This article will discuss the differences between driving and traveling concepts and some differences between traveling in owned or rented motor vehicles. All this is important because many people don’t know their rights and freedom of movement—also, the implications about having a driver’s license to drive around the country. Finally, I will discuss driving vs. traveling and its the rights that both citizens and authorities have for everything to flow appropriately.
If you can drive a multi-ton vehicle when you drive, it doesn’t mean you have the right to travel across the USA. The state may verify that you are competent to do so. They do this by requiring that you have a driver’s license and insurance. Also, they must verify that the vehicle is roadworthy. When traveling, you have to choose the mode of travel you will make. It is the option of driving or taking another mode of transportation (a private one).
So, you think if you can do this by horse, bus, bicycle, or in another person’s automobile. So, you have the right to travel if you want. On the other hand, you can travel if someone agrees to let you ride in their vehicle. Driving is a privilege that the state can prohibit if they consider it. Let’s start this Driving vs. traveling law discussion.
Comparison Chart: Driving vs. Traveling
Traveling (non-specific movement from one location to another) does not require a license, but driving (operating a motor vehicle) must. This is because driving is a privilege.
However, you must know the limitations and responsibilities you must accomplish.
Suppose a uniformed police officer makes an arrest based on his or her observation of someone operating a motor vehicle. In that case, the question is whether the courts will uphold the officer’s testimony or video evidence of the vehicle’s operation. So, let’s have a look at this comparison chart:
- Taking a huge group on a trip
- When the cost of tickets plus airport parking surpasses the cost of petrol and you don’t need to reserve a hotel room for the drive
- You have the option of driving your own vehicle.
With layovers, driving time is nearly the same as total flight time. - When traveling on your own, you should spare no expense on Gas to reach your destination. If the distance is very long, it can be expensive to travel in this mode.
- When traveling in this mode, you should consider staying in motels and hotels (depending on the trip’s distance).
- Depending on each stopover, the number of meals you may need will depend on the number of meals you may need. Therefore, you should plan this well so as not to spend so much money on just eating.
- When traveling on your own, you should also consider the number and cost of tolls you will be traveling through. This can become a major expense if the distance is very long.
- If you are going to travel, an important part is to have your car up to date and well maintained. For this, you should consult with your trusted mechanic.
- If you are going to travel, an important part is to have your car up to date and well maintained. For this, you should consult with your trusted mechanic.
- You won’t have to pay for checked luggage.
- Driving necessitates many motel stays
(i.e. driving from Virginia to Arizona) - You only need to purchase one or two aircraft tickets and health travel insurance.
- There is no need to rent a car at the location.
- To purchase cheap flights, you must have a flexible travel itinerary.
- In this traveling way, you need to estimate the ticket prices.
- Baggage Fees for Checked Baggage
- Parking at the airport Transportation to and from the airport Food Costs at the airport
- Visits to Airport Lounges
- Flying Time with a Rental Car
Driving vs. Traveling Motor vehicle Private Conveyance
Unless registered as such or used for business reasons, a personal conveyance is not legally classified as a vehicle. So, the registration of a personal conveyance transfers ownership of such property to the DVLA or another entity. In addition, it changes the conveyance’s legal status to that of a “MOTOR VEHICLE.”
BTW, registration of a privately owned personal conveyance for non-commercial usage is an OPTIONAL CONTRACT, whereas registration of a vehicle is mandatory. Also, there is a common law right to travel by personal conveyance without a driver’s license, road tax, MOT, or insurance.
The phrase “personal conveyance” exists in the regulations that apply to commercial motor vehicle drivers (CMVs). Personal conveyance, often known as personal usage, refers to a driver using his or her vehicle for transportation (conveyance) to a location that is not related to his or her job.
So, there are several limitations. The most fundamental is that a CMV driver is not automatically permitted to use an employer’s vehicle for personal transportation; this is up to the CMV owner’s choice.
The ECFR (Electronic Code of Federal Government Regulations), Section 395.8, states that “A driver may not operate a burdened CMV as a personal conveyance” in all situations, whether the driver is driving his or her employer’s vehicle or is an owner-operator. A freight or passenger-carrying commercial motor vehicle is referred to as a burdened commercial motor vehicle. This is not a driving vs. traveling book issue. This is what the law says.
Road Trip Dilemma: Renting Vs. Driving Your Vehicle
When it comes to long-distance driving, not everyone is eager to grab their keys. Road trips may be costly in terms of miles and periodic maintenance. Those are just the well-known disadvantages of driving your car.
