driving in the USA

Some things to think about when driving in the USA:

1. An international driver's license is not required in the US.
2. Check the minimum age limit hire companies specify for drivers - it is often 25 in the USA.
3. 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. When you pick up a car, ask the agent if there are any special driving rules in that state.
4. It is a legal requirement that babies and toddlers are secured in a child seat. If you are not taking your own child seat for babies and toddlers arrange this in advance.
5. Driving on the 'wrong side of the road' takes a short while to master. 'Think right' each time you get in the car.
6. If you can, begin your journey in daylight.
7. In addition to checking the car for any obvious dents and faults, take a few minutes to get to know the car and don't set off before you know exactly where you are going.
8. Ask the hire car agent for a map and directions (get them to point the direction you want)
9. Almost all cars are automatic and if that is too much trouble, you can activate cruise control.
10. Speed limits are lower than in the UK and drivers drive at between 55 and 65mph. Watch out for radar speed traps.
11. The speed limit in front of every school is 15 mph when the warning lights are flashing. You are required to stop in both directions for any school bus with flashing lights. These rules are strictly enforced in every state and have severe penalties for disobedience.
12. In many places it is legal to drive on the hard shoulder and people do.
13. Drivers overtake on the inside and outside, often at the same time.
14. Be particularly careful at junctions. Traffic lights are usually suspended on cables, gantries or horizontal poles high above junctions.
15. Traffic lights turn from red to green with no intermediate red and amber stage as there is in the UK. As in the UK there is an intermediate amber-only stage when changing from green to red.
16. Unless there is a sign to the contrary, you can turn right on a circular red traffic light in many states. You must always come to a complete stop and check that the way is clear before making a right turn on a red light.
17. If in doubt as to whether a right turn on a red light or red arrow is permitted or not, then you can observe the actions of the vehicle in front. If you are the leading vehicle then you will usually be informed rapidly by the driver of the vehicle behind should you fail to turn where such a manoeuvre is legal.
18. A flashing amber traffic light is just a caution - you don't need to stop but you do need to slow down and exercise care.
19. Petrol stations may be pay first, self service or full service. Look for signs in the garage.
20. Keep change handy for toll booths. It is not unusual for roads near airports to be toll roads.