DRIVING
Now we are in America........Drive on the right!
Before hopping in a car to drive in the USA you must remember that each of the 50 states has its own set of traffic laws and regulations. Fortunately, most of the laws are the same, but some states have slightly different rules and obviously speed limits vary by state. Just don't get distracted by the Star Spangled Banner flying in all its glory at different points along the roads, highways and even attached to American car doors, windows and trunks (boots in Aussie lingo).
The US highway system
In the US the long stretches of roads across the states are called Interstate Highways. These highways are sometimes subject to tolls (these roads are called Turnpikes). Make sure you have small notes or coins handy!
All of the major Interstate Highways running north-south have odd numbers, on the Pacific coast they are ordered 1-5 and on the Atlantic coast are ordered 1-95. All east-west Interstates are evenly numbered. Those near the Mexican border begin either 1-8 or 1-10, then as you get closer to Canada they begin 1-94.
Cars
If you are from UK/Europe or Oz you may find that many of the controls are on or around the steering wheel (which, incidentally, is on the left hand side of the car) and not on the dash. You don't want the radio on full volume instead of the wipers when its raining. Some states require lights when its raining so find that switch too. (Even when it's sunny.)
Schools and School Buses
An indicated lower speed limit is generally in effect in front of schools when there are warning lights flashing on a sign. This rule is strictly enforced in every state. Watch for kids, because they are everywhere . Go slowly (25 mph) in neighbourhoods.
Stop in BOTH directions for any school bus with flashing lights. This rule is strictly enforced in every state and the penalties can be severe, not to mention the risk of running a kid over if you don't stop!
Drinking/Driving
It should be obvious, but don't drink alcoholic beverages (or do drugs) and drive. N.B. Do not have (or keep) any open bottles of alcohol, even beer, in the car. If you are pulled over by a police officer or state trooper, the open bottles you will get a ticket, and may even be asked to get out of the car and take a breathalyzer test.
Driving in general
Pass only on the left!!!!!
At a stop sign, drivers proceed in the order in which they have arrived at the intersection. If there is a tie, the vehicle on your right has right of way; or the driver traveling straight if someone is turning on a headon approach.
The legal speed limit on major highways is posted on a sign and typically ranges from 55-75 miles per hour. Generally, on roadways in the USA the leftmost lanes are considered to be the "fast" lanes and the rightmost lanes are considered to be the "slow" lanes.
In most areas, cars already in a traffic circle have the right of way.
You must stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk. Crosswalks are implied at four-way intersections.
Making right turns on red signals after stopping (and ensuring the path is clear of pedestrians and oncoming traffic) is generally allowed, unless there is a specific restriction posted at the intersection.
In urban areas, be careful not to block intersections (with or without traffic lights) when traffic backs up. This is called "blocking the box" and if there is a police officer around, you will get a ticket.
Make sure to always have your license and proof of auto insurance.
Most gas stations require you to pay before filling up--even if no sign is displayed.
If all else fails, call Emergency Services: Police, Fire, Ambulance 911.
LINKS
Car Insurance
Drivers License & ID
Driving Laws America
Traffic Reports
Car Rentals
Now we are in America........Drive on the right!
Before hopping in a car to drive in the USA you must remember that each of the 50 states has its own set of traffic laws and regulations. Fortunately, most of the laws are the same, but some states have slightly different rules and obviously speed limits vary by state. Just don't get distracted by the Star Spangled Banner flying in all its glory at different points along the roads, highways and even attached to American car doors, windows and trunks (boots in Aussie lingo).
The US highway system
In the US the long stretches of roads across the states are called Interstate Highways. These highways are sometimes subject to tolls (these roads are called Turnpikes). Make sure you have small notes or coins handy!
All of the major Interstate Highways running north-south have odd numbers, on the Pacific coast they are ordered 1-5 and on the Atlantic coast are ordered 1-95. All east-west Interstates are evenly numbered. Those near the Mexican border begin either 1-8 or 1-10, then as you get closer to Canada they begin 1-94.
Cars
If you are from UK/Europe or Oz you may find that many of the controls are on or around the steering wheel (which, incidentally, is on the left hand side of the car) and not on the dash. You don't want the radio on full volume instead of the wipers when its raining. Some states require lights when its raining so find that switch too. (Even when it's sunny.)
Schools and School Buses
An indicated lower speed limit is generally in effect in front of schools when there are warning lights flashing on a sign. This rule is strictly enforced in every state. Watch for kids, because they are everywhere . Go slowly (25 mph) in neighbourhoods.
Stop in BOTH directions for any school bus with flashing lights. This rule is strictly enforced in every state and the penalties can be severe, not to mention the risk of running a kid over if you don't stop!
Drinking/Driving
It should be obvious, but don't drink alcoholic beverages (or do drugs) and drive. N.B. Do not have (or keep) any open bottles of alcohol, even beer, in the car. If you are pulled over by a police officer or state trooper, the open bottles you will get a ticket, and may even be asked to get out of the car and take a breathalyzer test.
Driving in general
Pass only on the left!!!!!
At a stop sign, drivers proceed in the order in which they have arrived at the intersection. If there is a tie, the vehicle on your right has right of way; or the driver traveling straight if someone is turning on a headon approach.
The legal speed limit on major highways is posted on a sign and typically ranges from 55-75 miles per hour. Generally, on roadways in the USA the leftmost lanes are considered to be the "fast" lanes and the rightmost lanes are considered to be the "slow" lanes.
In most areas, cars already in a traffic circle have the right of way.
You must stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk. Crosswalks are implied at four-way intersections.
Making right turns on red signals after stopping (and ensuring the path is clear of pedestrians and oncoming traffic) is generally allowed, unless there is a specific restriction posted at the intersection.
In urban areas, be careful not to block intersections (with or without traffic lights) when traffic backs up. This is called "blocking the box" and if there is a police officer around, you will get a ticket.
Make sure to always have your license and proof of auto insurance.
Most gas stations require you to pay before filling up--even if no sign is displayed.
If all else fails, call Emergency Services: Police, Fire, Ambulance 911.
LINKS
Car Insurance
Drivers License & ID
Driving Laws America
Traffic Reports
Car Rentals
