If you are a first time visitor to the United States and are planning to rent a car during your visit, there are some driving rules and customs you might not be aware of. It is a good idea to drive defensively -- always be aware of nearby vehicles and anticipate possible movements by other drivers. Also, it is important to know that driving laws are set by each state and rules and speed limits may differ slightly when traveling across state borders. However, there are some general rules. Below are a few highlights:
Did you know that you are supposed to stop in BOTH directions for any school bus with flashing lights? School buses are often yellow in color and marked "school bus". When stopped for passengers, a sign will swing out from the side of the bus, or flashing lights will be activated, and it is illegal to pass the bus in either direction. 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! If you live in the U.S. this is one of the most basic driving rules, but if you are a foreign traveler you may not be aware of it and that could get you into trouble.
At an intersection where all directions have a stop sign ("4-way stop"), drivers proceed in the order in which they have arrived. 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 head-on approach. Remember, to actually bring your vehicle to a brief-but-complete halt for a few seconds at every stop sign.
In most states, when there are emergency vehicles of any kind on the side of the road, drivers must change lanes away - or - slow down markedly. Emergency vehicles may include law enforcement, fire, or even tow trucks depending upon the state.
A lower speed limit (often 20 mph) is strictly enforced near schools when there are signs that indicate when and at what hours this is the case. Watch for kids, because they are everywhere and unpredictible Even away from school zones, go slowly (25 mph) in neighborhoods, and keep an eye open particularly in the morning (6-9:30 a.m.) and later in the afternoon (2:30-3:30 p.m.) Generally these are the times of day when children are going to school or leaving it to return home.
Another speed limit problem is how fast to go on major highways and interstates. The legal highway speed limit is posted on a sign and typically ranges from 55-75 miles per hour. However, you will probably find that most people are exceeding the speed limit by 5 to 10 miles per hour. If you are driving with the speed of traffic, you generally won't be ticketed. (If you're really worried about it, buy a radar detector once you're in the country -- they're legal in most states.) 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; therefore, if you are on a multi-lane highway and find the traffic is passing you frequently on the right, you should probably move over a lane or two so as not to hold up traffic. In some metropolitan areas (common in California) where there are three or more lanes the right most lane is used only for near term exiting (next two or three exits) in order to allow entering traffic more space to merge. Entering traffic will then move left when practical.
In a city or suburban area, you will encounter bike lanes. Cars are not allowed to drive in a bike lane, although parking within a bike lane is permitted in some areas. Bicyclists are supposed to follow all the rules of the road, but many do not. Be alert for bicycles everywhere. Bike lanes will be marked on the roadway in white paint and may also be signposted. At very busy intersections, there may be green bike safety zones, where a car is not permitted to share the space with a bike, and must stay back.
Watch for special lanes on the freeway which have a diamond shape painted on the pavement. Generally found in urban areas, these are designated "car pool lanes", also called "HOV" or "high occupancy vehicle" and are meant to encourage use of a single vehicle by multiple passengers. These lanes should only be used by vehicles containing more than one person (check posted signs for minimum number of passengers). Fines are hefty for driving in these lanes without the correct number of passengers, so be aware of when these lanes appear and make sure you are in the correct lane at all times.
In most areas, cars already in a rotary, traffic circle, or roundabout have the right of way.
You must stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk. Crosswalks are implied at four-way intersections. In most states, you must stop for any pedestrian who steps out anywhere in the road. Although this rule is often ignored by drivers, be on the lookout or you could face manslaughter charges.
Making right turns on red signals after stopping (and ensuring the path is clear of pedestrians and oncoming traffic) is allowed in most states, unless there is a specific restriction posted at the intersection or the traffic lights show a red arrow in place of the standard red light. Some areas will allow you to make a left turn on red going from a one-way street onto another one-way street. (Note: There is no "Right on Red" in New York City.)
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 because it can cause gridlock.
Exert great caution if you find yourself in a situation with an angry, "kooky" driver. If someone is tailgaiting you, just let them pass. DO NOT purposely slow up, then go fast, then slow up again, to annoy them. Let them in, if they need to get in. Otherwise, you may incite an incident of "road rage" -- which isn't safe for you, anyone in your car, or anyone around.
