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License Requirements
The state of Texas honors all valid foreign driver's licenses. The International Driver's Permit is not in itself a license to drive in Texas and must be used in conjunction with the driving license issued in your home country.
Seat Belts
Seat belts for driver and front-seat passengers must be worn when driving in Texas.
Across all the states of the union and Washington, DC, children under the age of four years must travel in a child's seat and be securely strapped in. For more information, contact the Department of Public Safety.
Which Side of the Road?
Throughout the US, drive on the right-hand side of the carriageway, though overtaking is permitted on both the inside and outside lanes of interstate highways.
Urban Driving
When making a right turn at a red light, bring the car to a full stop; complete the maneuver only if there is no oncoming traffic. This rule varies according to local traffic laws, so if in doubt, wait for the green light.
Caution! It is illegal to overtake a stationary school bus that is either picking up or dropping off children.
Highways / Major Routes
Interstate highways are the fastest routes and are numbered with the prefix "I-". Even numbers refer to roads running east to west, with odd numbers running north to south. The highways are signposted with two lanes or more running in each direction.
Throughout the United States, highways are prefixed with "US" followed by the road number, for example, "US1", and so on. Again, these roads are normally multi-laned. State and local highway numbers are prefixed with the abbreviation "Rte" for Route.
Many large American cities are circumnavigated by a loop road to which the interstate highways connect. Routes into and out of the cities comprise a limited number of access expressways, freeways, and parkways. These are named rather than numbered, for example, "The John Hanson Highway".
Driving in Austin
When driving in downtown Austin, your journey may be delayed by diversions as building construction causes roads to close and traffic flow to be altered. This is part of the revitalization affecting the downtown area over the next couple of years. A new public plaza and city hall, plus hotels, shops, restaurants and office buildings, are just some of the new developments already taking place in the heart of the city. The area under development covers the heart of downtown and also the area west of MoPac Boulevard running east of I-35. In the north of the city, Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard is affected as is Oltorf Street to the south. There are signs posted to warn motorists of the closures and diversions.
When finding the best route, members of the AAA (Automobile Association of America) can call for directions if necessary. Non-members can call the Convention and Visitors Association on 202 7000 or 789 7000. Have a map with you for reference when you call.
Tolls
Many expressways in the US are toll roads. If you intend using a pay-as-you-drive road, remember to bring enough cash for the journey. Tolls can vary depending on how much of the turnpike you use. Also, many toll systems time the length of your journey: if you've traveled too fast, you may face a fine and license endorsement.
Parking
Parking without a permit in a restricted zone may result in your car being towed away within minutes of parking. Never park within ten feet of a fire hydrant.
Services
Service Stations
Many of the city's service stations are open 24 hours for fuel. Automobile maintenance service is available during business hours. American cars use unleaded petrol, sold by the US gallon (3.8 liters), with considerably cheaper prices than those encountered in Europe. Be sure to keep the gas tank full on long drives.
Maps
There are several good road atlases for the USA including The Mobil Road Atlas & Trip Planning Guide; also, The Rand McNally Road Atlas & Vacation Guide is popular among American motorists. Many auto clubs will supply maps, guidebooks and recommend routes to members on request.
Breakdowns
Most auto rental companies include details of breakdown recovery as part of their package and will advise you of what to do should your rental car break down. However, please note that should the breakdown occur on a state highway or freeway in the Austin area, such as Highway 290, MoPac and I-35, there is a courtesy breakdown patrol provided as a free service. The patrols come equipped with air and gas; their objective: to keep traffic moving, especially during peak hours. In the event of a major breakdown, patrol personnel will assess the situation and call in a tow-truck service.
The patrols can be contacted by calling 832 7310 between the hours of 6:00 am and 10:00 pm, Monday through Friday. For help outside these hours, call 480 5000.
Should your car break down in a remote area, wait for a Highway Patrol to come by. If you carry a cellular or car phone, *55 is the emergency number to call. When calling for assistance on an interstate highway, note your location according to the small, green mileage markers posted along the highway. Be cautious and use your discretion if offered help by other motorists.
Please Note: If you see someone at the roadside who indicates a need for help, do not stop. Take note of the location and telephone the police on 911 when it is safe and convenient for you to do so.
Legalities
Speed Limits
Federal legislation permits each state to set their own speed limits; these might vary from 55 miles per hour to unlimited speeds in the Great Plains states. Urban speed limits are set by federal state authorities and therefore vary by state. Always be sure to check roadside postings carefully whenever you cross a state line.
Lower speed limits are usually in force on back roads. As a rule, slow down wherever there are houses or buildings. In urban areas, lower speed limits are indicated on road signs.
The Law and Driving
According to the US government, most fatal road traffic accidents involve a driver who has been drinking or taking drugs. Driving under the influence of alcohol or prescription drugs may impair normal faculties. The maximum legal alcohol level is 0.08%.
The minimum drinking age in all states is 21. Local laws against driving while intoxicated are growing stricter. Many bars now serve non-alcoholic drinks for those nominated to do the driving.
Emergency Numbers
For police, ambulance or fire, dial 911 (no money required) and ask for the relevant service. Another way of reporting an emergency is to dial 0 (zero), which connects you to the operator.
For non-emergency assistance when traveling, call Travelers' Aid, an organization that specializes in helping distressed travelers, whether American or visitors from abroad. They have a 24-hour hotline number: 546 3120. Alternatively, dial 0 (zero) and ask the operator.
Traffic Violations
If you are required to stop by a police officer, remain seated in your car, switch off the engine and await instructions from the approaching officer. Most officers are firm, but courteous. They are more likely to let you off with a verbal reprimand if you are civil and prepared to understand the reason why they've stopped you. The majority of vehicle stop-checks are now recorded on video camera, with police officers wired for sound, so anything you say or do will be recorded.
Always carry your license and vehicle documentation.
Fines
Never attempt to bribe or pay a fine directly to a police officer; attempted bribery is a very serious offense in the US. Pay fines by mail, or directly to the clerk of the court.
Accidents
In the event of a minor collision, the advice is to stay in your car with the doors locked. Assess the situation. Was the manner of the collision suspicious? Is the neighborhood run-down and quiet? Don't approach the other car. If it's possible to do so, drive to a police station or safe public place if you feel your safety could be compromised. This applies especially if you have been bumped from behind or are involved in a minor accident with no injuries and the situation appears to be suspicious.
If you are satisfied that the accident is not suspicious, and involves vehicle or property damage only, then exchange name, address, driver's license number, insurance information and vehicle registration information with the other driver(s). If a parked vehicle or other property is damaged, or if a domestic animal is hurt, you must contact the police.
In the case of personal injury, the police must be notified immediately. They will file an accident report in addition to the driver's. It is a crime to leave the scene of an accident involving injury without first giving details to the police.
