driving in america

Amazing.

I have an Amex and as stated before have never been able to use it due to the Zip code issue

I used pay at pump about 15 times in the US a few months ago with my Amex card and it worked every time - no other card that I've tried has. I just used the numbers from my postcode and padded it out with zeros (so AB11 4AA would be entered as 11400) and it saved going inside to pay.
 
Don't put the wrong fuel in your car - diesel pumps are green and petrol black. Although most stations don't sell diesel anyway :)

Mobile phones must be hands-free, although as in England this is very rarely enforced.

Cops are pretty lax when it comes to speeding on freeways, the limit is often 65mph but as a rule freeway traffic tends to go at 70-75 and the cops don't bat an eyelid. In builtup areas though they take it more seriously.

It's basically common sense, enjoy :)
Be careful with the mobile phone thing. If you're going to touch it whilst stopped in traffic or anything, at least look around for cops. I've seen people pulled over at a traffic light many times.

California also has a new law about touching your navigation apps.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/0...-illegal-as-texting-while-driving-court-says/

Also note, that it is illegal to position your satnav in the centre of the windscreen. I've never seen this enforced but it does make sense.

I would add to the speed note, and say that make sure you aren't the fastest car on the freeway. Keep up with traffic and you'll probably be okay, but also keep your eyes peeled.

Only state I know that does that is NJ, where it was (and probably still is) illegal to pump your own gas last time I went!
Oregon too. It sucks... took me 20 mins to get filled up because I had to wait for the guy, when I was heading to the airport.

Oh don't forget a good pair of sunglasses! :cool:

And if you're in a convertible - don't forget suncream on your ears, arms and thighs :p
And hair/scalp. I managed to burn it on a drive up to Tahoe in my car. The shower was painful!
 
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Never overtake a yellow school bus that stopped to let passengers off (single lane), even if you have to sit there for ages, or at least this is what I was led to believe.

Happened to me in Washington State, stuck behind one for what seemed like eternity. Also I think in some states that on a normal road (1 lane each way) if the bus stops and displays a flashing red light/stop sign, then traffic stops in both directions, to facilitate the kids crossing the road safely.

Wiki said:
Generally, if a stopped school bus is displaying a flashing, alternating red lamp, a driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking the stopped bus from either direction (front or back) must stop and wait until the bus moves again or the red light is off.[1] Police officers, school crossing guards, and even school bus drivers themselves may have the power to wave traffic on, even when a red light is flashing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_bus_traffic_stop_laws

o06t1z.jpg
 
Never overtake a yellow school bus that stopped to let passengers off (single lane), even if you have to sit there for ages, or at least this is what I was led to believe.

Happened to me in Washington State, stuck behind one for what seemed like eternity. Also I think in some states that on a normal road (1 lane each way) if the bus stops and displays a flashing red light/stop sign, then traffic stops in both directions, to facilitate the kids crossing the road safely.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_bus_traffic_stop_laws

[IM]http://i44.tinypic.com/o06t1z.jpg[/IMG]
Certainly the case for Louisiana. Unless the road is divided, traffic has to stop in both directions.
 
[TW]Fox;24821012 said:
I bet it doesn't. Have used numerous cards inc nationwide in numerous states and all fail because MasterCard and visa do address verification which fails with no valid zip.

I can absolutely guarantee it does, as I've done it, simply used my dad's zip code (33615)
 
going to be fueling up for the first time today i think, got a 5 hour drive to monterey so best fill it.

i notice that there are 3 type.

we have a dodge challenger, anyone can advice on the type to go for?

i cant find the car manual to find out.

i was gonna go for the middle one, 'premium' iirc.
 
87 is fine and won't do any damage certainly although 89 recommended.

FUEL REQUIREMENTS
3.6L And 5.7L Engine (With Automatic Transmission)

The 3.6L and 5.7L engine (with automatic transmission) is designed to meet all emissions regulations and provide satisfactory fuel economy and performance when using high-quality unleaded gasoline having an octane range of 87 to 89. The manufacturer recommends the use of 89 octane for optimum performance. The use of premium gasoline is not recommended, as it will not provide any benefit over regular gasoline in these engines
 
going to be fueling up for the first time today i think, got a 5 hour drive to monterey so best fill it.

i notice that there are 3 type.

we have a dodge challenger, anyone can advice on the type to go for?

i cant find the car manual to find out.

i was gonna go for the middle one, 'premium' iirc.

It's a rental. Just put the lowest grade in, it'll be fine anyway.

Even 85 (some places) will be fine.

Enjoy Monterey, it's great. I would also recommend checking out Point Lobos State Park a bit further down, and Carmel / Carmel Beach is very nice too.
 
i went with the middle one, its only 20c more per gallon.

had a great drive down from santa barbara to monterey, some coast bit of inland, looked like we were in wrong turn.
 
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I am currently using 91 in my rental. It doesn't like the lower grades which is annoying.

Especially as it was $1.53 a litre in British Columbia!
 
what are you driving fox?


i have to say i was desperate for a convertable mustang, but im so glad we didnt get one.

we got to the rental at about 7:30pm and was told they were all taken but we could wait for one if we wanted, he said something like 30-40 mins and one might come in.

we waited about 20 mins but nothing came in, then the guy came over and said he had a challenger we could have and could come back the next day and pick up a convertable as they tend to stock them up 12-6am.

so we did this.

when we got to our first hotel there were 3 convertable mustangs and 2 chevys in the car park.

the next day when we went looking for the walk of fame in LA i must have seen 10-15 mustangs.

i decided to keep the challenger because that day we saw maybe 40 mustangs and not 1 challenger.

now 5 days in all we see is mustang and chevys. i think ive seen 2 challengers.

they are so common and would not feel special because where ever you park there are 5 or 6 more just like yours.
 
Tell you what else is great - being able to buy fuel from gas stations on the highway without getting conned. Same price as in the city. It seems it really is only the UK where service stations totally rip you off.
 
I'm thinking about California for my holiday next year. Fly into LAX, then go to San Diego, San Francisco, Napa Valley, Chico, Las Vegas then back out of LAX. Probably looking at around 3 weeks altogether. How much would car hire cost? We like the idea of a convertible but if a saloon is much cheaper I'd just go for that. And what would the fuel prices be like? I recall a previous thread by Fox about this, but can't remember how much he said it all cost. I'd be very interested to hear about anyones budget so I can get a rough idea.

The trip is very much in it's infancy, but it's something I'm very keen on. I'd be 25.
 
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I'm thinking about California for my holiday next year. Fly into LAX, then go to San Diego, San Francisco, Napa Valley, Chico, Las Vegas then back out of LAX. Probably looking at around 3 weeks altogether. How much would car hire cost? We like the idea of a convertible but if a saloon is much cheaper I'd just go for that. And what would the fuel prices be like? I recall a previous thread by Fox about this, but can't remember how much he said it all cost. I'd be very interested to hear about anyones budget so I can get a rough idea.

The trip is very much in it's infancy, but it's something I'm very keen on. I'd be 25.

I sent you a reply in your other thread, but this one seems more car centric so I'll just reply here too.

Being 25 will help out a lot for car costs. Fuel could range from ~$3.60 (Vegas area) up to over $4 per gallon. Go for a convertible if you haven't done it before, it's great on Highway 1.
 
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