differences between irishroad rules and american road rules

eurotrotter

hi guys
im going to USA and will be reanting a car. h
have been told that there a number of things to watch out for such as being able to go thru a red light when turning rigt when theres no traffic etc
would really appreciate if u can help me establish the differences that exist.
thanks in advance ed

mike65

Thats not a universal law, some states allow it. The main rule of the road in the States is don't piss off southerners or the cops - they're all armed!

edit it is a universal law!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_turn_on_red

Mike.

Alun

There are a few laws that are enforced much more strictly than here. Don't even think of not actually coming to a complete stop at a STOP sign, for example, and never, ever overtake a stopped school bus.

Esel

Alun wrote:

... never, ever overtake a stopped school bus.

This applies even if the bus is going in the opposite direction to you. In 'hot' states, never cut off a vehicle which has its windows open, even if you have the right of way. The other driver probably has no a/c, and is only getting a cooling effect by keeping moving. Make him stop and he could get very angry, up to the point of coming after you to shoot you.

Esel

mike65 wrote:

Thats not a universal law, some states allow it. The main rule of the road in the States is don't piss off southerners or the cops - they're all armed!

edit it is a universal law!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_turn_on_red

Mike.

Apart from New York city, where it is prohibited unless specifically signposted.

layke

eurotrotter wrote:

hi guys
im going to USA and will be reanting a car. h
have been told that there a number of things to watch out for such as being able to go thru a red light when turning rigt when theres no traffic etc
would really appreciate if u can help me establish the differences that exist.
thanks in advance ed

They allow this in Florida, we got pulled because your supposed to come to a complete stop before you take the turn. Although I have to say if your a foreigner they can't really give you a ticket anyway.

dil999

layke wrote:

They allow this in Florida, we got pulled because your supposed to come to a complete stop before you take the turn. Although I have to say if your a foreigner they can't really give you a ticket anyway.

Yes they can. And will. (and you pay on the spot)

also at a cross roads of equal importance, first at the junction has right of way

Supercell

dil999 wrote:

Yes they can. And will. (and you pay on the spot)

also at a cross roads of equal importance, first at the junction has right of way

Does this lead to races to see who gets right of way?, maybe they don't have scobies over there though.

dil999

Longfield wrote:

Does this lead to races to see who gets right of way?, maybe they don't have scobies over there though.

In most cases people are diciplined about it. Also I havent a clue what a" scobie" is

Our man in Havana

esel wrote:

In 'hot' states, never cut off a vehicle which has its windows open, even if you have the right of way. The other driver probably has no a/c, and is only getting a cooling effect by keeping moving. Make him stop and he could get very angry, up to the point of coming after you to shoot you.

Is this in the florida highway code?

KerranJast

Don't drive through Alabama with "Man Love Rules OK" on your car. http://youtube.com/watch?v=7iTsfZ9TnNE

Our man in Havana

Another rule that differs is that you can overtake in any lane on an interstate or divided highway, undertaking is perfectly legal in most states except Washington state.

TabulaRasa

I lived in California for a few years and passed my driving test over there also, the rules I found most different were :

1. The four way stop : they don't have round-abouts so treat unmarked junctions as four way stops unless otherwise marked. See here for details.

2. As mentioned earlier you can turn right on red most of the time, again just check for signs that say otherwise.

3. East coast of US are particularly piccy when it comes to speeding so be careful with the 'gas' pedal.

4. Some states have funny rules about turning your lights on in rain. pulling over if there are a number of cars behind you unable to pass.

Esel

Also, you must pull over and stop if an emergency vehicle (cop car, fire brigade, ambulance) with flashing lights is approaching from behind. (Not sure if you have to if it's coming from the opposite direction?).

Bond-007 wrote:

Is this in the florida highway code?

I was in Arizona, where hot means hot. Not in the highway code, just a rule to stay alive by. Another one is never to honk or gesticulate at anyone who cuts you off or does anything else stupid. In Arizona, carrying a gun is legal, as long as it's not concealed. A lot of people carry guns, and can be quick to use them. Funnily enough, observing these guidelines makes you a much calmer driver!

DubTony

Most important thing to remember is that in America they usually enforce the rules. While driving a bit over the speed limit on major highways in the north east probably isn't as big a crime as you might expect, but don't try driving at 30 in a 25 zone in Boston. That'll get you in a world of trouble.

Liked this bit from TabulaRasa'a link.

