Driving Rules in the USA

Driving in America is not the same as driving in any other country. Certain rules, laws and regulations apply throughout America that may be different from the rules and laws in other countries. In addition, each state may have specific laws that apply only there, but for the most part driving in America is the same in any state.

Speed

Generally speaking the maximum allowable speed in American is either 65 or 70 miles per hour, and this is only allowed on interstate highways. It is important to understand that several states have adapted speed limits that fall either above or below this maximum. Washington, D.C. and Hawaii both have a maximum of 55 miles per hour, for instance. On the other hand, most of the larger and less populous Western states, including Idaho, Wyoming and South Dakota, have raised their maximum speed limit to 75 m.p.h.

Traffic Signals

American traffic signals work with a three-light system in which red means stop, green means go and yellow means slow down. In most states you can turn right on red after stopping, unless there is a visible sign warning against that. A flashing red light should be treated as a stop sign, meaning that the driver needs to come to a stop and check for the right of way. A flashing yellow does not mean you have to come to a stop, but you should slow down in case of oncoming traffic.

Traffic Signs

When approaching a four way intersection at the same time as another driver to your right, you should allow him to go first. If you are the person on the right, you get priority. At a four-way or two-way intersection in which you and the person across from you arrive at the same time, the person who is not turning is given the right of way. Although the situation does not arise often outside of large urban areas, if you are driving on a one-way street in which traffic flows to the left, you are allowed to turn left even if the light is red as long there are no signs posted to the contrary.

Right Side of the Road

Americans drive on the right side of the road when there is traffic going in two directions. Most foreign countries follow this convention, but it can take some getting used to for drivers from those countries where the car is driven on the left side of the road. In addition, passing is always done to the left even when there is a large amount of shoulder space on the right in which to pass.

Right of Way

The right of way should always be yielded to police, ambulances and fire engines and any other emergency service vehicles. Pedestrians and bike riders must also always be given the right of way. When making a left turn, any traffic coming from the opposite direction at an intersection is given the right of way. Even when there is no lowered crossing bar, a vehicle must always come to a stop at a railroad crossing when the warning lights are engaged.

Suicide Lane

Some roads will have what appears to be three lanes, but traffic only seems to be flowing in opposite directions on two of those lanes. This center lane is used for turning and is often called the suicide lane because so many tragic accidents take place there. Some towns will use this center lane not for turning purposes, but to manipulate traffic flow by allowing it to be used in one direction for the morning commute and the opposite direction for the evening commute. Take special care to notice whether this is the case and when the flow direction changes.

Disabled Parking

Most parking lots will have special parking areas designated for handicapped or disabled motorists. To legally park in these spaces you not only have to be physically disabled in some way, but you have to have applied for and received a special permit. In other words, just because you get out of your car walking on crutches does not mean you have the legal right to park in these spaces.