In the United States, while there is no official law that bans all current and former presidents and vice presidents from driving on public roads, their unique status does lead to significant restrictions in practicality. When serving in office, presidents and vice presidents have around-the-clock protection from the Secret Service, which includes transportation in highly secure vehicles. This level of security and its logistical requirements effectively preclude them from driving.
For former presidents and vice presidents, similar conditions often apply. The lifetime security detail assigned to them as a result of the Former Presidents Act (which generally extends to vice presidents as well) continues to limit their ability to drive on public roads. While not legally restricted, the security risks involved and the presence of protective personnel make it impractical for them to drive in public. It is often more feasible and safer for former presidents and vice presidents to be driven by trained, security-cleared personnel.
There have been instances where former presidents have driven on private property. For example, George W. Bush has been known to drive on his ranch in Texas, and Barack Obama has occasionally driven on private grounds. However, these instances are exceptions and typically do not occur on public roads.
In essence, while there is no explicit statutory ban on driving for leaders and former leaders, the provision of Secret Service protection and the practical aspects of maintaining their safety and security effectively restrict their ability to engage in everyday activities such as driving on public roads. This arrangement underscores the extensive measures that are in place to protect high-profile political figures in the United States at all times.
