Getting Around the USA by Car: Specifics of Driving and Peculiarities of Road Regulations
America is increasingly attracting tourists and immigrants from all over the world with its sights, culture, and opportunities. The best way to reveal all the beauties of this country is to travel by car, which, however, can be rather frightening for the newcomers. To help you not to feel embarrassed and learn the main features of the American driving rules, we have compiled the main features of driving a car in the United States.
1. How to rent a car in the USA?
Car rental norms are standard for most countries around the world, but still, you should be aware of some peculiarities:
- · Before renting a car, check all the documentation issues and the laws of the particular state;
- · Be sure to take car insurance;
- · Fixate all the existing dents, scratches, and malfunctions of the car;
- · Return the car on time and with a full fuel tank.
2. Traffic regulations in the USA
First, it is important to understand that it is better to follow all the rules of the road in the United States. Safety is respected here, and the police officers carefully monitor every traffic participant. What is more, you should keep in mind that each state has its own aspects, so it is necessary to check the traffic regulations of a state you are going to visit. For this purpose, you can use an application Zutobi, where you can find information on the US traffic laws according to states as well as try to pass a DMV practice permit test to understand whether you are ready for legal driving in this state. Monitoring this information, you should pay attention to the questions that concern:
- · Speed limits. Exceeding speed limits is generally forbidden and controlled by the police. An exception to this rule is movement in the traffic stream. If there is a limit of 55 miles, and the stream moves at a speed of 90 miles, you are obliged to move at the same speed not to create interference on the highway.
- · Unregulated intersections. There are no signs except for the round “Stop”, and the only rule that works is “Last come - give the way to the one in front”. This means that when you arrive at the intersection, and there are cars already standing or moving, you must give way to all of them.
- · Crossing the solid line. Before crossing it, make sure that you do not interfere with anyone and do not create an emergency. Besides, you should be careful with the oncoming lane - road marking in the USA plays a role here. If you see the yellow markings to the right of the car, then you have just jumped into the oncoming lane. Such a marking is usually exclusively on the left side.
- · Special HOV lanes. These are lanes for cars with two or more people and electric cars. Carpool or HOV (High Occupancy Lane) lanes are usually indicated by a ‘diamond’ on the road or by the inscription HOV.
3. Interaction with the police.
If police patrol wants to stop you, turn right and stop. Do not get out of the car, as this is regarded as an attempt to escape in the USA. You should calmly open the window, say hello, and give them the required documents. If the violations are not serious, you will just get a warning.
4. Parking regulations in the USA.
Parking can be a terrible dream of a tourist in the USA, especially in big cities. To avoid fines, learn the parking rules, and carefully watch the signs - everything is written there, although in some cases a sign can have up to 10 plates at a time.
Generally, driving in the USA may seem full of prohibitions, details, and conventions. Although, in reality, only three factors are important: at least a basic driving experience, attention to existing rules, and respect for the laws of the country. If you observe all these aspects, you will get used to the regulations and take a very different look at the hectic, but at the same time disciplined Americans.