Rules for Driving in San Francisco

Stay safe in your San Francisco car hire with our guide to the rules for driving in San Francisco.

 
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Stay safe and on the right side of the law in San Francisco with our useful guide to the “dos and don’ts” of San Francisco car hire.

Driving in San Francisco is exactly the same as in Britain; be careful in San Francisco, and obey the law.

The biggest difference between driving in San Francisco and in Britain is the fact that people in San Francisco drive on the "wrong" side of the road. In San Francisco, for the first couple of miles of San Francisco car hire this can feel strange, so stick to quiet San Francisco roads until you're used to it.

Most people arrange automatic car hire in San Francisco, as not using the gears makes driving easier in San Francisco.

Speed Limits in San Francisco

On Interstate roads around San Francisco, speed limits are between 55 and 75 mph. In San Francisco itself, speed limits are around 45mph. Speed limits in San Francisco are posted along the side of all roads. In San Francisco if you break the speed limit, the San Francisco police can fine you on the spot.

Drink Driving in San Francisco

Drink driving is a serious offence in San Francisco, and conviction results in a fine and prison. In San Francisco, you can have some alcohol before driving in San Francisco, but you shouldn't drink before driving. If you crash in San Francisco whilst under the influence, your insurance won't be valid.

General hints for driving your hire car in San Francisco

  • In San Francisco, drive on the right, and overtake on the left. In San Francisco, "undertaking" is a traffic offence, and is punished with a fine.
  • If in San Francisco you see a school bus stop in San Francisco to pick up or drop off, wait for it to continue before passing.
  • In San Francisco you must always wear a seat belt while driving in San Francisco.
  • When approaching a junction on an Interstate near San Francisco, don't slow down until you have entered the "deceleration lane".
  • In San Francisco if you approach a set of traffic lights on red in San Francisco, you can turn right if the traffic is clear.
  • Speed limits and distances on signs in San Francisco are in miles, and petrol is sold in gallons at all San Francisco fuel stations.
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