Driving/Traffic Rules for Non Residents, who have traveled to USA
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Driver's License
Obtaining a driver's license is very essential. It not only gives you rights and permissions to drive but also acts as a Personal Identification Card just like SSN but with your photo and origin. In your day to day activity this will become an official identity license and termed to be your Photo Id. In most cases you are asked to show your DL for identification.
“Driving in India is hectic!”
This is the common sentiment of foreigners in India and even NRIs who return to India. It is only once we experience something different and have a reference point of comparison, we realize what the actual differences are. These few traffic and pedestrian rules may not be followed in many parts of India, and will be useful from a safety standpoint when coming to the USA.
But when you come to USA, Driving is such a important part of your life, as here there are no other easy source of traveling.
Things you can do when you are coming from India on H1 visa H4 visa B1 B2 L1 L2
First : Get a International Driving Permit:- The moment you land in USA if you have IDP then you can rent and drive a car ( this is temporary for first 180 days).
Second : Get Indian 4 wheeler driving license:- This is a important asset as after completing the 1st part of you knowledge test with DMV in US you can show you Indian license and get a valid US license ( There are some rules applied to this like the name should match to you pass port, the state should be recognized like if it is Mumbai, Bangalore,Delhi
Its easy for them to give you US license...it happens in NJ, so you can avoid (behind the wheels/)road test.
For H4 people there H1 should always be there that is the dependent cant go alone there they need the primary visa holder there present physically.
Third : Get all of your documents as they refer here as 6 points verification documents.
Pay the fees click a pic with them then go for knowledge test.(This process is there irrespective you have driving license or not).
For DMV, you need 6 points verification, based on states.
6 Point ID Verification was designed to help prevent identity theft by ensuring that licenses are only issued with proper legal documents and verification.
Collect your 6 points documents, then go for knowledge test in there DMV center which you have to give on computer.
To prepare for the test, you can look online for sites which comes handy to practice. You can start studying for this in India itself as material is available online. Driving manual are given free in DMV and available online.
Eligibility for Driving License :
To be eligible for a driver license, you must be 18 or older. You must also:
- Have a valid ID.
- Have proof of resident.
- Provide your Social Security number/denial letter.
- Pass a vision test.
- Pass a written (knowledge) test on road, traffic, and vehicle knowledge.
- Complete a minimum of 30 days of practice driving while under a Temporary Instruction Permit.
- Pass a road skills test. (If you have a valid out-of-state license, this requirement may be waived.)
- Pay the appropriate fees.
Knowledge Test :
Practice well online now when you go for this test you can keep applying free till you clear, they have 50 questions and you need to pass by 40 answers,and no time limit.
TIP : Keep skipping the question which you are doubtful about, as it will be asked later to you, and you have sufficient time to think about later.
Once you pass the knowledge (written) test then they will check you eye then, it depends they ask you for road test or give you license in exchange of your Indian license.
If they ask you to give road test then they give you driving permit/learners license valid for 3 months,then you need to fix appointment for this regardless of location and time, you can choose of your own...can book then and there or can do it
online.
For road test you will get the earliest date after 2weeks of your knowledge test, so book some teacher who will charge you 40-80$ per hr, it helps as they take you to
place where the test is going to happen and what they would be looking at or learn from friends or relative.
Typical Road Test :
You park the car they check the car paper's, registration, the car owners license, insurance, driving permit followed by 6 points documents.
Car should be good shape.Following tests are done for it:
- Head Lights,
- Left & Right signals,
- Break lights,
- Hand breaks
- Tires
Once you sit on the driving seat, the officer shall check all your papers.
Once done, they ask you to put on left signal, right signal, put on head lights and then press the breaks.
Then the officer starts on road test with you.
See to it that you have worn you seat belts and even the officer has if not you can tell him/her to wear...they test you some times...then he will take you first for parallel parking.
If you hit the cone any time during parallel parking, your road test is over there itself, so practice nicely before you go, then he will ask you to pull out the car and ask you to do straight reverse.
Then he will ask you go out of complex where there will be 2-3 STOP signs which you have to stop for 3 sec see look then with indicators proceed.
On the road he will take you to see you control over the wheels.
Then he will take you for K turn then back to destination then will let you know whether you made it or not.
This is the general trend, but don't go by this, as it differs from county to county and states.
If you make it you get the license or follow the same process, if your permit expires then you can renew it for 3months by paying $5.
Drive safe with the following rules on that day 1st thing the will take little while, but you will be fine.
