The 2026 World Cup is the trip of a lifetime for most England fans, but getting behind the wheel in the United States could cost some of them dearly.
Supporters have spent the past few weeks soaking up everything America has to offer — the stadiums, the food, the sports — while also wincing at the price of it all. Beer, snacks, hotels and flights have already stretched plenty of budgets.
Now a car rental boss has flagged another way fans could end up out of pocket.
Alexander Haraldsson, CEO of Lotus Car Rental, has warned the thousands of England supporters hiring vehicles between matches that unfamiliar US road laws could land them with fines running into hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars.
Car rental company CEO warns World Cup fans about US road fines
There is already plenty for fans to account for over the weeks the tournament runs. Avoiding any other needless expenses makes sense, which is where Haraldsson’s warning comes in (via Lotus Car Rental).
He estimates around 89,000 England fans have traveled over for the World Cup, many of whom will rent cars to get between fixtures. A standard UK photocard licence is enough to hire a vehicle in the US, but he says the rules of the road will feel alien to British drivers.
Haraldsson explained that the differences go well beyond driving on the right.
He said: “Alongside driving on the opposite side of the road, Brits need to be aware of the varied driving rules across hosting destinations such as Boston, Dallas and Seattle.”
The biggest penalties, he warned, come at junctions. He added: “Failing to come to a complete stop behind the line at a ‘four-way stop’ intersection carries standard traffic fines that can quickly climb to $500 depending on where you are.
“However, the penalties skyrocket if you drive past a stationary school bus with its red lights flashing, which legally requires traffic in both directions to halt. This dangerous infraction carries heavy on-the-spot fines of up to $1,000 and a risk of highway collision.”
Haraldsson went on to describe the rules most likely to catch out even the most experienced of pilots
He added: “Simple differences like being legally permitted to turn right at a solid red traffic light across the country, except for New York City, where it is strictly illegal, will catch British drivers’ instincts off guard.”
Speeding fines average around $150, he said, but climb to between $300 and $500 in states such as California and New York — the latter hosting the final. Using a phone at the wheel can cost up to $500.
His final piece of advice concerned what to do if stopped by police.
Haraldsson said: “If you are pulled over by the police in America, do not get out of the car. The law and custom is to stay inside your vehicle, turn off the engine and keep your hands clearly visible on the steering wheel.”
The World Cup is about the most fun a football fan will have in their lifetime. No point ruining it with a hefty bill from Uncle Sam.
READ MORE:
England fans will be delighted with cheap beer prices at World Cup round-of-32 stadium
England World Cup fan says ‘I now understand the American dream’ after Donald Trump invitation
English soccer fan reveals the American food that he thinks is ‘unbelievable’
