DRIVING
Depending on where you choose to live in the USA, life may be easier with a car! It can be very daunting to begin with, particularly driving on the other side of the road, but it will soon become second nature. Here are some handy tips and things to watch out for: Sat Nav/GPS – A lifesaver for navigating your new local area and longer journeys. You can either buy a specific SatNav/GPS device or use apps like Google Maps or Waze which are handy to have on your smartphone. All Way Stops - There are fewer roundabouts, but you will find lots of All Way stops at junctions.  You MUST STOP at these and the vehicle which got to the junction first will then proceed – you go in order of arrival, one vehicle at a time. Keep a lookout for Stop signs which only stop traffic going in a certain direction - not all Stop signs mean an All Way stop! Flashing red traffic lights also converts this junction to an all way stop. Turning Right on a Red - In most states vehicles can turn right at a red light unless there is a sign to specifically prevent this. Look out for ‘no turn on red.’ Check each individual state for their laws as this can change (e.g. NYC). Pedestrians Have Right of Way - Often when traffic lights turn green for vehicles, the pedestrians have a light to allow them to cross the road at the same time if you are turning left or right! The pedestrian has the right of way and you must always check the crossing, even if the light is in your favour. Yellow School Buses (Hornets) - If they stop with flashing lights and a stop sign which comes out from the side of the bus you also must STOP, even if you are on the other side of the road to the bus, until the bus continues and the sign swings back in.  Roads with Altered Flow and High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) lanes - To allow maximum flow of traffic at rush hours, many roads that are single carriageways become dual carriageways with all traffic travelling in the same direction for the period of the rush hour. There are also High Occupancy Vehicle lanes which you may only use with a certain number of people in your car. These are clearly marked with the times the HOV rules apply (if relevant) and the number of people that must be in the vehicle for you to use them.  If Stopped by the Police - Remain calm, STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE and place your hands in view on the steering wheel. Only do what you are asked to do. This also applies to passengers. 

To all drivers in the USA
  • A good map is essential, whether it's hard copy or on your GPS device or mobile phone.
  • Many members report that is well worth joining the AAA which is the equivalent to the AA or RAC in the UK.  AAA provides free tour books and a route finder service for its members.
  • If you live in Virginia, it is worth picking up a copy of the Virginian Driving manual free from any VA library. It tells you all their rules and is essential reading for the VA driving test for those who need to take it.
  • You can also access this online, click on Virginia DMV Manual. You can also take practice online theory tests.
Here are some driving tips, but please refer to your district's official Department of Transportation Website for up to date information.  You will be glad you did!

  • On a multi-lane highway, be prepared to be overtaken on both the left and right side.
  • Speed limits vary from state to state and are generally lower than in the UK.
  • In many states you must use your headlights during inclement weather and whenever you use your windscreen wipers.
  • High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) lanes are shown by a diamond-shaped marking on the centre of the lane.  Road signs indicate the minimum number of occupants a vehicle must carry to use the HOV lane (usually 2) and also the hours which apply to the restriction.
  • You may turn right at traffic lights whilst the light is red, UNLESS there is a sign that says ‘NO TURN ON RED’.  Please beware however, as pedestrians are often given the green light to cross the pedestrian crossing on the street that you are turning in to – pedestrians have right of way.
  • When approaching a stopped school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign from either direction, you must stop and remain stationary until the stop sign is retracted and the bus moves off.
  • Do not park in front of a fire hydrant – Parking is prohibited within 15 feet of a hydrant.
  • When approaching a stop sign at a crossroads, come to a complete stop and then the first vehicle to arrive at the junction is the first one to move forward.
  • If you are pulled over by the police, switch off the engine and turn on the interior light (at night). STAY IN THE CAR, the officer will come to  you.  You can ask to see their Police ID. Do not take your hands off the steering wheel until asked to by the Police Officer.
  • Always have your driving licence, insurance papers and State Department Registration Slip in the car.
  • It is worth checking out state driving regulations online – these vary from one state to another.
  • Read parking signs very carefully – restrictions change on parking meters depending on the time of day – your vehicle may be towed away even if you have put money in the meter, if the restrictions change during the time that your vehicle is parked.
  • Do not park on the wrong side of the road!  Pull over to your right and park in the direction of the traffic moving in your side of the carriageway.

Child Seats

District of Columbia

Maryland


Virginia

Please refer to your districts official Department of Transportation Website for all up to date 
information pertaining to Vehicles, Registration, Accidents and so on.
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Petrol (Gas)

Staff on A1 and A2 visas are entitled to duty free petrol which can only be purchased with credit cards from the major oil companies.  Contact the Embassy for details of how to apply for the Exxon card. If you use Giant (supermarket) you can use your points in a Shell garage. If you use Safeway card, you can them at Exxon.

For those with the appropriate military ID, petrol is often cheaper on military bases where tax is not charged.

Staff of diplomatic missions: Traffic Violations and HR

All violations should be reported to HR,  The State Department monitor traffic violations by staff of diplomatic missions and identify officers who
repeatedly receive citations. If during a two year period, an officer of member of his/her family accrues 8 or more points, the State Department will consider suspension of driving privileges for an appropriate period. The more serious the infraction, the higher the point value assessed.

Certain offences, such as driving with excess alcohol or reckless driving resulting in personal injury will cause immediate review as they will be assessed as eight point violations.  Each speeding violation will be assessed as either two or four points depending on the rate of speed in excess of the posted limit.

You and members of your family are required to pay all parking fines. Keep photocopies of the ticket and the cheque with which you pay.

Diplomatic Immunity: Traffic Offences

  • The Office of Foreign Missions has issued stern warnings to the diplomatic community regarding drunk and reckless driving for which they operate a point system.
  • Anyone incurring over 8 points in two years will run the risk of being asked to leave the country.
  • All UK based staff are required to take a breathaliser test, if requested to do so by the US authorities.
  • If a test proved positive, immunity would still be in place and a waiver would have to be sought from the FCO, through the Ambassador, should the US authorities wish to bring charges.