Your feedback, comments and suggestions are welcome!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tips for Driving in the USA<\/h1>\n\n\n\n1. Get your Bearings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/theroute-66.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/adventure-trip.jpg\")
A Real Map – always have one handy<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nOur first tip is to carry a GPS and a paper map. Your Waze App is also very handy. It can get tricky finding the right exit in cities like Los Angeles during rush hour or leaving the airport and heading out of town without a GPS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t forget a \u201creal\u201d paper map<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nA paper map is fun!, it lets you plan ahead your itinerary for the next day and spot attractions or places that you would like to visit. I usually highlight the route with a fluorescent felt-tip pen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Carry the correct documents with you<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To rent a car in the US, you need the following documents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Passport or your ID<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A valid driver\u2019s licence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
And, to drive one you need its\u00a0Proof of Insurance<\/strong>. The car rental company will provide the insurance with the car rental papers when you pick it up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/theroute-66.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/arizona-us66.jpg\")
Historic Route 66 in Arizona<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDriving License<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The driving license is always a \u201cdark\u201d point, as it is unclear to many if an International Driving Permit<\/strong> is necessary (IDP).<\/p>\n\n\n\nAn IDP is basically a translation of your driving license details into nine different languages and is accepted -but only when accompanied by your own original driving license- as proof of its validity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regarding IDP, the the US government tells us ( www.usa.gov<\/a> website) that Foreign Nationals Driving in the United States: \u201cmust have a valid driver\u2019s license. Some states require an International Driving Permit (IDP) from foreign nationals, <\/em>in addition to a valid license from your own country.<\/em>\u201d It also suggests checking with the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) of the state that you will be visiting to see if you do or don\u2019t need an IDP.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFor instance New Jersey\u2019s MVD says that the IDP \u201cis useful in emergencies such as traffic violations or auto accidents, particularly when a foreign language is involved<\/em>\u201c, and advises foreign visitors to carry one.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou don\u2019t need an IDP in New York state<\/a> either:, their MDV tells us that \u201cif you have a driver license from another country you do not need an International Driving Permit<\/em>\u201c.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnd, on Route 66<\/strong>, New Mexico<\/a> does not require an IDP but recognizes it is helpful if you do have one.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNevertheless, when you rent a car, the rental company may require both license and IDP. Avis<\/strong>, for instance does not require an IDP, as mentioned in their website\u2019s FAQ:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cThe driver\u2019s license must be valid at the time of rental, and remain valid throughout the rental period\u2026. Driver\u2019s licenses accepted in the U.S. are:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Any license issued by any U.S. state, territory or possession.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A license issued by a Canadian province.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A license issued by a country that participated in the 1949 Geneva convention on Road Traffic or the 1943 Convention on the Regulation of Inter-American Automobile Traffic.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A license issued by a country that has a reciprocal agreement with the U.S.<\/em>\u201c<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Bear in mind that you must get your IDP in your country before you travel. However, in general, tourists may drive in the US for up to a year with a foreign driving licence, of course, the issuing country must be party to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic (most countries are).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, if your foreign licence is written in a language other than English, it\u2019s a good idea to obtain an International Driver\u2019s Permit (IDP) as a precautionary measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. America\u2019s Highways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Highways in the US are well maintained and have clear signposts marking the way.
Some highways are toll roads -there are also toll bridges- and you can spot them on the paper map beforehand so you can have your payment ready. For instance a one-way trip for a two-axle car on the Turner Turnpike from Tulsa to Oklahoma City costs $4.50 for cash customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Route 66 in its original alignments can be a regular single lane highway (as it is from Victorville to Goffs in California or from Oatman to Kingman and from there to Ash Fork in Arizona) or a four lane divided highway as in Hooker Missouri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interstate Highways<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Number system: <\/strong>odd numbers run north to south, with I-5 on the Pacific Coast and I-95 on the Atlantic Coast. The even numbers run east to west (I-94 along the Canadian border and I-8 along the Mexican one). A third digit is added near cities: a \u201c2\u201d passes through a city, a \u201c4\u201d goes around a city, a \u201c6\u201d goes around a Metro Region and an \u201c8\u201d goes through a Metropolitan region.
Odd numbered hundreds digit: A \u201c1\u201d and a \u201c5\u201d are spurs into a city and a \u201c3\u201d is a link between two highways.