"If two vehicles arrive at one of these junctions at precisely the same time, so that it is impossible to tell which arrived first, then in theory the vehicle on the right has priority. However, many drivers are unaware of this rule and there are complications due to all the possible permutations of turns. Therefore in this situation in practice most drivers negotiate by polite non-verbal communication (hand waving, etc, but for obvious reasons beware of extending one or two fingers, which might be misinterpreted). Drivers almost always give way to each other until one graciously accepts and proceeds. The flashing of headlights to mean "after you" is also sometimes used."

jmayo

As mentioned a few times, always stop at stop sign, do not dribble through it even if no cars coming. You never know who is watching and they do not take kindly to it.
Also watch out for the 4 way stop signs and the whole gave way idea.
Do not drive like here where you can hog an overtaking lane.

Watch out for school buses stopping and areas around schools.

Never, I repeat never get out of your car if pulled over by cop, untill he askes you to step out. Otherwise he will shoot and ask questions later.
As example, while we were pulled over by Florida cops for speeding (I was not one driving), I noticed cop put hand on gun as he put other hand up to stop another speeding motorist.

Also some neighbourhoods are not particularly friendly to lost tourists, especially at night.

DubTony

jmayo wrote:

while we were pulled over by Florida cops for speeding (I was not one driving), I noticed cop put hand on gun as he put other hand up to stop another speeding motorist.

Thats pretty standard over there. That's one of the reasons they almost always follow you with lights flashing and rarely overtake to force you off the road (Gardai Style). If they're ahead of you they can't see what you're doing.

As the cop approaches from behind he will nearly always have his hand on his gone. Put the heels of your hands on the steering wheel and ensure your fingers point up. Passengers should not make any sudden movements. DO NOT under any circumstances reach for licence and / or registration docs before you're asked.

exCrumlinBoyo

esel wrote:

This applies even if the bus is going in the opposite direction to you. In 'hot' states, never cut off a vehicle which has its windows open, even if you have the right of way. The other driver probably has no a/c, and is only getting a cooling effect by keeping moving. Make him stop and he could get very angry, up to the point of coming after you to shoot you.

What planet are you from man? I live in Florida and incidents have happened but not in the way you are talking about….. Have you ever been and spent time in the South? No one will shoot you because you stole or blocked their “hot air”

exCrumlinBoyo

You have to remember each state has differences in Laws. As people stated, you can make a right turn when at a red light if the coast is clear, but some will be specifically marked.

When I first started driving what Intimidated me was a l left turn. Most places will alow you to turn left on a green light, but most are very long left turns and are, if not used to them can be deceiving. I have see some horrible crashing in my 5 years out here in Florida.

The locals here in Florida do not know what an Indicator (Turn Signal) is for. They don’t use one and think nothing of jumping in and out of traffic. Watch out of that.

The interstate is fun, right lane is slow lane, cant drive below 40 and now 50 in some states, left lane fast lane. The speed limit is 70 mph. that is the legal limit you can drive, but it’s a grey area. The Americans will tell you most cops will allow you 5 or 10 miles. No matter how fast your driving you will always see cars driving 20/30 miles faster than you, I tend to stick around 80/85 and this will be with the flow of traffic. By that I mean I will no fly past some one that will make my speed obvious. I once did 125mph on an isolated stretch of Interstate 10. Stupid I know, but it was a once off. Stick to around 80mph on the interstate and you will be fine. If in the fast lane and you find yourself doing 80 and a car is behind you, even though your in or around the speed limit, its compulsory to move when safe to the right lane to allow the car to pass you. This always boggled me because you will get people doing 100 + mph in a 70 zone wanting to get by you.

If your going above the speed limit be careful coming to town and rest areas. Cops are standing by to nail you if they feel like it, I always slow down as does most people to 70 coming through towns and rest areas where people will be entering the interstate and exiting.

If you get pulled over by a cop, don’t give them any attitude, because they don’t take it. Say, in the south in any way, yes sir or mam, what is the problem, but nice, curious and you will be fine, unless your doing 120mph.

When coming to big Junctions on the Interstate, for example, I had to drive one time to Birmingham in Alabama from where I am, and when you come to the city I hit a 6 lane junction with exits and entries on each side. The first time I came across something like that was very scary, I was in the middle lane keep with traffic at 65 – 70 mph with big cars, rigs either side of me all trying to get into lane…. Its can be intimidating..

All in all, its not too bad, common sense prevails. One good thing is everything is well signed and if you follow the signs you will be fine.

exCrumlinBoyo

Alun wrote:

There are a few laws that are enforced much more strictly than here. Don't even think of not actually coming to a complete stop at a STOP sign, for example, and never, ever overtake a stopped school bus.