You’ll need to analyze your finances when deciding whether to drive your car or rent a vehicle for your next road trip. Consider gas mileage, rental car insurance, vehicle depreciation, and so on. We’ll break it down for you in terms of dollars and cents.
Renting Vs. Driving Your Vehicle Factors
Car Insurance
Depending on the types of insurance you get, rental car insurance might add as much as $30 to your daily rate. However, for as little as $11 per calendar day, you may purchase a Rental Car Damage Protector, which gives primary collision loss/damage insurance coverage up to $75,000. You also get 24-hour hotline assistance.
The Rental Automobile Damage Protector can save you a lot of money if you damage the rental car you’re driving. That’s because if you have a covered loss, you won’t have to pay a deductible. Instead, you can utilize your insurance coverage if you have it.
Gas Mileage
Consider leaving your everyday driving, a GMC Yukon that gets 17 mpg combined, parked and renting a fuel-sipper for your road vacation. Instead, rent a 2019 Prius Eco and achieve an average of 56 mpg combined. Of course, that implies a single gallon of oil will go you more than three times the distance.
Depreciation Costs
Even if you don’t see it right away, a long road trip can cause significant damage to your car. This is because the engine, tires, and other moving parts are subjected to a certain degree of wear and tear with each mile. To estimate this, it still runs makes calculating wear-and-tear expenditures by mile simple. For a 2,000-mile road trip, an average charge for a large SUV is roughly 34 cents per mile, which comes to $680.
Penalties for Breaking a Lease
Long travels may be avoided by those who lease their cars. However, you drive beyond the contractual amount for each mile, which usually is about 12,000 or fewer each year. As a consequence, you’ll be charged a penalty of up to 30 cents a mile.
If the cost of driving your automobile vs. renting a car is an essential thing in your decision, you’ll need a pencil, paper, and a calculator.
Right to Travel vs. Freedom of Movement
The Constitution guarantees the right to travel freely within and between states. The freedom of Americans to travel interstate in the United States has never been seriously questioned or constrained by the courts.
Besides, the “right to travel” theory incorporates three independent rights, two of which have been remarkable for their lack of textual backing. The first is a citizen’s freedom to freely travel between states, which has a long history but lacks a firm doctrinal foundation.
The second, which is addressed explicitly in the opening phrase of Article IV, grants a citizen of one state who is temporarily visiting another state the “Privileges and Immunities” of that state’s citizens. Finally, the third is a newcomer’s right to enjoy the same rights and advantages as other state residents after establishing citizenship in that state.
So, the right to freedom of movement encompasses the ability to move freely inside a nation for those who are lawfully there and the ability to leave any nation also, to enter a nation where you are a citizen. In some cases, the right may be limited.
People must travel freely within a country and select a domicile without limitation, including the ability to state a purpose or rationale for doing so. Governments are responsible for guaranteeing that a person’s freedom of movement is not infringed upon by others, including private individuals and businesses.
Sovereign Citizens Take Their Anti-Government Philosophy to the Roads
Sovereign Citizens frequently cite the United States Constitution, the [Uniform Commercial Code], the Magna Carta, the Articles of Confederation, and a slew of other quasi-legal documents to back up their claims. Although authoritative in tone, the Constitution is the fundamental foundation for a citizen’s fundamental rights.
The Constitution can only be interpreted and given legal effect by the United States Supreme Court. As a result, Sovereign Citizens used dictionaries, state-court rulings, particular capitalization, and state documents. All this, as well as their reliance on them, is misguided and ineffective.”
According to the Constitution, neither freedom of movement nor private property rights can be violated (and its use in daily ritual). Therefore, traveling with your personal property is legal (as long as you’re not utilizing it for personal benefit.)
If you have a commercial driver’s license or permit, it means you have signed a contract with the state as a commercial driver (One who works for profit on roadways. e.g., a taxi driver, Uber driver, bus driver, etc.). It is illegal to tax, permit, or license you if you completely own your property and relocate it to a new location. It is your right to go anywhere you want, whenever you want, and take your stuff with you.
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
The DVLA is a Department of Transport executive body in charge of licensing drivers in the United Kingdom (the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA). Besides, it is in charge of Northern Ireland), keeping the UK vehicle database.
Finally, they are responsible for collecting vehicle excise duty (VED), commonly known as vehicle tax’ or ‘road tax.’
Add Preventative Maintenance to Your Road Trip Budget and Checklist
Before you go, perform a few auto maintenance procedures to ensure your vehicle is ready for the journey.
