Traffic rules

Traffic Rules USA

General:

The USA has a superbly developed road network, with the freeway being the closest thing to European motorways. You should be prepared, however, that the speed limits are much lower than in Germany.

Beware should be taken here that overtaking is allowed on the right and left. However, an unmotivated change of lane is subject to heavy fines not less than $200. Many states also control this from the air. On many roads there is a “car pool lane”, these may only be used with three or more occupants in the vehicle. Again, expensive fines await violators.

Drivers License:

An international driver’s license is not required in the US, but is advisable

Promise limit:

The 0.0 blood alcohol limit applies in most states, but the 0.8 blood alcohol limit applies in some states.

Fines:

There is no cross-state regulation here, but the fines and penalties are always very high. Do not get out of the car during police stops and keep your hands visibly on the steering wheel.

Other:

Similar traffic rules apply as in Europe. Speed limits are 40-48 km/h in cities, 24 km/h in schools. Outside of built-up areas, on expressways and on highways, 88 – 129 km/h may be driven. There is no right-before-left rule in the USA. Whoever reaches the intersection first has the right of way. School buses with their turn signals on may not be overtaken, and oncoming traffic must also stop. In the event of an accident, the police should be notified immediately and outside built-up areas, parking is only allowed alongside the carriageway. Red-marked kerbs mean no stopping and blue-marked lane edges indicate a disabled parking space.