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| Home > City Guide - Nashville - Getting There By Road | ||
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Getting There By Road The USA has a network of Interstates – designated by the letter ‘I’ on a blue sign – and highways – designated by ‘HWY’ on a black and white sign – with a corresponding number, as in I440 or I65. Driving in the United States is on the right. The roads in and around Nashville are generally good, although there are plenty of back roads in Tennessee that are not always smooth rides. The speed limit on interstates and freeways is 105kph (65mph), while most other highways have a speed limit of 89kph (55mph). In the city, the speed limit varies between 40-72kph (25-45mph). Drink-driving regulations are strictly enforced and the maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio for driving is 0.10%. For UK nationals, a full UK driving licence is sufficient to drive in the USA. Other nationalities are required to have an International Driving Permit, accompanied by a full driving licence from their home country. In Tennessee, the minimum age for driving is 16 years. Tennessee is one of the few states in the USA that does not require cars to be insured. This is obviously not recommended, however. Visitors are encouraged to seek insurance, as expenses incurred through accidents, particularly medical expenses, are very high. Seatbelts are compulsory for the driver and all passengers. Children under the age of five years must sit in the rear in an approved child safety harness. The American Automobile Association (tel: (800) 222 1333) provides 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: Main routes from Nashville are Highway 40 east to Knoxville and the Appalachian Mountains and west to Memphis. Highway 65 runs north towards Louisville and south to Birmingham. Highway 24 runs southeast to Chattanooga and northwest to Paducah. Driving times to the city: From Chattanooga– 2 hours 30 minutes; Louisville – 3 hours 30 minutes; Knoxville – 3 hours 30 minutes; Memphis – 4 hours. Coach services: Greyhound (tel: (615) 255 3556 or (800) 231 2222; website: www.greyhound.com) operates national bus services out of their terminal at 200 Eighth Avenue South. Facilities at the terminal are basic. Regular nation-wide services include eight departures per day to Memphis and nine to New Orleans. |
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