If this is your first time visiting the United States and you plan to rent a car during your visit, there are several rules of the road to know. Be aware that the penalties for disobedience can be severe.
- Familiarize yourself with the controls of the rental car. If you are from Europe, many of the controls may be on or around the steering wheel and not on the dash.
- Stop in BOTH directions for any school bus with flashing lights. This rule is strictly enforced in all states and the penalties can be severe, not to mention the risk of hurting a child.
- Don’t drink alcoholic beverages (or do drugs) and drive. Make sure someone in your group is the “designated driver” who doesn’t drink. US courts are imposing increasingly severe penalties on drunk drivers. Also, don’t keep (or store) open bottles of alcohol, not even beer, in the car. If you are stopped by a police officer or state trooper, any open bottle will give you a fine, and you may even be asked to get out of the car and take a breathalyzer test.
- Pass only on the left.
- At a stop sign, drivers proceed in the order in which they reached the intersection. If there is a tie, the vehicle to your right has priority; or the driver traveling in a straight line if someone turns head-on.
- As stated, a lower speed limit is generally in effect in front of schools when there are flashing warning lights on a sign. This rule is strictly enforced in all states. Drive slowly (25 mph) in neighborhoods.
- When it comes to highway driving, the legal speed limit is posted on signs and typically ranges from 55 to 75 miles per hour.
- Cars already in a roundabout (or roundabout as it is known in different parts of the country) have the right of way.
- Stop for pedestrians at a crosswalk. Crosswalks are implicit at four-way intersections.
- It is acceptable to turn right at a red signal after stopping (unless there is a specific restriction posted at the intersection). Make sure the road is clear of pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
- In urban areas, be careful not to block intersections (with or without traffic lights) when backing traffic. This is called “locking the box” and will give you a ticket if there is a police officer nearby.
- Beware of erratic and angry drivers. If someone is behind, let them pass. Don’t do anything that causes “road rage.”
- Always carry your driver’s license and proof of car insurance with you.
- Most gas stations require you to pay before filling the tank, even if no sign is displayed.
- Plan your trip. Route numbers and final destination signs are different from signs in Europe.
- If you get lost, park in a commercial area or at a rest stop and ask how to get there.
- Do not “turn on” your headlights to “yield” to another driver as you would at home, as this is not recognized in the US.
Driving laws vary depending on the municipality you visit. Check each individual’s traffic laws for your personal safety and that of other drivers.