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City Guide - Seattle - Road | ||
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Road The USA has a good network of Interstate highways (eg I-90) and state highways (eg US-169). Interstates highways going east-west have even numbers and those going north-south have odd numbers. Speed limits are 32kph (20mph) in school zones, 40kph (25mph) in urban streets, 80kph (50mph) on county roads and 97kph (60mph) on state highways. Parts of interstate highways may be posted with higher maximum speeds. All valid national licences are acceptable, however, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is preferred. US insurance is mandatory and can be purchased at customs points or from the car hire company. The minimum driving age is 16 years and cars drive on the right. Seat belts are required for the driver and all passengers. Left turns can be made at a steady green traffic light unless there is a sign prohibiting it, but oncoming traffic has the right of way. Turning right is possible on a red light, but it is necessary to come to a full stop first and to make sure there is no sign prohibiting turns on a red light. A flashing red traffic light is the same as a stop sign; which means that it is necessary to come to a full stop and proceed when safe. The maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio for driving is 0.08%. The American Automobile Association (AAA; tel: (800) 222 1333) 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: Seattle is served by two major interstate highways. I-5 goes south to Portland and San Francisco (California), and north to the Canadian border and Vancouver (British Columbia). I-90 links Seattle with central and eastern Washington State, passing through Spokane on its way to Chicago and Boston (Massachusetts). Driving times to Seattle: From Portland - 3 hours; Vancouver, Canada - 3 hours; Spokane - 6 hours. Coach services: Greyhound (tel: (206) 628 5526 or (800) 231 2222, toll free in the USA and Canada; website: www.greyhound.com) operates from the bus station located downtown at 811 Stewart Street. The facilities are minimal but include 24-hour ticketing, left-luggage and a snack bar. Greyhound buses go to hundreds of destinations around the USA as well as in Canada and Mexico. |