DRIVING TIPS
Always Wear Your Seat Belt
If you are a driver or front seat passenger, always wear your seat belt. There are fines for getting caught not wearing it. If you get in an accident and don’t wear it, your car insurance will increase. Each state has different rules for the ages of the backseat drivers having to wear seat belts. Many states have a rule of under age 13 have to wear a seat belt. Children under particular heights and weights have to use booster seats. Infants and toddlers must use car seats. It’s illegal to place booster seats or car seats in the passenger seat.
Do not Overcrowd Your Car
The number of passengers in a car is limited to the number of seat belts available. Do not exceed this number.
Follow the Speed Limit
Speed limits are clearly noted on signs. Unlike some places in India where different vehicles have different speed limits, this would be rare or non-existent in US. Every vehicle is treated equally. The speed limit for one vehicle applies to all vehicles. Some areas may have a minimum speed limit. Exceeding the maximum speed limit or driving below the minimum speed limit can get you ticketed. Also beware of speed limit changes in construction and school zones. Breaking the law in these areas is more serious on various levels depending on the state you are in.
Stop Fully at all Stop Signs and Red Lights
In some areas of India people come to a rolling stop at red lights and stop signs. Though this can happen in US, take note that many intersections in cities may have traffic cameras recording your movements and especially noting your license plate number. All they have to do is look up your license plate number and send you a ticket in the mail!
Do NOT Pass School Buses with Flashing Red Lights
A school bus has two colored flashing lights. The first color to flash is orange to warn you to slow down, soon the door will open and kids will get out. The second color light to flash is red. Red means STOP. If you pass a school bus with flashing red lights from ANY side, you will get ticketed and in some states you can be put into jail.
Only Pass on the LEFT side
Unlike in India where you can pass (overtake) on either side going in the same direction; in US we can only pass on the LEFT. It’s illegal to pass on the right. The right side is often called the ‘shoulder’ or the ‘side of the road.’ The shoulder or side of the road is not meant for driving.
Use the Shoulder for Intended Uses
The shoulder of the road, a concept not readily understood within most areas of India, is common on US roads. The shoulder is the area of the road extending past the white line and to the unpaved ground. The shoulder is reserved for emergencies. If your car breaks down, ‘pull over’ or move your car to the side of the road. If you need to make a cell (mobile) phone call, pull into the shoulder. (It is illegal to talk on your phone and drive in most states and you can get heavily fined and have points on your license which effects your driving record; which can increase your car insurance).
Pull Out Into the Road F-A-S-T
In India people have a habit of slowing inching into the traffic. This is not a common practice in most areas of US. People already driving on the road will not give you way to get in. They are already driving fast. If you pull out slowly and they hit you, you are at fault and you will be liable to pay any damages from the accident, and your car insurance premiums will increase.
Use Your Blinker
Blinker is known as indicator among many Indians. Always use your blinker when turning into traffic. I knew a person in US who was parked on the side of the road, and when pulling out into traffic was hit. Since they had not put their blinker on to indicate to the driver behind they were pulling out, they were at fault. They had to pay damages to the other driver to fix their car and their insurance premiums went up. Unlike some places in India, it is not required to use your four way flashers to indicate you are going straight. No indicator at all is required if you are going straight.
Use Four Way Flashers for Indicating a Problem
If your car is not working properly and you have to driver slower than most drivers on the road, put on your four way flashers. This indicates to others driving up quickly behind you that you are going slower. If you are unable to keep up with the traffic and there is a shoulder, it’s appropriate to drive short distances in the shoulder with your four way flashers on.
Give Right of Way
Some of the tips I have already given in this post teach about right of way. There are many rules for giving the right of way. This page will give you more information. Take note that giving right of way is not only important for other drivers but pedestrians also.
Yield to Pedestrians
Pedestrians are, by law, to cross in designated crosswalks. When approaching a cross-walk in a car, slow down. If anyone is walking in the cross-walk stop completely and let them cross. If a driver hits a pedestrian in a cross-walk, that’s a major offense; the driver is at fault. However, in most cases hitting a pedestrian outside a crosswalk, though punishable, the punishment will also fall on the pedestrian for breaking the law and not crossing in the cross-walk. (Those not crossing in the cross-walk are considered ‘jaywalking’. This is an offense in most cities; punishable by high fines and in rare cases, jail time.)