Even while you can’t prevent every mechanical problem, checking your car’s fluids and parts before hitting the road can help you avoid wasting vacation time at the repair shop. Here are some pointers to get you started:
Check the battery in your car.
According to Consumer Reports, make sure your car’s battery connection is tight and corrosion-free. If there is rust, detach the batteries and use a wire brush to clean the interconnections. Batteries contain corrosive acid that can leak if the connections are pushed off. So, if you don’t know how to inspect and clean a vehicle battery, it’s better to leave it to the pros. Consumer Reports suggest getting your vehicle’s battery tested once a year after being more than two years old.
Learn More: Why Purchase Travel Insurance Online
Inspect belts and hoses
According to Consumer Reports, engine belts and hoses are essential for maintaining your car’s electrical, power steering, and cooling systems in good working order. So first, make sure they’re not frayed or broken by having them examined. Belts should also be comfortably fastened. So, double-check that they’re secure and don’t have too much slack. Finally, get your hoses inspected for any leaks or drips.
Check to see if the lights and electrical equipment are on.
Check that all of your car’s interior and exterior lights are operating correctly. Replace any burned-out bulbs as needed. If your windshield wipers aren’t effectively removing water from the glass or are leaving streaks, it’s time to replace them. Consumer Reports advises replacing them every six months.
IRS Explanations of Deductions for Travel
Travel expenditures paid or incurred in conjunction with a temporary job assignment away from home might be deducted. Travel expenses that can be deducted while away from home include, but are not limited to: Between your house and your business destination, travel by airline, train, bus, or auto.
You can deduct business-related tolls and parking costs, as well as actual expenditures or the regular mileage rate. If you hire a car, you can only deduct the percentage that is used for business, lodging and meals that are not tied to entertainment as well as, laundry and dry cleaning too.
Driving Vs. Traveling: FAQs
Why do people say they’re traveling instead of driving?
Essentially, they argue that “driving” legally involves the transfer of goods and that if you’re not moving anything, you’re “traveling” and therefore don’t need a license.
Is there a right to travel without a driver’s license in the United States?
No matter where you live, you must have a valid driver’s license with the necessary endorsements for the type of vehicle you drive, such as motorcycle endorsements, commercial vehicle endorsements, and so on.
Driving without a valid driver’s license can lead to severe penalties.
Why is driving not a right?
Driving is not a constitutionally guaranteed right. Your driver’s license is granted based on your abilities and your agreement to follow the national regulations. If you’re going to drive, you owe it to yourself and other road users to keep the car in a safe condition.
What does the Constitution say about driving?
A citizen’s right to travel on public roads is a common right that he possesses under his right to life, liberty, and property as well as his right to pursue happiness and safety.
Is traveling a right?
The freedom to travel is an aspect of the citizen’s ‘liberty,’ which cannot be taken away without due process of law under the Fifth Amendment.
How do you travel when you don’t have a car?
The best way to travel a vehicle is through private transportation services. These can take you anywhere in the country and at the same time can travel very comfortably. But, of course, it all depends on your budget, and it will also depend on where you are transporting to and from.
Is traveling a right or a privilege?
In Crandall v. Nevada, 73 US 35 (1868) court decision, the United States Supreme Court decided that freedom of movement is fundamental. Therefore, a state cannot prevent individuals from leaving by charging them.
Do sovereign citizens need a driver’s license?
Yes, but they don’t care. However, to travel the country roadways, you will need a driver’s license, license plates, car registrations, or insurance.
Is it legal to be a sovereign citizen?
Self-described “sovereign citizens” believe that they are only responsible to themselves and their interpretations of the common law. Besides, they are not subject to any official acts or actions. Therefore, they refuse to accept US dollars and claim to be “unrestricted by any legal restraints” in the United States.
Which capability is most important to safe driving?
The capacity to make good decisions is the most critical capacity for safe driving.
Bottom Line
In this driving vs. traveling comparison, you must know that it applies when expressly operating a multi-ton vehicle. In addition, the state may guarantee that you are capable of doing so by requiring that you have a driver’s license and insurance and that the vehicle is safe to be out. When traveling, you have the option of driving or using other modes of transportation.
You can ride a pony, take public transportation, ride a bike, or ride in someone else’s car. So, you reserve the right to travel if you require it and if someone will allow you to ride in their vehicle. The ability to drive is a benefit that the state can restrict to avoid accidents.
So, the thing is that when you think about driving vs. traveling comparison, you must know that there are differences. When someone mentions driving, they almost always refer to a motor vehicle. On the other hand, when someone says they are traveling, they might be traveling by vehicle, truck, rail, boat, or plane.