Route 66 runs close to several Interstate highways on its Chicago to Los Angeles alignment (I-55, I-44, I-40 and I-15 just to mention some of them).<\/p>\n\n\n\nGas and rest areas: <\/strong>Rest areas are located along the freeway, and they have restrooms but no gas or food. You can picnic there.
At the exits you will find gasoline, food and lodging. Pay attention to the signs which let you know the brands located at the exit (i.e. Wendy\u2019s, Amoco, Shell, Jack-in-the-box, etc.)<\/p>\n\n\n\nGeneral Rules:<\/strong>
Only stop or park on the shoulder of an Interstate Highway in an emergency. When entering, yield to those on the Interstate.
Trucks are big rigs with trailers and they go fast. You can overtake on the left or the right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Driving laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Each state has its own driving laws. So you will encounter eight different sets of traffic rules and regulations when you drive down Route 66. But don\u2019t panic, fortunately they are mostly the same, but with some variations.
Check the special driving rules of the state where you rent your car. When entering a new state there are usually highway signs giving specifics. If you are curious, you can
check AAA Driving Laws<\/a> or drivinglaws.org<\/a> for a state by state detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSome General Driving Rules:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- School Buses<\/strong>
Children who are getting on or off school or church buses have priority over all traffic. Keep your eyes well opened for those yellow \u201cschool buses\u201d. If their lights flash yellow it means that it is going to stop. When the lights flash red, it has stopped.
All traffic must stop 20 to 25 feet (7 to 8 m) away from the bus behind it if it is in front of you, or ahead of it, if it is on the opposite side of the road.
Children may cross the road. Be careful. You must remain stopped until the bus moves on or the driver indicates that you may proceed.
Never ever pass a school bus with flashing red lights, this is a serious offense you may go to jail and be fined up to $1,000.<\/li>\n\n\n\n- Speed Limits<\/strong>
Speeds in general (for highways) range from 55 to 75 mph. See detailed information at this link: Governors Highway Safety Association<\/a> (State Speed Limits).
In urban areas speeds are lower than in rural ones, be aware of the speed limits within the towns, especially close to schools (25 \u2013 35 mph). Signs will indicate the maximum (and on some highways, the minimum) speeds. One should always drive at a reasonable and prudent speed based on road and weather conditions.
Everybody drives within +\/- 5 mph of the maximum speed, even the trucks.
There are no \u201cfast\u201d or \u201cslow\u201d lanes and you are not required to use the left lane for overtaking only.<\/li>\n\n\n\n- General Rules<\/strong>
Always give cyclists a wide berth (min. 3 ft. \u2013 1 m). Pedestrians have the right of way once they have stepped onto the crossing without traffic lights. When entering or leaving a car park yield to pedestrians.
A solid yellow line on your side of the road means that passing is prohibited. Two solid yellow lines prohibit passing in both directions.
Do not drink and drive
If you come to a sign stating:\u201dRight Lane Must Turn Right<\/em>\u201d or \u201cExit Only<\/em>\u201c, obey and do as told. Stop and Yield mean that: stop and yield.
Flashing traffic lights, which you may encounter at night: red flashing means \u201cStop\u201d and proceed with caution, yellow means \u201cYield\u201d or slow down.
In town, the rule about turning right on a red light is quite sensible, just treat it like a give way sign.
In most states a red traffic (stop) light will allow you to take a right turn unless there is signs that prohibit it.
Don\u2019t use mobile phone or text while driving. Don\u2019t speed. Buckle up and seat children in the back seats. Use your horn sparingly.
Change one lane at a time and signal your intention to do so with time -even though you may see drivers who dont\u2019.
You can turn left by using the specially designated \u201cCentral Lanes\u201d, marked off with yellow lines. Below \u00a0you can see them in Kingman, Arizona, with the Route 66 shield painted on it.
<\/li>\n\n\n\n- Four-way stops<\/strong>: Stop. The first to stop is the first to proceed. If you arrive at the same time as another driver, the one on the right has the right of way.
At road work zones, follow the speed limits and flagger signals -fines are heavy.
Yield to emergency vehicles.
Remember that school buses and vehicles carrying flammable liquids MUST stop at railroad crossings.
If there are more than two lanes, traffic will overtake you on both sides.
