License Requirements

The state of Maryland honors all valid, foreign driver's licenses. The International Driver's Permit is not in itself a license to drive in Maryland 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 Maryland.

In all 50 states and Washington DC, children under four years must be in a child's seat or buckled up. If in doubt, check with the Department of Public Safety in the appropriate state for more information.

Which Side of the Road?

Throughout the United States, drive on the right-hand side of the carriageway.

Urban Driving

In some communities it is permissable by law to make a right turn at a red light, but only when the car has come to a full stop, and providing there is no oncoming traffic.

If in doubt about the local law concerning this traffic maneuver, wait for the green light.

Caution! It is illegal to overtake a stationary school bus that is either picking up or dropping off children. On all undivided highways (without a median), traffic in both directions must stop at least 20 feet from a stopped school bus that has its red lights flashing. You must not pass the bus until the lights are turned off or the bus starts.

Rural Driving

The little roads of southern Maryland are reminiscent of those back roads found in Britain or the agricultural Deep South. These narrow, tree-lined country lanes leave the motorist free to indulge in a quieter style of traveling rarely found in such a modern developed country. There are no superhighways as such, but the two main routes, US-301 from Baltimore and Highway 2 from Annapolis, pass by arable lands where lush fields of corn and tobacco have remained annual crops since the arrival of the first English settlers.

Highways/Major Routes

Interstate highways are the fastest routes and numbered with a prefix "I-". Even numbers refer to roads running east to west, with odd numbers running north to south. The highways are fully signposted with at least two lanes in each direction. In the approach to large cities, interstates usually intersect with a circumferential loop that carries traffic flow around the city.

United States highways are prefixed with "US" followed by the road number, for example "US-1", and so on. Again, these roads are usually multi-laned.

Large cities usually have a number of limited access expressways, freeways, and parkways, identified by names rather than numbers (the Merritt Parkway, the Kennedy Expressway, the Santa Monica Freeway).

Tolls

Many expressways in the United States are toll roads. If you intend using a pay-as-you-drive road, remember to bring enough money 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 have traveled too fast on a toll road you may be fined and your license endorsed.

Pace Your Journey

On average, don't drive beyond your limits, as distances in the United States are deceptive. Stop every couple of hours to relax, and don't try to drive beyond 300 or 400 miles in a day.

Parking

Parking without a permit in a restricted zone may result in your car being towed away within minutes of parking. Never park within fifteen feet of a fire hydrant.

Service Stations

Most of Maryland'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. Service stations throughout the state sell Maryland maps as well as detailed city maps.

Maps

There are several good road atlases for the USA which include: 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.

Car Rental

If you want to drive out of town, a rental car is the ideal way to see the many sights of Maryland, but be sure to keep the gas tank full on long drives.

Breakdowns

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.

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.

Drunk 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 foreign. Their number can be found in local telephone books, or alternatively, dial 0 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 offence in the US. Pay fines by mail, or directly to the clerk of the court.

Accidents

In the event of an accident, the advice is to stay in your car with the doors locked until you assess the situation, or until the police arrive. Alternatively, drive to a police station or safe public place if you feel your safety could be compromised by stopping. 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 drivers. It is a crime to leave the scene of an accident involving injury without first giving details to the police.