Basic US Driving Laws
Driving in the US is a rewarding and disciplinary experience. The various laws that govern safe and responsible use of the roads are strictly enforced, and it is never a good idea to break even minor laws, such as using a carpool lane as a normal passing lane. Follow all traffic signs, bring the car to a complete stop when instructed, and do not honk your horn unnecessarily; some cities prohibit the use of speakers. Also, it is vital that your vehicle is insured, as court fines for even minor damage and scratches can be extremely high.
With that said, let’s go over some of the basic driving laws in America.
drive with the right hand
All traffic circulates on the right side of the road, that is, the left side is reserved for overtaking. This should be fairly easy for most people in Europe and several Asian countries, but can be quite confusing for those who are not used to this rule. Although the rules for turning at intersections may sound confusing, just follow the signs: RIGHT LANE, MUST TURN RIGHT means just that. Remember to signal when changing lanes, even though few Americans do. It will help you eliminate any mistakes you make when turning at junctions. As always, follow traffic signs as they provide the easiest guides for turning and deferring to other drivers.
For unsignalized intersections, a simple first-come, first-served rule applies. The cars cross the intersection in the same order in which they approached. At a red light, you may turn right, but only if not expressly prohibited by a “NO RIGHT TURN” sign.
u-turns
To get to a store or anywhere on the other side of the road, you will have to make a U-turn. This could be difficult for beginners, as traffic is approaching from the opposite direction, and the portion of asphalt where you can make a U-turn is marked only at intervals (it is not continuous). You should be careful to slow down before turning, and wait until opposing oncoming traffic slows enough for you to enter the stream safely. Do not perform this maneuver on roads where there is a “NO U-TURN” sign.
Speed Limits and School Zones
You must be careful about the legal speed limit for driving. A general speed of 55 mph to 65 mph will be adequate for most long-distance travel, while a speed of around 35 mph is safe for downtown areas. As you move into residential areas and school zones, you must be very careful!
During times when school children are likely to be on the roads, flashing orange lights will tell you to slow down, usually from 15 mph to 25 mph. A sheriff is likely to be watching motorists during this time, so he follows all the rules and keep your speed down!
These were some of the most common things to know before driving on US roads. DMV-approved traffic schools and online traffic school courses go over all of these laws and several others. Remember to avoid obvious mistakes like drinking and driving, trying to get away from the police, not wearing seat belts, and other errors in judgment. Laws exist to make America’s roads safe, so follow them!