When you see a school bus slow down. If its stopped it will show two stop signs on either side, this means what It means stop until the signs go away and the school bus hits the road again. Kids will jump of the bus and travel both sides of the street. Ifs its a divided HWY with a median in between, your fine obviously if your on the other side of the road.

SoBe

not to forget if your speeding and meet a cop car coming the other way check your rear view mirror to see if he swings around to come after you.they have your speed up on their dashboard even when there meeting you,caught me when i was there but nice chap let me off

and normally if you cant turn right at a red light there will be a sign to say so.otherwise keep going or ya will be rear ended.

Esel

exCrumlinBoyo wrote:

What planet are you from man? I live in Florida and incidents have happened but not in the way you are talking about….. Have you ever been and spent time in the South? No one will shoot you because you stole or blocked their “hot air”

Same planet as you, bud.

I lived in Arizona for three years. It's the Southwest, not the South. Is it legal to carry a gun without a permit in Florida? In Arizona it is, or was when I was there. Plenty of roadrage-type shootings, as opposed to drive-by. Maybe if you spent some time there, (over 100 F daytime temperatures between May 1 and September 30, at least 115 F almost every day in July and August), lots of sh!t-kicking rednecks with more balls than brains, lots of guns (Angels with AK47s, shotguns and handguns in plain sight), you might believe me. Take a vacation to Phoenix in July, cut off a few guys with windows rolled down at city intersections, and see how you get on. Never been to Disneyworld, what's it like anyway?

dave2pvd

Where I am sitting, the interstate is ~1 mile away. Nobody drives under the speed limit. If you were to drive @ 55mph through this city you could be run off the road. Maintain no less than 70mph!

Cops here are looking to ticket cars driving close to 90mph.

Wherever you drive in the States, watch out for the right-turn-on-red rule: you MUST come to a complete stop.

exCrumlinBoyo

esel wrote:

Same planet as you, bud.

I lived in Arizona for three years. It's the Southwest, not the South. Is it legal to carry a gun without a permit in Florida? In Arizona it is, or was when I was there. Plenty of roadrage-type shootings, as opposed to drive-by. Maybe if you spent some time there, (over 100 F daytime temperatures between May 1 and September 30, at least 115 F almost every day in July and August), lots of sh!t-kicking rednecks with more balls than brains, lots of guns (Angels with AK47s, shotguns and handguns in plain sight), you might believe me. Take a vacation to Phoenix in July, cut off a few guys with windows rolled down at city intersections, and see how you get on. Never been to Disneyworld, what's it like anyway?

Never been to Disney world myself and I live about 700 miles from there in the N.W Part of Florida. You need a permit to carry a guy, but you cannot conceal it. Lots of Rednecks here who carry guns. You get an odd shooting but far and few between.

My point to you is, you made it sound like that every person carry’s a gun and they will shoot you if you stop them from traveling. I am sure it happens, but not as much as you’re making out.

As for heat my friend, AZ has a dry heat, which is hot, Florida were I am is Humid my friend. 100 degrees with 80 – 90% humidity feels a lot hotter than 115 you’re talking about. I see many a person here w/out Air in there cars, with guns who don’t go shoot at everyone who gets in their way as you have stated.

Good Day to you.

LFCFan

I love driving in America. Have driven a lot around Florida and up to Baltimore and also around LA, San Diego, Vegas, San Francisco and all in between. I find that for the most part, people actually have a clue how to drive over there. e.g. Lanes are used correctly, 4 Way junctions are used correctly etc etc. I can only imagine the carnage if 4 Way stops were introduced here. Irish drivers find it hard to understand Roundabouts FFS. I also love how everything is very well sign posted. Once you know you're distination and the general direction, it's very difficult to get lost. Just make sure you're in the right lane as you approach your off ramp as it can be scary moving across 5 lanes with massive Artics etc up your arse

Andrewf20

Have spent 5 weeks driving in Texas this year and have an Oregon driving license. Driving pretty similar to here. Heres the main differences that spring to mind:

- Yellow line in the middle of the road = 2 way road
- No yellow lines in the middle of the road = 1 way systems. Watch out for this carefully (and the black and white 1 way signs) in downtown city centre areas in particular, where often 1 & 2 way roads are mixed. (Ive seen this in loads of citys, Portland, Denver, Phoenix, Austin etc)
- You can turn right on a red light unless it says otherwise, but you must yield to all other traffic.
- Left lane is the fast lane (opposite of here obvioisly)
- Cops hide everywhere over there, so dont be too quick to speed!
- If a school bus comes to a stop ahead of you, you cannot over take. You must wait behind until he pulls off, even if there are multiple lanes.
- A the 4 way way juncion, with each of the 4 roads having stop signs at them, who has right of way? The person who arrives 1st at the stop sign. If 2 cars arrive together it can be tricky, so pull off if the other guy doesnt seem like moving.

