Tips about Driving in the USA
When you are planning a trip in the USA, you will most likely need to rent a car. It is a large country with so much to see, that first of all, you don’t want to waste your visit staying just at one place and second, even if you do, walking is not always possible. When you visit another country, it is good to be informed on what the driving practices are and important things to know before you get behind the wheel. Here are some useful tips about driving in the USA to help you be prepared for this road adventure!
Tip about driving in the USA #1: Rental info.
When you visit the US
A and plan to rent a car, they are a few things you should know. First, it is true that for most states the legal driving age is 16 years old. However, most rental companies, do not allow drivers under 21 to rent a car. Second, not every country’s drivers license are accepted in the USA, and certain rental companies do not accept foreign drivers licenses at all. So make sure you get your International Driver License before leaving for your trip. In most countries you can apply for them at the city or town hall, but you can also ask in any travel agency and they will know where you can get the international drivers license. Finally, you might want to check if your driver’s insurance covers you abroad, otherwise you will need to buy a special insurance through your insurance, or through the rental company. Even if you are a good driver, remember that driving in the USA can be quite different from driving at home, so it is better to be safe than sorry, and be insured. Most states require you to have car insurance anyways and you probably do not want to get in trouble for driving without proper insurance in a foreign country during your vacation, right? Also, when you reserve your car ask the rental what their policy is. Some might not accept foreign insurance, or might require you to show proof of insurance.
Tip about driving in the USA #2: Freeway vs Highway
Definition: A Highway is defined as the main large road that usually links cities to one another. The speed limit is 55 mph, and you can run into stop signs and lights. On the Freeway, on the other hand, you have no intersections nor stops. It’s a road, (or highway) for high-speed traffic – usually limited up to 75 mph. Freeway is a term mostly used on the West coast though, while on the East cost they talk about Interstate Highway. Freeways have more lanes, and you can also find the car-pool lanes on them. Now, if you never driven in the USA before, this is something to be aware of. Car-pool lanes are reserved to cars who have 2 or more people in them. You can only enter or exit them when the yellow lines are interrupted. Any car entering or exiting the lane by crossing the double line can be fined, as well as when you are alone in the car.
Numbers: When you start driving and looking for directions, you will realize that highways and freeways have numbers. The numbering system is very thought through and can facilitate your driving experience in the USA. Freeways with even numbers go from east to west. The lower numbers are in the South and increase as you move toward the North. For example if you take the 8 E (8 East) you are taking the Interstate 8 driving toward east in south California. Odd numbers are for freeways going South to North and the numbers increase as you go from the West coast to the East Coast ( e.g : I-5 in California, I – 95 in Florida). On maps when you read 3 digits numbers indicating a road, it’s a highway. If it starts with an even number ( such as 405) it usually connects major freeways, when it start with an odd number ( as 705) it usually connect a city to a freeway.
Stops: When you are driving on the freeway, most exits take you to a city or town. If you are used to the freeway rest points and gas stations common in Europe, don’t wait for one. If you want to stop for gas, take a break or find a restaurant, watch for the signs that indicate what the next exit has to offer.
Tip about driving in the USA #3: In Town.
Street names: When you drive in the USA, it is also important to understand how the street system works. The streets are often alphabetically organized one way, and numbered the other crossing way. When you are looking for the street name , at a cross street, the sign with the name facing you, across the intersection, is the street name you will be crossing. When you look for address numbers, they are marked on the buildings or houses, and sometime, mostly in residential areas, you can also find them painted on the side of the sidewalk. If you ask for directions, most people will use the term block. For example they will tell you it’s about 2 block away, or turn right after the second block. Between the first intersection with the road you’re on, and the second one, you pass one block. So blocks are an area of buildings situated between streets in a city. Also keep in mind that in most downtown areas, you find a lot of one way streets. If the first street goes one way, the next one usually goes the other.
Parking: If you drive in the USA, you also need to know the rules about parking. Parking can be tricky. Familiarize yourself with the color codes painted on the side walks for parking zones: Red: don’t stop don’t park, not even the back of your car should be in the red; White: loading zone for passengers; Yellow: commercial loading zone; Blue: reserved for disabled persons; Green: short term parking. Don’t think you can get away with it, they will tow your car, and it will cost you a lot to get it back. Also, make sure you respect the time limit for your parking zone. Even if you “refill” your meter, you are not allowed to park in the same spot longer than indicated. They will mark your tires and write down your license plate, so rather look for another spot. Then once you are parked, make sure your tires are turned the right way. If you park on a hill facing down, your tires should be turn toward the side of the road, and if facing up hill, turn your front tires away from the curb. On a flat street, you should always make sure you parked all your wheels parallel to the curb. If you don’t follow those rules you can get a ticket. Also, make sure to read the signs on the street where you park. Street cleaning is organized on different days and times, and parking on one side of the street is forbidden on those days. You will receive a ticket or be towed if you do not respect this.
For some people, these rules seem over the top and may be a little harsh, but remember that you are in a foreign country and to stay out of trouble, you should follow those rules. Remember to not talk on the phone, fasten your seat belt and have the regulated car seats for your children! Have a safe drive.
