you purchase a bicycle helmet as well. Motorists in some parts of the U.S. are not accustomed to sharing the road with bicycles, so it is very important that you are cautious and alert when riding a bicycle. Bicyclists are considered vehicle operators and are required to follow and obey traffic laws. Following these tips will help to make sure that your experience is a safe one:

Wear a bicycle helmet

For information on bicycle safety, proper hand signals, and more, check out the following websites: www.BicycleSafe.com or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Motorcycles, Mopeds, and Recreational Vehicles - Your J-1 insurance does not cover any injuries or accidents while you are driving or riding on a moped, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle. If you decide to purchase or ride on one of these vehicles, you are responsible for purchasing additional health and motor vehicle insurance.

• Wear bright clothing

• Install reflectors and lights on the front and back of the bicycle, and always use lights at night

• Ride in the same direction as traffic

• Bike on the road where cars will see you, not on sidewalks

• Use hand signals so others can anticipate your actions

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