“Looking Both Ways Before Crossing”
Whether driving or walking, Americans are taught to ‘look both ways’ before crossing the road or making a turn. Assure that you do this to keep yourself safe. This video on right of way and making left turns sums up this point nicely.
Parking Rules
In India, people seem to park their car in any open place, and double and triple park in some cases without penalty (that I have seen, maybe there is in places I haven’t seen). Parking on many roads would be done on the side of the road or in the shoulder. On major highways and toll-roads parking on the side of the road is generally prohibited. Parking on bridges is also illegal in many areas. Double or triple parking seen in cities is done by delivery people, but if normal drivers do it, they are ticketed and it can weigh against their car insurance and points on their driver license. Also assure where you park in cities is allowable and look for any tolls that need to be paid. Some cities stagger parking- parking on one side of the road is allowed one day, and on the other side of the road the other day. Carry dimes and quarters for parking meters and parking fee booths. Some sophisticated meters may allow credit cards. Not all parking garages will allow payments in credit card. Take note that many cities have ‘traffic police’- cops specifically assigned to check parking meters and ticket those who do not comply to the parking rules and fees.
Car Insurance
Always, always maintain car insurance. Its mandated by some states like New Jersey to have insurance. Do not let it lapse; and when visiting India do not cancel it. In many states a car without car insurance is considered illegal. Many Desi's rent apartments or homes, in most states keeping an uninsured car on others property is considered illegal. It has been known that landlords, when they find out about uninsured and unregistered cars will get them towed away. Sometimes the owner can recover the car, sometimes they cannot. Each state has different rules regarding this. Find out at your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
In USA, you can approach Insurance providers for your Auto Insurance. Few of them are listed below :
- GEICO
- Progressive
- AllState
- Liberty Mutual
- StateFarm
...
Also, some wholesale clubs as listed below, provide insurance coverages, such as :
- Sams Club
- Costco
- BJ's
I know there are a LOT more driving and road safety rules I can share with you to keep you NRIs safe in USA, but these are the main ones that come to my mind now.
Related link:
www.dmv.org: Official website to know about how to get a drivers license. You will find all the information related to what you need to do to get a drivers license. Select the state where you are going to be and it will give all the details about the requirements for obtaining license for that state.
Drive safe!
Thank you for reading..!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Driver's License
Obtaining a driver's license is very essential. It not only gives you rights and permissions to drive but also acts as a Personal Identification Card just like SSN but with your photo and origin. In your day to day activity this will become an official identity license and termed to be your Photo Id. In most cases you are asked to show your DL for identification.
“Driving in India is hectic!”
This is the common sentiment of foreigners in India and even NRIs who return to India. It is only once we experience something different and have a reference point of comparison, we realize what the actual differences are. These few traffic and pedestrian rules may not be followed in many parts of India, and will be useful from a safety standpoint when coming to the USA.
But when you come to USA, Driving is such a important part of your life, as here there are no other easy source of traveling.
Things you can do when you are coming from India on H1 visa H4 visa B1 B2 L1 L2
First : Get a International Driving Permit:- The moment you land in USA if you have IDP then you can rent and drive a car ( this is temporary for first 180 days).
Second : Get Indian 4 wheeler driving license:- This is a important asset as after completing the 1st part of you knowledge test with DMV in US you can show you Indian license and get a valid US license ( There are some rules applied to this like the name should match to you pass port, the state should be recognized like if it is Mumbai, Bangalore,Delhi
Its easy for them to give you US license...it happens in NJ, so you can avoid (behind the wheels/)road test.
For H4 people there H1 should always be there that is the dependent cant go alone there they need the primary visa holder there present physically.
Third : Get all of your documents as they refer here as 6 points verification documents.
Pay the fees click a pic with them then go for knowledge test.(This process is there irrespective you have driving license or not).
For DMV, you need 6 points verification, based on states.
6 Point ID Verification was designed to help prevent identity theft by ensuring that licenses are only issued with proper legal documents and verification.
Collect your 6 points documents, then go for knowledge test in there DMV center which you have to give on computer.
To prepare for the test, you can look online for sites which comes handy to practice. You can start studying for this in India itself as material is available online. Driving manual are given free in DMV and available online.
Eligibility for Driving License :
To be eligible for a driver license, you must be 18 or older. You must also:
- Have a valid ID.
- Have proof of resident.
- Provide your Social Security number/denial letter.
- Pass a vision test.
- Pass a written (knowledge) test on road, traffic, and vehicle knowledge.