Most gasoline stations require you to pay before filling up -- even if no sign is displayed. In many areas it is payable by credit card – swipe the card, indicate the kind of gasoline you want, how much you want. and the pump will activate. Be aware, however, that some gas stations can and will put a temporary hold on up to $200 of your credit balance if you swipe at the pump; additionally, many pumps now ask for an American zip code. Paying inside can alleviate this problem in some cases, but the best thing to do is simply to pay in cash whenever possible. Some gas stations offer a small discount to cash payers, so it could be well worth your while to prepay with cash for that reason as well.
Plan your journey and know your next turn. Although roads are generally well marked, heavy traffic conditions on multiple-lane roads can make advanced movements essential. Route numbers and final destination signs are different from the signs you may see in your home country.
If you get lost, park in a shopping area, rest stop, or seek a restaurant. You will usually see some signs to get you back on track. People will usually be eager to help, although use common sense when stopping in deserted areas. especially at night.
Be aware of road signs that require you to put on the vehicle's headlights during daylight, such as when passing through a tunnel. Most states require drivers to switch on headlights when weather requires the use of windshield wipers.
In the event of a flat tire or other road emergency, try to ease yourself to the right side of the road where there is a lane nobody is using-this is the shoulder. Put your emergency blinkers on-this indicates to other drivers "I am stuck." Use a mobile phone and dial 911, or find a call box (located periodically along some major highways).
In a few rural areas (like Lancaster County, Pennsylvania or portions of the West) one may encounter horses or horse and carriages. Slow down, keep your distance, and do not honk the horn. Give the animal wide berth -- these are not like the horses policemen ride in cities and they can and do spook!
Some areas of the West will allow you to go off the road as these places are public land. Please take the sign that says "four wheel drive only" very seriously: a typical sedan or minivan WILL NOT be able to withstand rocky trails, craggy surfaces, and icy conditions up a mountain pass or mesa even if they may have more horsepower. (Such types are usually designed either for higher speed highways like the Autobahn or for leisure.) If you wish to explore the thousands of miles of rugged terrain, it is best to rent a Jeep. Jeeps are available from car hire dealerships, and are designed for multiple types of terrain (the Jeep still gets heavy use from the United States Army), have the option of four wheel drive, and have a good set of shock absorbers.
Americans do not use "flash to pass" or other headlight signaling. Best case it may be viewed as the signaler has road rage....worst case it may incite road rage. An exception would be for an oncoming car with high (distance) beams where a quick flash may remined them to dim, also, a flash of headlights is used to warn other vehicles that you are coming - when they are waiting at a side road on a highway, for example.
Parking along a road must be on the right side of the road - going with the traffic, not against.
More serious problems:
Wear a seatbelt. This is the golden rule of driving in the U.S. All states require seatbelts for drivers, and most states require them for passengers, even children (most states even require a special seat for children under 50 pounds.) A policeman that stops you and finds you without your seatbelt fastened can ticket you and any of your passengers. Babies are generally discouraged from being held in the arms or on the lap of a parent while the other one is driving: it is considered too great a risk as baby could go flying through the windshield or smash against the seat if the car stops short and most law enforcement discourages it.
If baby has been fussy, avoid problems and sit in the back with him-it avoids distracting the driver and makes it easier to care for him. (And remember, rest areas and little stops along the road are plentiful enough that you can stop and attend to him if it gets really bad or he has soiled himself.)
If you are stopped by a police officer, park ranger, state trooper, or highway patrolman: Pull over to the right side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so and get off the road as far as possible. Putting on the emergency flashers is a good idea, especially after dark. Turning into a side street (to get away from heavy traffic) and then stopping is allowed. The officer will park behind you in his or her car, then get out and walk up to you. He or she will first ask for your identification: (1) your driver's license, (2) your registration papers for the vehicle, and (3) proof that you have insurance to cover any potential liability from an accident. If asked for those, hand him the license you have from home, your passport, and your rental agreement. Also, if after dark, turn on the interior lighting so the officer can observe you more easily. These considerations for the officer's safety can mean the difference between a warning and a fine for minor infractions.
