Americans drive on the right side of the road. Most rules are like other countries, but some surprise newcomers. Exact laws differ by state; see In your state.

In most places you may turn right on a red light after a full stop, if no car or person is coming. A sign that says NO TURN ON RED forbids it. Some cities, like New York City, do not allow it at all.

At an intersection with a stop sign on every corner (the sign may say ALL WAY or 4-WAY):

When a yellow school bus has flashing red lights and its stop sign arm is out, children are getting on or off. Stop and wait until the lights stop and the bus moves. Every state has this law. On many roads cars in both directions must stop. Passing a stopped school bus brings a big fine.

Near schools, signs show a lower speed limit (often 15 to 25 mph) "when children are present" or when lights flash. Police watch these zones closely.

When an ambulance, fire truck or police car comes with lights and sirens, pull to the right and stop until it passes. Move over laws in every state say: when you pass a vehicle stopped on the roadside with flashing lights (police, tow truck, often any car), move one lane away or slow down a lot.

An HOV lane (High Occupancy Vehicle, also carpool lane) is marked with a diamond. Only cars with 2 or more (sometimes 3 or more) people may use it at the posted times. Some are express lanes where you can pay a toll to use them alone.

Speed limits are in mph (miles per hour). 1 mile is about 1.6 km. So 25 mph is about 40 km/h, and 65 mph is about 105 km/h. Speed limits are posted on white signs. If no sign is visible, a state default applies.

Most states ban texting while driving for all drivers, and many ban holding the phone at all. Use hands-free or put the phone away.