13 Etiquette Rules For Road Trips

Everyone knows the success of a road trip is largely dependent on the company you keep. Screaming toddlers in the back might make a 4-hour drive feel like 10. But if you’re riding with a group of your lifelong besties (especially if you haven’t seen them in a while), an all-day journey can fly by in the blink of an eye. When taking a road trip, all general car etiquette applies, but following a few extra rules will help make your trip as seamless and pain-free as can be. Heck, you might even enjoy the ride! Keep reading for 13 etiquette rules we think everyone should follow on long car rides.

No feet on the dash

We know every country song ever written has romanticized this particular posture, but it’s best to keep your shoes on and your feet firmly planted on the floor in front of you when riding in someone else’s car.

Let silence be golden

This one is highly dependent on who you’re riding with and what the general mood of the car is. Chatting is definitely encouraged throughout the ride, but if a great playlist is on, don’t feel the need to make yourself heard over the music. On the flip side, if it’s getting late in the night and your driver is fading, you might want to have some interesting stories on hand to keep him or her awake and alert.

No falling asleep in the front seat

If you take the passenger princess seat, be prepared for some extra duties. For one, there’s absolutely no falling asleep. You should also be prepared to help with navigation and anything else the driver may need—whether it’s dipping their chicken nuggets or checking their blind spot.

Share the aux cord

Not everyone wants to listen to Taylor Swift for the entirety of a 12-hour drive (though she certainly has enough songs to fill the time). Pick music you think everyone will like and be sure to switch up whose phone gets plugged in throughout the ride.

Keep your space clean

It’s OK to partake in road trip snacks, be mindful of crumbs and be sure to take out all your trash at every stop. When sharing such a small space, it’s on everyone to do their part to keep the vehicle clean

Offer to pay for and pump gas when taking someone else’s car

Your driver is already making a big sacrifice by taking on driving duties and putting the miles on their car. It’s only polite to offer to pay for gas and pump it for them so they have time to stretch their legs a bit on breaks.

Bring snacks—but not stinky ones

Snacks are an essential part of any good road trip, and every passenger is expected to contribute to the cause. Bonus points if you snag your driver’s favorite snack! Just leave any especially pungent foods at home. No matter how delicious your homemade tuna salad is, no one wants to be smelling it 3 hours later.

Don’t defy your driver

What your driver says goes. If they ask for the music to be turned down, do it. If they want to blast the air conditioning, but you’re freezing, it’s time to pull that sweatshirt out of your backpack.  

Don’t be the one asking for every bathroom stop

When you have to go, you have to go. However, there are only so many rest stops along the way and only so much patience the rest of your passengers will have for delays. If you know you’re prone to needing frequent bathroom breaks, maybe don’t guzzle Diet Coke or your normal pot of coffee before getting on the road.    

Keep backseat driving to a minimum

If your driver is distracted and about to ram into the back of a semi-truck, by all means, speak up! But if you would have preferred for them to stop for an extra nanosecond at that last stop sign or feel like they could be driving just a smidge faster, keep your lips zipped. If you can't keep your comments to yourself, offer to drive next time!

Make a fair seating chart

The key to car etiquette is being mindful of your fellow passengers. If you’ve got a particularly tall rider, it might be nice to let them have the front seat. Likewise, don’t stick your shortest traveler with the middle seat for the entire trip. Everyone will be happier and more comfortable if you share the burden.   

Mind your phone

No one wants to listen to your phone dinging every few minutes while your group chat goes off. Turn your phone on silent or vibrate, and don’t take any unnecessary calls while in the car. There’s nothing worse than having to be quiet and having to listening to a one-sided conversation because your chat just couldn’t wait.  

Pack light

Remember that everyone's bags have to fit in the car, so keep your packing to a minimum. No one wants to be stuck riding with your makeup tote at their feet because it wouldn't fit in the trunk.