Tips for Aussie drivers visiting the USA

Unlike Europe and Asia, where you can quite easily hop aboard public transportation, touring the States is done much differently.

Cars and petrol are inexpensive and distances are big, so whether you have a rental car awaiting or borrowed a car, the first thing you need to confirm is insurance.

Make sure you’re covered for your own good and the protection of your passengers. Health care in the US gets very pricey very quickly. Also, let your bank know you’ll be traveling in the US so it isn’t tempted to block credit card transactions.

If you intend to pay the rental car rates using a credit card, ask the credit card company if insurance is included. Often it is, so don’t purchase additional insurance with the car rental company.

You must have a valid Aussie licence and some states may require you to have an International Driving Permit.

Petrol costs between $US2.10 to $3.00 per US gallon and diesel is priced at about 20 per cent above petrol. Gasbuddy.com lists petrol prices and updates them regularly.

Toll roads are very common on the east coast so carry cash because many toll stations don’t accept credit cards. The majority of tolls are inexpensive – a dollar or two.

However, the one-way toll for the Lincoln Tunnel going into New York City is $15.00 – twice the cost of a Big Mac, Coke and medium fries.

The road rules are basically the same across all states, but there can be subtle differences. For instance, in New York State you often cannot turn right on a red light. Highway speed limits vary by state from 55mph (88km/h) to as high as 80mph (129km/h) in southern Idaho.

Most state troopers or highway patrol forces drive pursuit variants of the Dodge Charger, Ford Explorer or Aussie-made Holden Caprice. They do use radar guns, and you’ll be relieved to know that they do allow a bit of leniency.

Californians commonly cruise the Interstates at 75mph-plus and you won’t have reason to worry if you go with the flow.

Drive 25mph (40km/h) in cities unless posted otherwise. City police have a reputation of being more aggressive than staties.

On the subject of sign posts, Americans don’t use “overtake” so if you read a sign that says “Do Not Pass” it means do not overtake.

American drivers aren’t disciplined nor are they well trained. They do, however, respond positively to a wave or a thank you if you’re trying to navigate the busy streets of San Francisco, Boston or Omaha.

They tend to stay in the fast lane on highways and refuse to yield. Oregon drivers are the worst. If you flash your high-beam lights, you’re likely to see the middle finger or something worse.

Road rage and gesturing isn’t as common in the US as it is in Australia but remember in some states such as Idaho, Montana and Texas, most drivers do carry a gun. Gesture at your own risk.

You will notice that highways such as Interstate 15 or Interstate 95 running north and south are odd numbered. And highways running east and west are even numbered, such as Interstate 10 or Interstate 90. Same is true for state highways and B -roads.

Here’s another tip to keep in mind: on roads with opposing traffic the centre line is painted yellow. On roads with one-way traffic, the centre line is painted white.

Pedestrians always have right of way in a crosswalk. Jaywalking is illegal but rarely enforced by the police. In short, keep a watchful eye for pedestrians.

If you are stopped for any reason by the police, state patrol or highway patrol, stay in your car for your own safety and await instructions. Stepping out of the car to greet the officer with a g’day mate may result in you being sternly reprimanded or possibly tasered.

Australians are well liked in the States; use the accent to your advantage and give respect to the officer.

The officer will likely approach on the passenger side of the car so drop the door window but don’t reach for your wallet and licence until instructed.

You’ll be asked the common questions: Do you know what you did wrong? May I see your licence, registration and proof of insurance? Have you been drinking?

The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration in all 50 states is 0.08 per cent and the drinking age is 21. If you’re caught DUI, some states have mandatory jail time so be careful and don’t drive while intoxicated.

For the most part, you need to do something amazingly stupid while behind the wheel to attract the attention of the constabulary. So if you are planning to drive in the US, drive as you do in Australia. Be courteous.