Good luck. I was bricking when I drove there first, but i just followed other cars for a while and I got the hang of it.

Good luck!

Victor

"PED XING" means a pedestrain crossing ahead.

dave2pvd wrote:

Where I am sitting, the interstate is ~1 mile away. Nobody drives under the speed limit. If you were to drive @ 55mph through this city you could be run off the road. Maintain no less than 70mph!

In any driving like this, it is best to keep in line with the speed that everyone else is doing, but don't be first in line.

dave2pvd

So who knows what:

"No jake braking"

means?

No cheating now...

SoBe

dave2pvd wrote:

So who knows what:

"No jake braking"

means?

No cheating now...

anything to do with a semi?

dave2pvd

Yup. It's basically big trucks using engine braking. Makes a lot of noise. Not acceptable in some built up areas.

The jake-brake part comes from an engine braking system that was very popular, hence the brand name became the commonly used term for the system (just like Hoover did with vacuum cleaners).

jmayo

Remember first experience of driving in US years ago was interstate out of Orlando to Tampa. When driving at 80/85mph on fast lane I had Mack trucks up my ass which unnervingly reminded me of the film Duel.
God I would love to see how the eejits here that hog fast lane/overtaking lane would handle that situation.

TomF

Parking in cities is different than Ireland, too.

1. Don't park with the tyres of one side up on the footpath (sidewalk).

2. Don't park going the wrong direction on a two-way street. A cousin did this and got a parking ticket.

3. Don't park too close to the intersection or the point where the footpath meets the street. My son did that and got a parking ticket.

4. Don't park where the street markings by the kerb (curb) mean "don't park here".

5. Don't expect that leaving your "Sure, I'll only be a minute!" (hazard) blinkers on will let you double-park or park in a no-parking zone. You'll either get a parking ticket or get a warning.

dil999

don't park within 50 ft of a fire hydrant

Esel

Often, when parking on a hill, you must turn your front wheels towards the kerb to stop the car if the handbrake fails. Obviously if you are pointing uphill, you must turn the wheels the 'other' way.

Oblomov

Yep, seen the man with the gun on the highway in Tampa, down town tampa is not the place to park at night.

The shooting of tourists that became popular in Florida back in the mid 90's has died away.. nothing much happening, rural towns in the North, New York state, rural new Jersey right thro to Toronto have all become very respectable, and very few problems. New York, New York, go with the flow, places like the Brooklyn Tunnel, morning and evening avoid like the plaque.

Avoid all the major roads into and out of major cities during the rush hour... horrendous.. make sure you are in the right lane for your turning.. in the rush hour the cacophony of car horns can be deafening.. as you try to swap lanes.... distance between sign and turning can be very short... be aware.

I was chased by a woman driver after making a left turn... of course across the flow of oncoming traffic, she had plenty of room but followed me for about a mile and a half...... over took and stopped at a tee junction and walked back. I got to admit, I admired her courage, she had a rant and it confused the hell out of her when I apologised.......I just sat, listened, and then apologised, she wanted an argument but .. hey it was too nice a day to get into that.

Rural America has very little traffic, but on market days etc. I've driven across Arizona and seen only one car in the distance.. ... found beer cans etc at a fork in road in the desert but no humans.

Plan your intinery and either take or get a GPS to assist . Sensible driving and people will recognise the car hire number plates and understand you are a tourist. The small marker on the rear plates also helps. The policeman also know the tourists and the regulars. Those that I've met are all very polite but firm... and aware of creating a good impression with the tourist. I've used their firing range and had drinks with one or two and they are humans like everyone else.

Enjoy.

Alun

Oblomov wrote: »

Enjoy.

I'm sure he did ... but your advice comes a bit late, nearly two years late in fact :pac:

Oblomov

I must read the dates... keep repeating.. look at the dates.. loo...ROFLMAO

Mycroft H

dave2pvd wrote: »

So who knows what:

"No jake braking"

means?

No cheating now...

Its where the exhaust is closed off and engine is used as a brake itself.


Watch out for the really high mounted traffic lights, can be hard to see.

A ffs old thread

Seth Brundle

locked - threads aren't like wine and don't get better with age