- Complete a minimum of 30 days of practice driving while under a Temporary Instruction Permit.
- Pass a road skills test. (If you have a valid out-of-state license, this requirement may be waived.)
- Pay the appropriate fees.
Knowledge Test :
Practice well online now when you go for this test you can keep applying free till you clear, they have 50 questions and you need to pass by 40 answers,and no time limit.
TIP : Keep skipping the question which you are doubtful about, as it will be asked later to you, and you have sufficient time to think about later.
Once you pass the knowledge (written) test then they will check you eye then, it depends they ask you for road test or give you license in exchange of your Indian license.
If they ask you to give road test then they give you driving permit/learners license valid for 3 months,then you need to fix appointment for this regardless of location and time, you can choose of your own...can book then and there or can do it
online.
For road test you will get the earliest date after 2weeks of your knowledge test, so book some teacher who will charge you 40-80$ per hr, it helps as they take you to
place where the test is going to happen and what they would be looking at or learn from friends or relative.
Typical Road Test :
You park the car they check the car paper's, registration, the car owners license, insurance, driving permit followed by 6 points documents.
Car should be good shape.Following tests are done for it:
- Head Lights,
- Left & Right signals,
- Break lights,
- Hand breaks
- Tires
Once you sit on the driving seat, the officer shall check all your papers.
Once done, they ask you to put on left signal, right signal, put on head lights and then press the breaks.
Then the officer starts on road test with you.
See to it that you have worn you seat belts and even the officer has if not you can tell him/her to wear...they test you some times...then he will take you first for parallel parking.
If you hit the cone any time during parallel parking, your road test is over there itself, so practice nicely before you go, then he will ask you to pull out the car and ask you to do straight reverse.
Then he will ask you go out of complex where there will be 2-3 STOP signs which you have to stop for 3 sec see look then with indicators proceed.
On the road he will take you to see you control over the wheels.
Then he will take you for K turn then back to destination then will let you know whether you made it or not.
This is the general trend, but don't go by this, as it differs from county to county and states.
If you make it you get the license or follow the same process, if your permit expires then you can renew it for 3months by paying $5.
Drive safe with the following rules on that day 1st thing the will take little while, but you will be fine.
DRIVING TIPS
Always Wear Your Seat Belt
If you are a driver or front seat passenger, always wear your seat belt. There are fines for getting caught not wearing it. If you get in an accident and don’t wear it, your car insurance will increase. Each state has different rules for the ages of the backseat drivers having to wear seat belts. Many states have a rule of under age 13 have to wear a seat belt. Children under particular heights and weights have to use booster seats. Infants and toddlers must use car seats. It’s illegal to place booster seats or car seats in the passenger seat.
Do not Overcrowd Your Car
The number of passengers in a car is limited to the number of seat belts available. Do not exceed this number.
Follow the Speed Limit
Speed limits are clearly noted on signs. Unlike some places in India where different vehicles have different speed limits, this would be rare or non-existent in US. Every vehicle is treated equally. The speed limit for one vehicle applies to all vehicles. Some areas may have a minimum speed limit. Exceeding the maximum speed limit or driving below the minimum speed limit can get you ticketed. Also beware of speed limit changes in construction and school zones. Breaking the law in these areas is more serious on various levels depending on the state you are in.
Stop Fully at all Stop Signs and Red Lights
In some areas of India people come to a rolling stop at red lights and stop signs. Though this can happen in US, take note that many intersections in cities may have traffic cameras recording your movements and especially noting your license plate number. All they have to do is look up your license plate number and send you a ticket in the mail!
Do NOT Pass School Buses with Flashing Red Lights
A school bus has two colored flashing lights. The first color to flash is orange to warn you to slow down, soon the door will open and kids will get out. The second color light to flash is red. Red means STOP. If you pass a school bus with flashing red lights from ANY side, you will get ticketed and in some states you can be put into jail.
Only Pass on the LEFT side
Unlike in India where you can pass (overtake) on either side going in the same direction; in US we can only pass on the LEFT. It’s illegal to pass on the right. The right side is often called the ‘shoulder’ or the ‘side of the road.’ The shoulder or side of the road is not meant for driving.
Use the Shoulder for Intended Uses
The shoulder of the road, a concept not readily understood within most areas of India, is common on US roads. The shoulder is the area of the road extending past the white line and to the unpaved ground. The shoulder is reserved for emergencies. If your car breaks down, ‘pull over’ or move your car to the side of the road. If you need to make a cell (mobile) phone call, pull into the shoulder. (It is illegal to talk on your phone and drive in most states and you can get heavily fined and have points on your license which effects your driving record; which can increase your car insurance).
