Driving across America as a UK driver. What specific rules do I need to know? [duplicate]

Driving across America as a UK driver. What specific rules do I need to know? [duplicate] - Man Driving Vehicle Near Tree

I've been driving in the UK for nearly 10 years, covering around 20,000 miles or 32,000 km a year. I've driven across Europe without issue as well. So I'd like to think I'm an experienced driver.

However, I'm going to do Route 66 for my honeymoon in 3 weeks and I'm concerned that different states have different rules regarding the basics of driving.

For example, in the UK if you're at a set of lights and it's red, you can't move until it's green. I've heard that in some states if you're indicating to turn right at a set of red lights - as long as it's clear - you can turn right regardless of the light. But I don't know if this is accepted across the rest of America or not. I also know that in Canada you can't park against the flow of traffic, but you can do that in the UK.

It's a difficult question to ask in some ways as I'm relying on someone to know the specifics of UK driving and how that compares to US driving. But I'm keen to not annoy other road users while visiting their country, as well as not being pulled over by the police for doing something I thought was acceptable in one American state isn't acceptable in another.

Edit: While on the face of it this question looks to be a duplicate, it isn't. There are differing rules to driving in the UK than compared to Europe. For example, in France you're obliged to carry 2 breathalysers in the car with you (not a requirement in the UK), you're not allowed to have your sat nav indicate where speed cameras are in France (not an issue in the UK) and in Luxembourg you're not allowed to carry petrol in your car even if it's in a jerry can. Also there are references to some states but nothing concrete, where as I'm specifically asking in regards to those states that Route 66 passes through.



Best Answer

It's all no big deal.

It's very relaxed in the US and you won't have the slightest problem.

Rules (FWIW - not much) are State-based, not national.

But when Americans (by the tens of millions) drive through other states than the one they live in, they are in exactly the same position as you. Nobody cares and it's a non-issue.

As you say in some states you can turn right on a red, and in others you can't. It's a non-issue that might come up twice on your trip.

Enjoy!




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Is my UK driving licence valid in USA?

Legally, a UK license is accepted to allow you to drive in the US. You should also be aware that there are different driving laws across different States in the US.

What do I need to drive in USA from UK?

People who drive in the U.S. must have a valid driver's license. If you're a foreign visitor, some states require you to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a valid license from your own country.

Can I drive in the US with a UK provisional license?

Almost certainly not. Firstly, the U.K. provisional license is not a valid full license to drive alone in the U.K, much less the United States. Provisional license holders must be accompanied by a driver with 3 years experience, a full license, and be aged over 21.

Can I drive in California with a UK driving licence?

Yes. People with a current valid driver's license from a foreign country can legally drive in California.



How to drive in USA - 6 easy steps USA NEWS TODAY




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