Out-of-State Drivers
Out-of-State Drivers: What You Need to Know
Driving laws can vary a lot from state to state. So what happens when you’re driving outside of your home state? Can you get in trouble for breaking another state’s laws, even if you didn’t know about them? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Ignorance of the law is no excuse.
When you cross state lines in your car, you are subject to that state’s driving laws. Even if something is legal in your home state, if it’s illegal where you’re driving, you can be pulled over and ticketed. Some common examples include differences in speed limits, cell phone usage, window tinting, license plate display, and U-turns.
For instance, the speed limit on interstate highways ranges from 60 mph in Hawaii to 85 mph in parts of Texas. In New Hampshire, drivers can use handheld cell phones while driving, but that’s illegal in many other states. And in Alabama, your license plate can only be displayed horizontally, while other states require vertical display. Who can keep track of all these variations!
Out-of-state drivers may also be unaware of less obvious laws like “keep right except to pass” policies, restrictions on truck lanes, and required use of headlights in rain or fog. Even parking regulations like meters, permit zones, and time limits can catch visitors off guard.
Nothing is more frustrating than getting a ticket for something you didn’t know was against the law. Unfortunately, when it comes to driving, ignorance is no excuse. Here’s what out-of-state drivers need to know to avoid fines:
Research Driving Laws Before You Go
The best way to avoid issues is to do your homework before driving in a new state. Look up that state’s official DMV website for a summary of major driving laws and differences from your home state. Jot down a checklist of things to be aware of like speed limits, cell phone rules, license plate position, seat belt requirements, texting laws, and fines for common violations.
Follow All Posted Signs and Signals
Scan the road closely for posted signs and signals indicating variations in speed limits, lane restrictions, turning rules, and other regulations. Some states require headlights to be used whenever you are operating windshield wipers. So if it starts raining, don’t assume you can leave your headlights off. When in doubt, flip them on to be safe.
Ask Passengers if Unsure
If you are driving with passengers who live in the state you are visiting, ask them to point out laws and customs that are different from your home state. Locals can clue you in to things like when u-turns are legal or where radar enforcement is heavy. They’ll know the unwritten rules of the road that visitors may not pick up on.
Adjust Your Driving Accordingly
You’ll need to adapt your driving habits to comply with each state’s laws. That means obeying posted speed limits (even if they seem unusually slow or fast compared to what you’re used to), putting phones away if handheld use is banned, and not doing rolling stops if they are prohibited. Better to play it safe than sorry.
Watch for Signs Near State Borders
Pay extra attention as you approach state borders where laws may change suddenly. Watch for signs indicating shifts in speed limits, seat belt requirements, cell phone rules and other driving regulations. For instance, the speed limit may drop dramatically as you cross from one state into another.
Research Local Parking Rules
Before parking on city streets, take a moment to verify parking signs, meters, time limits and residential permit requirements. Some cities ban overnight parking on certain streets or have alternate side parking rules. Save yourself the headache of an unexpected parking ticket.
Confirm You Have Proper Insurance
Make sure your auto insurance policy provides adequate coverage for all states you will be driving through. Some states require visiting drivers to have proof of liability insurance at minimum levels. And keep your proof of insurance card handy in your glove box.
Get License and Registration in Order
Double check that your driver’s license, vehicle registration, license plates, inspection stickers, and other paperwork are up to date. You don’t want to get slapped with citations for expired or missing documents while out of state.