World Travel Guide

City Guide  - San Francisco  - Road
Road

All 50 states have their own traffic rules and regulations, although there is generally little difference. Some states, for instance, require lights during rain. Drivers should check with car hire companies before setting out. National Interstate Highways can only be entered or exited at specific interchanges and have even numbers east to west (I-8 near the Mexican border), and odd numbers north to south. Tolls on roads, bridges and tunnels are commonplace. The minimum age for driving in California is 18 years, although it is 16 years in other states. English-language licences are generally accepted, although an International Driving Permit may be required. The maximum speed limit is 110kmh (65mph) on the Interstate unless otherwise posted, although drivers go faster, especially on the West Coast. Seatbelts must be worn by everyone in the car and under 12s must be seated in the back. Drivers can turn right at a red light if the way is clear. The maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio for driving is 0.08%.

The American Automobile Association (AAA; tel: (800) 222 1333 or (415) 565 2012) can provide information, and may offer reciprocal benefits to members of automobile clubs in other countries.

Emergency breakdown service:
AAA (800) AAA HELP or 222 4357

Routes to the city: Major highways are the scenic coast road, Route 1, which comes into the city from both Los Angeles in the south and the north; Route 101, the north-south thoroughfare; Route 80, the transcontinental highway from the east via Salt Lake City; and Interstate 5, which stretches to Seattle in the north and San Diego in the south.

Driving times to San Francisco: From Sausalito - 20 minutes; Santa Cruz - 2 hours; Monterey - 2 hours 30 minutes; Lake Tahoe - 4 hours; Los Angeles - 8 hours.

Coach services: Greyhound (tel: (800) 229 9424; website: www.greyhound.com) provides the most extensive bus service throughout the USA. The station is the Transbay Terminal, 425 Mission Street, South of Market (tel: (415) 495 1569; fax: (415) 495 1560). Regular long-distance services include Los Angeles (10 hours), Seattle (21 hours), Lake Tahoe (8 hours).



Copyright © 2001 Columbus Publishing
    
GENERAL
City Overview
City Statistics
Cost of Living
 
GETTING THERE
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Water
Road
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GETTING AROUND
Getting Around
 
BUSINESS
Business
 
SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing
Key Attractions
Further Distractions
Tours of the City
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ENTERTAINMENT
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Culture
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