Babies and small children generally are not allowed to sit in the front seat in America; the passenger's side airbag can suffocate a child or baby if it deploys in an accident. If you are traveling with a baby, see to it that he has a front facing car seat firmly buckled into the back seat behind the driver and then buckle him in snugly. If traveling with a child under twelve, know that some jurisdictions don't permit children under 12 to ride in the front passenger's seat. (They are usually not tall or heavy enough to withstand the rigors of a car crash.)
It is a good idea to at least investigate getting a special harness to safely secure your dog if you are traveling with Rover or buy a pet carrier for him to ride in: leaving him unsecured in the backseat can be dangerous if there is an accident. If you are out with Rover, don't allow him to ride in the bed of a truck as is sometimes shown in some films: this is actually extremely dangerous and illegal in many states.
It should be obvious, but never drink alcoholic beverages and drive. Make sure there is one in your party who is the "designated driver," who will not drink. The courts are levying more and more severe penalties for drunken drivers. Please don't be one of them. Do not have (or keep) any open bottles of alcohol, even beer, in the car. ** Exception to this rule: If you are in one of 11 states that has can and bottle recycling, you are allowed to carry empty alcohol bottles in your car on the way to the recycling center, but they should be in a bag of some sort.** If you are pulled over by a police officer or state trooper, the open bottles will get you a ticket, and there is a good chance you shall be asked to get out of the car and take a breathalyzer test if the police officer has reason to suspect you are too drunk to drive. (Blood-alcohol levels to be legally inebriated average around .08)
In regards to drugs and driving, it is illegal to possess certain drugs let alone drive with them; if you carry them or are under their influence you will be arrested. You may face fines or jail time at the discretion of a judge and the severity of your punishment shall be dictated by the kind of drug you were found with: marijuana faces slightly lighter sentences, but heavier drugs like LSD, methamphetamine, heroin, or cocaine shall face much more severe punishment. (Woe betide the person who is involved in a car accident with any of these in his system: he may be held responsible for the death or injury of any involved.) Remember, as a traveler you are under the jurisdiction of a foreign nation and if you break their rules you may not get the same treatment as you would at home! Even certain legal drugs can affect your driving and should be used only with extreme caution.
If you do hit somebody or something, STOP. DO NOT CONTINUE ON. You can be held at fault if it is proven you have damaged somebody's car or worse perpetrated a "hit and run". If it is a person, get out of the car and find a way to call an ambulance and the police immediately if they appear to be hurt. Do your level best to help the injured. Answer any questions the police ask, truthfully-they want to know what happened, how, and who's at fault. Pay close attention to the injured party's welfare: if the person dies charges of vehicular manslaughter may be levied, especially if malicious intent /negligence is proven. If it is simply a damaged car, exchange information with the other party and inform the rental dealership and police as soon as possible. They will want to know of it as it happens and if you have any questions they most likely shall oblige.
There are variations depending on the municipality you are visiting; you are strongly encouraged to review the traffic laws of each for your personal safety as well as that of other drivers.
Some driving terms used in the United States are different than those used in the United Kingdom. For example, in the US, "pavement:" indicates the actually roadway; the term "sidewalk" is used for the pedestrian path next to the road. Others:
Interstate highway, expressway or freeway = motorway
Interchange or exit = junction
Pass = overtake
Lane = carriageway
Marked crosswalk = zebra crossing (note that US drivers typically do not stop for crossing pedestrians unless on a red or flashing red signal; however, it is wise to be cautious for any pedestrian that may cross in front of your vehicle but be careful about making sudden stops because the vehicle behind you may not expect it)
Rest stop = services (note that many US "rest stops" have WCs, picnic tables, and vending machines but are otherwise unimproved, do not have petrol, shops, or restaurants, and may be deserted at times)
Traffic circle = roundabout
9-1-1 = 999 (emergency number for police, fire, and medical assistance, including calls from mobile phones)
