The laws on the roads in America are sometimes different from the Uk and differ from state to state so it is as well to be warned about them. These are the rules for Florida and may not apply in other states.
First the maximum limit is 60 and they enforce this very rigorously. Other speed limits are marked on smaller roads.
Drink driving laws and limits are lower than ours so no drinking and driving is safest to avoid arrest.
You must carry your drivers licence with you at all times when you are driving (It is also useful to keep you drivers license on you as an ID card which they expect you to be carrying and sometimes ask you for when using a credit card). If another member of your family can drive it is worth them carrying their drivers license too in case they need to drive if you are incapacitated for any reason.
You must not park on the wrong side of the road when you are parking in a town on the street.
You must not park near a corner with kerb markings.
You can travel in any lane you wish on highways and interstates (motorways) as long as you travel below or at the speed limit. You do not have to switch lanes and overtake if you wish to go faster than a car you are passing. In America the law on highways is unlike ours in the UK. They do not have laws of undertaking as we do.
It is illegal to overtake any school bus that is stopped at a bus stop on EITHER side of the road, so even if you are travelling in the opposite direction you MUST stop if there is a bus at the stop.
It is also legal in Florida to turn right when the lights are red as long as the nearside lane is clear and there is no sign which states No Right Turn On Red.
In the event of you having a accident, however minor, call 911 whether you are hurt or not as you are required by law to report any accident whether anyone is hurt or not. Ask for the highway patrol and tell them what has happened and your location. They will send a fire truck out initially and an ambulance to check if there are any casualties – do not be alarmed, this is normal practice in the US. When they are sure everyone is unhurt they will tell you to wait for the highway patrol. They are very helpful and will complete all the paper work you will need for your rental company. NEVER LEAVE ANY ACCIDENT BEFORE THE POLICE OR HIGHWAY PATROL HAVE ARRIVED and taken all the relevant details. It is considered a serious offence to leave the scene of an accident even if it means missing your flight home.
If you follow all these laws and rules you will have a safe and wonderful holiday in Florida.
First the maximum limit is 60 and they enforce this very rigorously. Other speed limits are marked on smaller roads.
Drink driving laws and limits are lower than ours so no drinking and driving is safest to avoid arrest.
You must carry your drivers licence with you at all times when you are driving (It is also useful to keep you drivers license on you as an ID card which they expect you to be carrying and sometimes ask you for when using a credit card). If another member of your family can drive it is worth them carrying their drivers license too in case they need to drive if you are incapacitated for any reason.
You must not park on the wrong side of the road when you are parking in a town on the street.
You must not park near a corner with kerb markings.
You can travel in any lane you wish on highways and interstates (motorways) as long as you travel below or at the speed limit. You do not have to switch lanes and overtake if you wish to go faster than a car you are passing. In America the law on highways is unlike ours in the UK. They do not have laws of undertaking as we do.
It is illegal to overtake any school bus that is stopped at a bus stop on EITHER side of the road, so even if you are travelling in the opposite direction you MUST stop if there is a bus at the stop.
It is also legal in Florida to turn right when the lights are red as long as the nearside lane is clear and there is no sign which states No Right Turn On Red.
In the event of you having a accident, however minor, call 911 whether you are hurt or not as you are required by law to report any accident whether anyone is hurt or not. Ask for the highway patrol and tell them what has happened and your location. They will send a fire truck out initially and an ambulance to check if there are any casualties – do not be alarmed, this is normal practice in the US. When they are sure everyone is unhurt they will tell you to wait for the highway patrol. They are very helpful and will complete all the paper work you will need for your rental company. NEVER LEAVE ANY ACCIDENT BEFORE THE POLICE OR HIGHWAY PATROL HAVE ARRIVED and taken all the relevant details. It is considered a serious offence to leave the scene of an accident even if it means missing your flight home.
If you follow all these laws and rules you will have a safe and wonderful holiday in Florida.