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101 things that are different on the other side of the pond .




I have been travelling and living in the USA on and off for more than 5 years and I am still constantly finding things that are similar but different .
The first thing is that the USA is a union of separate states who all have their own way of doing things . I am principally in Washington State which is on the far West Coast at about the same latitude as France .

Part one - Driving and Cars !

  • Americans drive on the Right side of the road .
  • They use stop signs not give way signs - and you must stop . These may be on one two occasionally three or more often all four roads at a junction . In England there are give way signs on the more minor roads and main roads have priority . You can drive straight on if the road is clear without stopping . In the USA this is called a " California Stop and is illegal .
  • Roundabouts are rare - universally hated and called " turnabouts .
  • Driving tests are much cheaper and generally easier and you can take the " theory test " which is computer based repeatedly until you pass at one sitting .
  • You can turn right on a red light if the lane is clear . Causes problems for me because I was taught to keep to the kerbside by habit and occasionally get given the horn for blocking people from turning right !
  • They have centre lanes only for turning left - from either direction .
  • Opposite driving lanes are separated by yellow markings not white .
  • On Freeways exits can be on either side or even in the middle lanes . Can pass on either side also unlike UK “ overtaking only “ lanes . Though nobody in the UK seems to know the rules anyway .
  • Lots of lanes and grid system with city blocks makes navigation easier . If you overshoot your turn simply make a U and drive back .
  • They have HOV ( High Occupancy Vehicle ) lanes for any vehicle with two or more people where Brits like me must contend with Busses only lanes - even though these have been shown to reduce traffic flow for all .
  • Traffic lights go Green - Amber - Red - Green so you get no warning to set off unlike in the UK where they go Green - Amber - Red - RED WITH AMBER - Green .
  • Garages are cheaper with more transparent pricing for your Lube ( Service ) often at a fixed $ 30.00 - or £20.00 for what would be a full service in the UK . Often as a while you wait service .
  • They have no compulsory MOT test of vehicle safety unlike the UK however they can also be stopped by the police and forced to make necessary repairs by a certain time .
  • When you buy a vehicle you have to pay a tax to register the " title " based on the purchase price at about 6 % - unlike our small fixed fee . Some counties have emissions tests but by no means all .
  • The Road Tax is called the tag and is affixed to the number plate - it too is based on value .
  • If you move to a different state you must change your driving ( privilege ) licence and your number plates . VIN numbers are prominently displayed .
  • In the UK when you shut a locked car door it unlocks unless you deliberately hold the handle up - In the USA it stays locked .
  • American cars usually have red turn indicator lights not amber .
  • Garages are more flexible about public access not so obsessed with " Health and Safety "

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