Pull Out Into the Road F-A-S-T
In India people have a habit of slowing inching into the traffic. This is not a common practice in most areas of US. People already driving on the road will not give you way to get in. They are already driving fast. If you pull out slowly and they hit you, you are at fault and you will be liable to pay any damages from the accident, and your car insurance premiums will increase.
Use Your Blinker
Blinker is known as indicator among many Indians. Always use your blinker when turning into traffic. I knew a person in US who was parked on the side of the road, and when pulling out into traffic was hit. Since they had not put their blinker on to indicate to the driver behind they were pulling out, they were at fault. They had to pay damages to the other driver to fix their car and their insurance premiums went up. Unlike some places in India, it is not required to use your four way flashers to indicate you are going straight. No indicator at all is required if you are going straight.
Use Four Way Flashers for Indicating a Problem
If your car is not working properly and you have to driver slower than most drivers on the road, put on your four way flashers. This indicates to others driving up quickly behind you that you are going slower. If you are unable to keep up with the traffic and there is a shoulder, it’s appropriate to drive short distances in the shoulder with your four way flashers on.
Give Right of Way
Some of the tips I have already given in this post teach about right of way. There are many rules for giving the right of way. This page will give you more information. Take note that giving right of way is not only important for other drivers but pedestrians also.
Yield to Pedestrians
Pedestrians are, by law, to cross in designated crosswalks. When approaching a cross-walk in a car, slow down. If anyone is walking in the cross-walk stop completely and let them cross. If a driver hits a pedestrian in a cross-walk, that’s a major offense; the driver is at fault. However, in most cases hitting a pedestrian outside a crosswalk, though punishable, the punishment will also fall on the pedestrian for breaking the law and not crossing in the cross-walk. (Those not crossing in the cross-walk are considered ‘jaywalking’. This is an offense in most cities; punishable by high fines and in rare cases, jail time.)
“Looking Both Ways Before Crossing”
Whether driving or walking, Americans are taught to ‘look both ways’ before crossing the road or making a turn. Assure that you do this to keep yourself safe. This video on right of way and making left turns sums up this point nicely.
Parking Rules
In India, people seem to park their car in any open place, and double and triple park in some cases without penalty (that I have seen, maybe there is in places I haven’t seen). Parking on many roads would be done on the side of the road or in the shoulder. On major highways and toll-roads parking on the side of the road is generally prohibited. Parking on bridges is also illegal in many areas. Double or triple parking seen in cities is done by delivery people, but if normal drivers do it, they are ticketed and it can weigh against their car insurance and points on their driver license. Also assure where you park in cities is allowable and look for any tolls that need to be paid. Some cities stagger parking- parking on one side of the road is allowed one day, and on the other side of the road the other day. Carry dimes and quarters for parking meters and parking fee booths. Some sophisticated meters may allow credit cards. Not all parking garages will allow payments in credit card. Take note that many cities have ‘traffic police’- cops specifically assigned to check parking meters and ticket those who do not comply to the parking rules and fees.
Car Insurance
Always, always maintain car insurance. Its mandated by some states like New Jersey to have insurance. Do not let it lapse; and when visiting India do not cancel it. In many states a car without car insurance is considered illegal. Many Desi's rent apartments or homes, in most states keeping an uninsured car on others property is considered illegal. It has been known that landlords, when they find out about uninsured and unregistered cars will get them towed away. Sometimes the owner can recover the car, sometimes they cannot. Each state has different rules regarding this. Find out at your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
In USA, you can approach Insurance providers for your Auto Insurance. Few of them are listed below :
- GEICO
- Progressive
- AllState
- Liberty Mutual
- StateFarm
...
Also, some wholesale clubs as listed below, provide insurance coverages, such as :
- Sams Club
- Costco
- BJ's
I know there are a LOT more driving and road safety rules I can share with you to keep you NRIs safe in USA, but these are the main ones that come to my mind now.
Related link:
www.dmv.org: Official website to know about how to get a drivers license. You will find all the information related to what you need to do to get a drivers license. Select the state where you are going to be and it will give all the details about the requirements for obtaining license for that state.
Drive safe!
Thank you for reading..!!
This post first appeared on Settle In America : The Complete Guide For Settlin, please read the originial post: here
