Rules for Driving in Washington DC

Stay safe in your Washington DC car hire with our guide to the rules for driving in Washington DC.

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

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

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

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

Speed Limits in Washington DC

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

Drink Driving in Washington DC

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

General hints for driving your hire car in Washington DC

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