Police or service vehicles on the shoulder, do as the other drivers: slow down and move over one lane. Don\u2019t stop.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\nSumming it up\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/theroute-66.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/central-lane.jpg\")
Central Lane on Route 66 in Kingman Arizona<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDriving in the US is a pleasant experience, people are not aggressive, they tend to mind their own business and drive safely I have clocked up over 20,000 miles on US highways and only had two \u201cincidents\u201d worth mentioning:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- In Fresno, California, we were jammed on a single lane highway due to an accident that had happened half a mile ahead. While we waited for the highway patrol to clear the mess, a convertible with some young Hispanics drove past us along the shoulder at full speed, and seeing the cops ahead cut me off, shoving their car into the space between mine and the car ahead.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- In Santa Fe, New Mexico, another young buck suddenly switched lanes suddenly without signalling his maneuver (It felt like I was in Latin America again!) cutting me off.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Our first tip is to carry a GPS and a paper map. Your Waze App is also very handy. It can get tricky finding the right exit in cities like Los Angeles during rush hour or leaving the airport and heading out of town without a GPS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t forget a \u201creal\u201d paper map<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A paper map is fun!, it lets you plan ahead your itinerary for the next day and spot attractions or places that you would like to visit. I usually highlight the route with a fluorescent felt-tip pen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To rent a car in the US, you need the following documents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n And, to drive one you need its\u00a0Proof of Insurance<\/strong>. The car rental company will provide the insurance with the car rental papers when you pick it up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The driving license is always a \u201cdark\u201d point, as it is unclear to many if an International Driving Permit<\/strong> is necessary (IDP).<\/p>\n\n\n\n An IDP is basically a translation of your driving license details into nine different languages and is accepted -but only when accompanied by your own original driving license- as proof of its validity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regarding IDP, the the US government tells us ( www.usa.gov<\/a> website) that Foreign Nationals Driving in the United States: \u201cmust have a valid driver\u2019s license. Some states require an International Driving Permit (IDP) from foreign nationals, <\/em>in addition to a valid license from your own country.<\/em>\u201d It also suggests checking with the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) of the state that you will be visiting to see if you do or don\u2019t need an IDP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance New Jersey\u2019s MVD says that the IDP \u201cis useful in emergencies such as traffic violations or auto accidents, particularly when a foreign language is involved<\/em>\u201c, and advises foreign visitors to carry one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t need an IDP in New York state<\/a> either:, their MDV tells us that \u201cif you have a driver license from another country you do not need an International Driving Permit<\/em>\u201c.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And, on Route 66<\/strong>, New Mexico<\/a> does not require an IDP but recognizes it is helpful if you do have one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nevertheless, when you rent a car, the rental company may require both license and IDP. Avis<\/strong>, for instance does not require an IDP, as mentioned in their website\u2019s FAQ:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe driver\u2019s license must be valid at the time of rental, and remain valid throughout the rental period\u2026. Driver\u2019s licenses accepted in the U.S. are:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Bear in mind that you must get your IDP in your country before you travel. However, in general, tourists may drive in the US for up to a year with a foreign driving licence, of course, the issuing country must be party to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic (most countries are).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, if your foreign licence is written in a language other than English, it\u2019s a good idea to obtain an International Driver\u2019s Permit (IDP) as a precautionary measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Highways in the US are well maintained and have clear signposts marking the way. Route 66 in its original alignments can be a regular single lane highway (as it is from Victorville to Goffs in California or from Oatman to Kingman and from there to Ash Fork in Arizona) or a four lane divided highway as in Hooker Missouri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Number system: <\/strong>odd numbers run north to south, with I-5 on the Pacific Coast and I-95 on the Atlantic Coast. The even numbers run east to west (I-94 along the Canadian border and I-8 along the Mexican one). A third digit is added near cities: a \u201c2\u201d passes through a city, a \u201c4\u201d goes around a city, a \u201c6\u201d goes around a Metro Region and an \u201c8\u201d goes through a Metropolitan region. Gas and rest areas: <\/strong>Rest areas are located along the freeway, and they have restrooms but no gas or food. You can picnic there. General Rules:<\/strong> Each state has its own driving laws. So you will encounter eight different sets of traffic rules and regulations when you drive down Route 66. But don\u2019t panic, fortunately they are mostly the same, but with some variations. Driving in the US is a pleasant experience, people are not aggressive, they tend to mind their own business and drive safely I have clocked up over 20,000 miles on US highways and only had two \u201cincidents\u201d worth mentioning:<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Carry the correct documents with you<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Driving License<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
3. America\u2019s Highways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Some highways are toll roads -there are also toll bridges- and you can spot them on the paper map beforehand so you can have your payment ready. For instance a one-way trip for a two-axle car on the Turner Turnpike from Tulsa to Oklahoma City costs $4.50 for cash customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\nInterstate Highways<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Odd numbered hundreds digit: A \u201c1\u201d and a \u201c5\u201d are spurs into a city and a \u201c3\u201d is a link between two highways.
