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Because you might have only driven a car in Europe a, how can you
compare the USA traffic regulations with those of Europe ? We try to
answer some common questions here.
Traffic regulations in the USA are in general just like anywhere in
the world. (Depending where you live: In the USA they drive on the right
side of the road.) Every US state has it own legislation and laws and
what is legal in one one state might be illegal in another. There are
however some regulations with are valid for most states.
Turn on red When approaching a traffic light you are allowed to make a right
turn even when the signal is red. But before you do so you must come to
a full stop and check that there is no traffic on the intersection. Of
cause when you see a NO TURN ON RED sign you must stop and wait for the
traffic light to become green.
4 way stops At many crossings (and also at T-junctions) you will see a red Stop sign
with a smaller "STOP 4 WAY" sign. In that case you have to
come to a full stop and give way to cars already waiting at the
intersection. They you may proceed. So basically the rule is "first
in, first out". When two cars arrive simultaneously the right of
way goes to the car on the right.
Keep your Lane !!.. No lanes are designated as either
"slow" or "fast". However, some motorway signs ask
slower drivers to use right lanes. Drivers can overtake you on the
inside. Overtaking from either lane is permissible as long as you
check and the lanes are clear (not in Canada).
What do those street name signs mean that hang
over the road They indicate the name of the road
that you are crossing, not the one you are traveling on. When you
approach a junction with a flashing yellow light that hangs over the
road, it means usually proceed with caution. If they flash red it
means stop and treat it like a "4 way stop".
A lane in the middle of the road with the
arrows going left and right Many roads without a central
reservation have a lane in the middle that allows a driver to enter if
they intend to turn left across the other carriageway. Check that the lane
is clear and enter the lane using your indicator. Do not use this lane to
overtake other vehicles.
Further
Traffic Regulations (The California
Driver Handbook) For
more general information
on Hawaii, go to: |
