The Right Way to Ride Along
Whether you're hopping into a friend's car, catching a rideshare, or settling in for a long road trip, being a passenger is more than just sitting back and enjoying the ride. There's a whole set of informal expectations that most people never talk about but definitely notice when they're broken. Following these 20 unspoken rules will make you the kind of passenger that drivers actually enjoy having in their vehicle, and it'll save you from some genuinely awkward situations along the way.
1. Always Offer to Contribute to Gas Costs
If someone is driving you a significant distance, offering to chip in for gas is one of the most respectful things you can do. You don't have to make a big deal out of it; a simple offer goes a long way in showing that you value the driver's time and money. Even if they decline, the gesture itself matters and will absolutely be remembered.
2. Ask Before You Touch the Radio
The driver's car is the driver's domain, and that includes the music selection. Reaching over to change the station or skip a song without asking first is surprisingly presumptuous, even if you've known the person for years. A quick "do you mind if I change this?" is all it takes to keep things comfortable for everyone.
3. Keep Your Shoes Off the Dashboard
Putting your feet up on the dashboard is not only inconsiderate to the driver but also genuinely dangerous in the event of an accident. Airbags deploy with enormous force, and having your legs in that position can result in serious injury. Save the lounging for when you're at home and keep your feet on the floor where they belong.
4. Don't Slam the Car Door
It might seem like a small thing, but slamming a car door sends a shockwave through the entire vehicle that's just unnecessary. Closing a door firmly but gently is just as effective, and it shows that you respect someone else's property. Most people won't say anything about it, but they'll notice every single time.
5. Give Directions with Enough Notice
If you're navigating, don't wait until you're 10 feet from the turn to announce it. Giving the driver adequate warning allows them to change lanes safely and make the turn without panicking or missing it entirely. Staying a step or two ahead when you're calling out directions makes the whole trip smoother for both of you.
6. Minimize Distracting the Driver
There's a real difference between pleasant conversation and the kind of animated, attention-grabbing chatter that pulls a driver's focus off the road. Loud arguments, sudden outbursts, or constantly demanding their attention while they're navigating heavy traffic can be genuinely dangerous. Be mindful of the environment you're creating inside the vehicle, especially on busy roads or in bad weather.
7. Respect the Driver's Preferences for Conversation
Some drivers love chatting the entire trip while others prefer to focus quietly on the road, and both are completely valid. Reading the room and following the driver's lead when it comes to conversation will make the ride more pleasant for them. If they're giving short answers or seem focused, it's okay to just sit comfortably in silence for a while.
8. Avoid Eating Smelly Food in Someone Else's Car
Bringing a burger or a bag of fast food into someone's personal vehicle without asking is a move that many drivers quietly dread. Strong food smells linger in car interiors for a long time, and not everyone wants their upholstery smelling like French fries for the next week. If you need to eat on the go, it's worth asking permission first rather than assuming it's fine.
9. Clean Up After Yourself
Whatever you bring into the car with you—wrappers, coffee cups, receipts, or anything else—should leave with you when you get out. Leaving your trash behind for the driver to deal with is inconsiderate, plain and simple. Taking 30 seconds to gather your belongings before you step out costs you nothing and keeps the driver's space clean.
10. Don't Offer Unsolicited Driving Feedback
Unless there's a genuine safety concern, nobody wants a running commentary on how they're driving from the passenger seat. Remarks about their speed, following distance, or how they handle lane changes are almost always unwelcome and can come across as condescending. If you're truly uncomfortable, it's better to calmly say so once rather than critique their every move throughout the trip.
11. Be Ready When They Arrive to Pick You Up
Making someone wait outside your home or circle the block multiple times while you finish getting ready is a frustrating habit that's easy to avoid. When you know someone is on their way, use that time to get yourself sorted so you can head out the moment they pull up. Their time is just as valuable as yours, and keeping them waiting sends the opposite message.
12. Acknowledge When You're Running Late
If you're the one being picked up and you're not going to be ready on time, a quick text giving the driver a heads-up is the considerate thing to do. It allows them to adjust their timing rather than just sitting idle, wondering what's going on. A little communication goes a long way in avoiding unnecessary frustration on both ends.
13. Sit Where It Makes Sense for the Group
If you're the only passenger in a rideshare or a friend's car, it can feel oddly formal to climb into the backseat as if the driver is your personal chauffeur. Sitting up front when it's just the two of you is a socially comfortable choice in most casual situations. Of course, use your judgment based on context, but it's worth thinking about rather than defaulting to the back every time.
14. Keep the Volume on Your Devices Down
Watching videos or listening to audio through your phone's speaker in a confined space affects everyone else in that car, not just you. Wearing headphones or keeping your volume low is a basic courtesy that most people will appreciate without ever having to ask for it. It also just makes for a more peaceful environment, which everyone tends to benefit from on longer trips.
15. Don't Pressure the Driver to Speed
Saying things like "you can just run that yellow" or urging someone to drive faster because you're running late puts the driver in an uncomfortable position. It's their license, their car, and their responsibility if something goes wrong, so that pressure isn't fair to place on them. If you're worried about timing, the solution is to plan better on your end rather than asking someone else to take on additional risk.
16. Be Thoughtful About Temperature Requests
It's perfectly fine to ask if the temperature can be adjusted if you're genuinely uncomfortable, but demanding that the heat or AC be cranked to your personal preference isn't great etiquette. The driver is in that same space and has their own comfort to consider, so it's worth meeting somewhere in the middle. Phrasing it as a question rather than a demand keeps the interaction friendly and cooperative.
17. Express Genuine Gratitude When You Catch a Ride
A sincere thank-you at the end of a trip, especially when someone has gone out of their way for you, is one of the simplest and most important things you can do as a passenger. Acknowledging the effort someone made, even for a short drive, shows that you don't take their generosity for granted. It's a small habit that leaves a lasting positive impression on the people who give you rides.
18. Avoid Bringing Too Much Stuff Without Asking
Showing up with multiple large bags, a suitcase, or bulky equipment without mentioning it ahead of time can put the driver in an awkward spot, especially if they have limited trunk space. A quick heads-up beforehand lets them prepare or make arrangements if needed. It's a thoughtful move that prevents any uncomfortable shuffling around trying to fit everything in at the last minute.
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19. Keep Personal Conversations Respectful in the Car
If you're on a phone call during a shared ride, be aware that everyone else in that vehicle can hear every word you're saying. Conducting loud, personal, or sensitive conversations without any consideration for the people around you makes for an uncomfortable atmosphere. Keeping calls brief, stepping away from the car when possible, or simply saving the conversation for later is a much more considerate approach.
20. Follow the Driver's Rules Without Complaint
Every driver has their own preferences: maybe they don't allow drinks in their car, they want seatbelts on immediately, or they prefer a no-phone policy while driving. Respecting those preferences without pushback or grumbling is a non-negotiable part of being a good passenger. It's their car and their rules, and honoring that without making it a debate reflects well on you every time.