Route 66 runs close to several Interstate highways on its Chicago to Los Angeles alignment (I-55, I-44, I-40 and I-15 just to mention some of them).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the exits you will find gasoline, food and lodging. Pay attention to the signs which let you know the brands located at the exit (i.e. Wendy\u2019s, Amoco, Shell, Jack-in-the-box, etc.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Only stop or park on the shoulder of an Interstate Highway in an emergency. When entering, yield to those on the Interstate.
Trucks are big rigs with trailers and they go fast. You can overtake on the left or the right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Driving laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Check the special driving rules of the state where you rent your car. When entering a new state there are usually highway signs giving specifics. If you are curious, you can
check AAA Driving Laws<\/a> or drivinglaws.org<\/a> for a state by state detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSome General Driving Rules:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Children who are getting on or off school or church buses have priority over all traffic. Keep your eyes well opened for those yellow \u201cschool buses\u201d. If their lights flash yellow it means that it is going to stop. When the lights flash red, it has stopped.
All traffic must stop 20 to 25 feet (7 to 8 m) away from the bus behind it if it is in front of you, or ahead of it, if it is on the opposite side of the road.
Children may cross the road. Be careful. You must remain stopped until the bus moves on or the driver indicates that you may proceed.
Never ever pass a school bus with flashing red lights, this is a serious offense you may go to jail and be fined up to $1,000.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Speeds in general (for highways) range from 55 to 75 mph. See detailed information at this link: Governors Highway Safety Association<\/a> (State Speed Limits).
In urban areas speeds are lower than in rural ones, be aware of the speed limits within the towns, especially close to schools (25 \u2013 35 mph). Signs will indicate the maximum (and on some highways, the minimum) speeds. One should always drive at a reasonable and prudent speed based on road and weather conditions.
Everybody drives within +\/- 5 mph of the maximum speed, even the trucks.
There are no \u201cfast\u201d or \u201cslow\u201d lanes and you are not required to use the left lane for overtaking only.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Always give cyclists a wide berth (min. 3 ft. \u2013 1 m). Pedestrians have the right of way once they have stepped onto the crossing without traffic lights. When entering or leaving a car park yield to pedestrians.
A solid yellow line on your side of the road means that passing is prohibited. Two solid yellow lines prohibit passing in both directions.
Do not drink and drive
If you come to a sign stating:\u201dRight Lane Must Turn Right<\/em>\u201d or \u201cExit Only<\/em>\u201c, obey and do as told. Stop and Yield mean that: stop and yield.
Flashing traffic lights, which you may encounter at night: red flashing means \u201cStop\u201d and proceed with caution, yellow means \u201cYield\u201d or slow down.
In town, the rule about turning right on a red light is quite sensible, just treat it like a give way sign.
In most states a red traffic (stop) light will allow you to take a right turn unless there is signs that prohibit it.
Don\u2019t use mobile phone or text while driving. Don\u2019t speed. Buckle up and seat children in the back seats. Use your horn sparingly.
Change one lane at a time and signal your intention to do so with time -even though you may see drivers who dont\u2019.
You can turn left by using the specially designated \u201cCentral Lanes\u201d, marked off with yellow lines. Below \u00a0you can see them in Kingman, Arizona, with the Route 66 shield painted on it.
<\/li>\n\n\n\n
At road work zones, follow the speed limits and flagger signals -fines are heavy.
Yield to emergency vehicles.
Remember that school buses and vehicles carrying flammable liquids MUST stop at railroad crossings.
If there are more than two lanes, traffic will overtake you on both sides.
Police or service vehicles on the shoulder, do as the other drivers: slow down and move over one lane. Don\u2019t stop.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\nSumming it up\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Central Lane on Route 66 in Kingman Arizona<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n