Driving in Minnesota

There are some different expectations if you choose to drive a car here as compared to some other parts of the world. I'll describe the ones I've noticed. Note that if you drive in Minneapolis the same as they drive in Greece or Macedonia, you will get into accidents.

Lanes

It is assumed you will stay in your lane except for lane changes. Stick to the middle of the lane and do not crowd the cars on either side.

Lane Sharing

There is no "lane sharing" here. Motorcycles must drive as if they were as wide as a car. Exceptions for motorcycles traveling together -- they can ride side by side if they want. But cars must give a motorcycle the same respect they would give another car, and motorcycles must do the same.

Lane Changes

You should signal your lane changes, although people tend to be sloppy about this. The lane must be clear. In some parts of the world, cars move out of your way if you start to change lanes. In the US, that's not how it works. There must be a big enough slot for your car to fit without causing the other cars to make room for you.

A proper lane change involves turning on your signal, then moving cleanly into an available slot in the next lane. Do not expect anyone to get out of your way if you begin a lane change when there isn't sufficient room.

Jerks of the Road

You will encounter jerks -- people who will close a gap you were trying to move into. It is your responsibility to avoid an accident with these people, regardless of how rude they were.

Road Conditions

Road conditions in the winter will be irregular. Make sure to leave extra room to stop. Avoid following other cars too closely. The roads could be clear and dry for miles around, but there can still be spots of ice.

This can be especially true on the freeways after a bad rush hour. The moisture from the car exhaust can settle on the freeway and freeze, causing "black ice".

Car Sizes and Other Differences

Cars are bigger here than most of the rest of the world. Stopping distances are greater even in perfect conditions. You will encounter cars you can't see around, making it harder to anticipate what they are going to do. And you can expect to also encounter a variety of large vehicles such as delivery trucks, road equipment, and the like.

Speed limits and the spedometer are measured in Miles per Hour. If you look down and see you're doing 30, that's 30 MPH, or about 50 KPH. Speeds in residential areas should be 25-30 MPH. The speed limit is 30 MPH, but remember that children play in our yards and can pop out onto the street with little warning.

School Buses

It is illegal to pass a school bus that has it's "stop" arm extended. Traffic in both directions must come to a stop and wait.

Headlights in Rain

If your windshield wipers are being used, you must have your headlights on. Minnesota state law. You can use the wipers to clean the windows, but if the wipers are on constantly due to conditions, you also need your headlights. Some people always just leave their headlights on. Motorcycles must have their headlights on at all times.