Discovering the U.S.

Page 23

Driving

Each state has a specific department within its government that is responsible for administering

and enforcing driving laws, fees charged for licensing, registering and titling vehicles, and

providing other important information that you need to know as a driver in that state. In most

states, these licensing agencies are known as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the

Department of Public Safety (DPS); however, some states have different names for these

licensing agencies. Each state has strict traffic laws which are heavily enforced. Your consultant

will advise regarding your state’s agency and their related regulations. Understanding the laws

in your area will be important as you begin driving in the U.S. Your consultant will provide a

copy of your state’s driving manual for specifics on each topic.

Additionally, it is important to know not only the state driving laws in the state in which you live,

but also in the states to which you may be traveling. As noted below, there are variations on

seat belt safety laws, mobile phone usage, and other state driving laws.

Rules and Regulations

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Illegal Substances

Every state has severe penalties for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Many states

have added severe penalties for the presence of illegal substances in the vehicle as well.

Mobile Phone Laws

Many states are adopting laws prohibiting the use of hand-held mobile phones or mobile

electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle. A “mobile electronic device” includes a

laptop computer, personal digital assistant, and paging or text-messaging devices.

Seat Belt Safety

Seat belt safety laws vary greatly from state to state, depending on the age of the rider and in

what seat he or she is sitting. Most states require that the driver and front seat passengers wear

seat belts. The penalty for not wearing a seat belt may include a ticket and/or fine.

States also have strict safety requirements for infants, toddlers and children. The age and

weight of a child determines where in the car the child may sit and the type of restraint system

that must be used. Visit the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

website at

for complete information about children and seat belt safety.

Emergency Vehicles

When driving, it is important to yield to all approaching or passing emergency vehicles with

flashing warning lights and/or sounding a siren. Emergency vehicles include ambulances, fire

trucks, police vehicles, and privately owned vehicles for firefighter or life support agencies. The

U.S. standard is to pull off to the right side of the road cautiously but swiftly in order to make

room for the vehicle to pass.