Driving in the USA is relaxed, but a few rules are different from home. Knowing them means driving safely and without trouble.
Speed limits are taken seriously
Speeds are given in miles per hour. The limits are consistently enforced, especially in small towns. Stay under them, even minor speeding is penalized, and fines are expensive.
Stop signs and four-way stops
At a four-way stop (all-way stop), everyone stops. Whoever arrived first goes first. If two arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right of way. Always come to a complete stop, slowly rolling is not enough.
Turning right on red
At red lights, in most states you may turn right if the way is clear and no sign forbids it (No Turn on Red). Stop first and watch for cross traffic.
The school bus is sacred
When a yellow school bus stops with flashing red lights and its stop sign extended, everyone must stop, in both directions, until it moves on again. This is strictly enforced, there are no exceptions here.
Other quirks
On highways, passing on the right also happens, so drive with anticipation. HOV lanes are only for vehicles with multiple occupants. And when filling up, you often pay inside first or by card with a ZIP code, otherwise at the register.
