World Travel Guide

City Guide  - New Orleans  - Road
Road

Traffic in the United States drives on the right. For UK nationals, a full UK driving licence is sufficient. Other nationalities are required to have an International Driving Permit, but it must be accompanied by a full driving licence from their home country. The minimum driving age is 21 years. Speed limits are generally 48kph (30mph) in town, 88kph (55mph) on highways and 105kph (65mph) on the interstate highways, unless otherwise posted. The minimum age for driving is 16 years. The wearing of seatbelts in a private vehicle is mandatory. Children under four years must be protected in car seats. Louisiana has strict laws against drinking and driving, and driving while intoxicated is cause for arrest and a criminal charge. Drunk driving laws are strictly enforced. The maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio is 0.10%. Open containers of alcoholic beverages are not permitted in vehicles.

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: Interstate 10 heads west to Houston (Texas) and Los Angeles (California), and east to Mobile (Alabama) and Jacksonville (Florida). I-55 heads north to Memphis, St Louis (Missouri) and Chicago. I-59 connects New Orleans to Birmingham (Alabama) and Chattanooga (Tennessee). Note that the exit for the French Quarter is marked 'Vieux Carré'.

Driving times to New Orleans: From Baton Rouge - 1 hour 35 minutes; Jackson (Mississippi) - 3 hours 45 minutes; Shreveport - 6 hours 45 minutes.

Coach services: Greyhound buses arrive at the Union Passenger Terminal (shared with rail services), 1001 Loyola Avenue (tel: (800) 231 2222, toll free in the USA and Canada). Facilities include a tourist information booth and café. There are frequent services to Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Memphis and Mobile.



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