Driving in Houston
Your complete guide to driving and renting scooters in Houston, United States. Learn about IDP requirements, traffic rules, safety tips, and everything you need to know before hitting the road.
International Driving Permit (IDP) in Houston
IDP Not Required
Texas accepts valid foreign driver licenses for visitors. An IDP is recommended for non-English licenses. Texas law requires you to carry your license at all times while driving.
Fine without IDP: $100-$500 for driving without a valid license
Where to Get IDP: Apply in your home country before traveling. AAA offices can issue IDPs for US residents.
Accepted Licenses
Traffic Rules in Houston
Local Traffic Rules
- 1Right turn on red is allowed after a complete stop unless posted otherwise
- 2Texas has feeder/frontage roads (service roads) alongside freeways - learn how they work
- 3Left exits exist on some Houston freeways - stay alert for lane positioning
- 4Move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles - Texas law
- 5No texting while driving; handheld phone use is banned in school zones
Common Tourist Mistakes
- Underestimating distances - Houston is the 4th largest US city by area
- Missing freeway exits due to complex interchange systems (the Spaghetti Bowl)
- Not understanding feeder road right-of-way rules
- Driving too fast during sudden rainstorms - hydroplaning is common
- Not leaving enough following distance on high-speed freeways
Horn Culture
Light honking is used for alerts. Road rage is a concern in Houston - avoid aggressive honking or gestures.
Traffic Fines & Penalties
Speeding
$150-$300+ depending on speed over limit; school zones have doubled fines
No Helmet
No helmet law for adults over 21 with insurance or safety course in Texas
No IDP
$100-$500 for driving without valid license
Red Light
$75 (camera enforcement was banned in Texas in 2019)
Drink Driving
$2,000-$10,000 fine; BAC limit 0.08%; mandatory jail time for first offense; license suspension
Safety Tips
Essential Safety Tips
- A car is absolutely essential in Houston - public transit is very limited
- Keep your gas tank full; distances between destinations are significant
- Lock your car always; vehicle break-ins are common
- Be prepared for sudden flash flooding - turn around, don't drown
- Allow extra time for freeway commutes; Houston traffic is unpredictable
Best Time to Drive
Mid-morning (9:30 AM-11:30 AM) and early afternoon (1-3 PM)
Rainy Season Warning
Houston is prone to severe flooding year-round, especially June-October. NEVER drive through flooded roads. Turn around, don't drown. Even 6 inches of water can sweep a car away.
Areas to Avoid (for beginners)
- I-610 Loop during rush hours
- I-45 (Gulf Freeway) during peak commute
- The I-10/I-610 interchange (the Spaghetti Bowl)
- US-290 during morning rush towards downtown
Parking
Average Cost
$8-$25/day in garages; metered parking $1-$3/hour downtownScooter Parking
Motorcycles can use standard parking spots. Dedicated motorcycle parking is rare outside of downtown.
Parking Tips
- Free parking is available at most suburban shopping centers and restaurants
- Downtown parking is relatively affordable compared to other major US cities
- Use the ParkMobile or ParkHouston app for meter payments
- Park in shade when possible - summer temperatures make cars dangerously hot inside
- METRORail Park & Ride lots are free for transit users
FAQ: Driving in Houston
Do I need a car in Houston?
Absolutely yes. Houston is one of the most car-dependent cities in the US. Public transit is limited, distances are large, and most attractions, restaurants, and neighborhoods are spread far apart.
What are feeder roads?
Feeder roads (also called frontage or service roads) run alongside Houston's freeways, providing access to businesses and neighborhoods. Vehicles exiting the freeway have right-of-way over vehicles already on the feeder road.
How serious is Houston flooding?
Very serious. Houston sits on flat, low-lying terrain with poor drainage. Flash floods happen regularly during heavy rain. Never drive through standing water - many drowning deaths occur in cars. Follow 'Turn Around, Don't Drown' advice.
How hot does Houston get in summer?
Regularly 95-105°F (35-40°C) with high humidity. Never leave children or pets in parked cars. Park in shade when possible, use a sunshade, and allow the car to ventilate before driving.
Emergency Contacts
Police
911
Ambulance
911
Tourist Police
311 (Houston non-emergency services)
Roadside Assistance
AAA: 1-800-222-4357; Houston TranStar: 713-222-3100
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
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