Compared to China, the United States has significant cultural differences, especially regarding driving. Practices that you may be accustomed to in China could be illegal in the United States. Therefore, WorldWay U.S. immigration experts remind new immigrants to first understand the relevant U.S. traffic laws to avoid inadvertently facing imprisonment—this is not an exaggeration!!
Rule 1: In the United States, the law dictates that pedestrians have absolute right-of-way. Vehicles must always yield to pedestrians, never the other way around. If you attempt to challenge this law, you will face not only heavy fines but potentially even imprisonment.
Rule 2: Every intersection in the United States has traffic control devices, either traffic lights or stop signs. Traffic lights function the same as in China: red means stop, green means go. Regarding the STOP sign, it is crucial to note that when you encounter one, you must bring your vehicle to a complete stop for 3 seconds. You cannot roll (Completely Stop); if the wheels are still moving forward, even at a very slow speed, it does not count as a complete stop. Ensure there are no pedestrians or vehicles around before proceeding. Even in a deserted area, you must follow this rule whenever you encounter such a sign; otherwise, if caught, be prepared to pay a fine.
Rule 3: If you have children, they must be in child safety seats. Requirements vary by state; California mandates that children weighing less than 60 pounds or under 6 years old must use a child safety seat. Do not try to save money on this! Rental car companies offer child seats for rent, but the cost is high; the rental fee for two weeks is enough to buy an inexpensive child seat at Walmart.
Rule 4: If a yellow school bus stops and extends the STOP signs on both sides of the vehicle, you must stop regardless of whether it is in front of you or on the opposite side of the road, until it resumes movement. Even if there is plenty of space to pass, do not attempt to do so. Fines for failing to stop for a school bus are the highest among all traffic violations!
Rule 5: If all passengers in your car are able-bodied or you do not have a disability parking permit, never park in a disabled parking space. In all public parking areas in the United States, there are designated spaces for people with disabilities, usually the most convenient first or second spots. If you park in those spaces, a hefty fine awaits you!
Rule 6: If there is only one person in the car, do not use the CarPool lane. U.S. highways have dedicated lanes for vehicles with two or more passengers, which are equivalent to the passing lanes on our highways. If a single-occupant vehicle is caught in this lane by the police, the fine is $471!
Rule 7: If you violate traffic laws and are unfortunately pulled over by the police, do not get out of the car. What you should do is pull over to the side of the road, stay in the car, and keep both hands on the steering wheel at the 10 and 2 o'clock positions while waiting for the officer to approach. If you exit the vehicle without being instructed to do so, you may face not just a fine, but potentially gunfire from the police!
Rule 8: As in China, remember to purchase insurance when renting a car. If you have a close encounter with another vehicle, do not easily admit fault before the situation is clear; of course, in the case of an obvious rear-end collision, not admitting fault may be perceived as impolite. However, whether you hit someone or someone hits you, what you need to do is call the police and the insurance company (you can also call the insurance company after returning home, as long as you have the accident report issued by the police), and wait for them to handle it.
Rule 9: Remember to turn on your headlights, even during the day. Most people in the United States drive with their headlights on, even during the day, for safety reasons. In the city, you cannot use high beams. Even when driving on mountain roads at night, you must only use them if there is no oncoming traffic within 25 feet; otherwise, a ticket will be waiting for you.
