Road Laws

It would be impossible to give a comprehensive list of American Road Laws, mainly because they vary so greatly from state-to-state. The following items are very general only. For more detailed information on Road Laws in your state, check with your state DMV website.

• In most American states, the minimum age for driving is 16. There is no such thing as "P" plates in America.
• The majority of American states require that seatbelts be used by passengers, in both the front seat and the backseat.
• Most states require that a motorcycle driver wears a helmet.
• When you approach a school bus with flashing lights, you must stop before you get to it, no matter whether you are approaching it from in front or behind.
• Some major roads require you to pay a toll. These roads are called turnpikes.
• Blood/alcohol limits for driving vary enormously from state-to-state. It's a good idea to know the limit for your state.
• Speed limits are in miles-per-hour.
• Again, speed limits vary from state-to-state, and different roads and areas have differents limits. Use the following as a general guide, but the best thing to do is to keep checking speed-limit signs as you're driving.
  • Highways / Interstates: 75 mph
  • Urban Stretches: 70 mph
  • Dual Carriageways: 65 mph
  • Main Roads: 50 - 65 mph
  • Built-up areas: 25 - 35 mph
  • In front of all schools: 15 mph
• Speed-limits within areas of roadwork are strictly enforced and heavily monitored.
• Some American states have banned the use of cell-phones while driving.
• When being approached from any direction by an emercency vehicle with flashing lights and/or siren, do whatever it takes to get out of their way and give them free passage.
• If pulled over by the police for any reason, do NOT get out of the car as in Australia! It's viewed as an aggressive action by American police and you may find guns pulled on you if you do!

Reader Feedback on this Topic

• I think the drunk driving limit is .08 in most states. The federal govt is pressuring everyone to drop it from .1 to .08 (the same way they did with the drinking age from 19-21) so I’m sure it’ll be universal soon, if it isn’t already. - Rene'
• There was one thing I questioned about School Buses - you don't have to stop if there are two lanes and the bus is going the other direction and is separated by a median strip. - Paula

Send Feedback on this Topic

Note: When sending feedback on this topic, please use "Culture Shock Feedback - Road Laws" as the subject line.