How To: Drive in the US

For European drivers, the American highways are not very demanding. People there are driving comparatively thoughtfully and above all, unhurriedly. Mostly, anyway. Some rules are different from the European ones. We have compiled the most important ones for you:

- There are signs stating the speed limit. On Interstate Highways, depending on the state, between 55-75 mph (89-121 kmh) or outside towns 65 mph (105 kmh); on US Highways 55 mph, in towns 25-30 mph (40-48 kmh).

- School buses with flashing lights may not be passed, children are getting on and off. This also applies to cars coming from the opposite direction!

- Turning right at a red light is okay in all US states with the exception of New York City (exception: traffic lights with a crossed-out arrow pointing right or a sign saying "No Turn On Red.")

- To stop or park outside of towns, you have to completely leave the road.

- Car Pool Lanes are sections on Interstate Highways that may only be used by buses, taxis, or cars with at least two or three passengers. Those lanes have special signs and are marked with a diamond symbol.

- Being stopped by the police in the US is a little different than it is in central Europe. If a police car is approaching with blue light flashing and siren, stop the car, turn off the ignition and roll down the window. The "cops" will want to be able to see your hands clearly. Alcohol is under no circumstances permitted.

- The same road hierarchy applies to all states. The Interstate Highways (e.g. I-10) with uneven numbers cross the continent from North to South, the ones with even numbers from East to West. They are comparable to a German "Autobahn," i.e. well-developed roads without many intersections.

- The US Federals (e.g. US 17) are also interstate roads, but not quite as developed and (especially in the Eastern part of the US) have intersections and traffic lights. Then there are the State Routes (e.g. S 1) roads within one US state. In addition, there are provincial routes (County plus number) and of course lots of dirt roads that you should avoid with your rental car. For those, a jeep would be advisable.

- At gas stations you will often have to pay first or hand over your credit card. Prices vary. For cash payment and self-serve you will get more gas than for credit card and full serve. Prices in the US are calculated per gallon (1 gallon = 3.78 liters).

- Especially in the East, you will find several toll roads, tunnels, bridges, etc. You should always have some change available.

- If your car breaks down, you should first call the rental service or your accident insurance to organize the further steps. At the Interstates, you will find emergency telephones at regular intervals that will connect you to Highway Patrol. They will then inform the breakdown service, emergency doctor etc. the AAA has its own breakdown service that you can use if you are a member of ADAC, ÖAMTC or another organization like that.

- In almost all states, seatbelts are required for all passengers. Please note that also in America, drinking and driving is not acceptable. You frequently hear "don't drink and drive." You will have to be prepared for routine checks by the police.

Very entertaining are US license plates - some people have personal license plates. You will see a Rolls Royce with a license plate saying PROFIT driving through Beverly Hills, or maybe with a license plate saying GMICUTE (Gee, am I cute).

PLEASE NOTE: If you are considering obtaining an American driver's license, please keep in mind that regulations vary between the states. Find links about this for all 50 states and the respective DMV offices on http://www.carbuyingtips.com/dmv.htm