The Washington, DC metro area came in the number five spot, behind Miami, New York, Boston, and Los Angeles. I hate to agree, but we do have some drivers with “anger issues”. It seems driving in the DC region can be a bit competitive at times. I’m not sure why some drivers believe when they are stuck in total gridlock and moving at less than 3 mph, that driving aggressively will get them to the destination sooner.

So that out of town visitors understand DC driving rules, here’s the Top Ten Rules for Driving in the DC Area:

1. The heavier the traffic, the closer you should tailgate the driver in front of you.  How else will they know you’re running late?
2. The speed limit on the Beltway is…wait, there is no speed limit on the Beltway.
3. Using turn signals telegraphs your next move in your personal road battle — never use them.
4. When driving on any highway, NEVER leave more than one car length (even at high speeds) between you and the car in front of you.  If you do, somebody will fill in the space.  Tailgating is a competitive sport in DC.
5. The overhead electronic traffic information signs are not there to provide useful driver information, just to make the DC region look more progressive.
6. Old Rule – The faster you drive through a red light, the lower your odds of getting hit.  New Rule – The more anti-photo reflective paint you have on your license plates, the lower your odds of getting a ticket from a red light camera.
7. Exiting the highway is properly accomplished by staying in the left lane until you are just a few feet from your the exit, then swerving violently across 3 lanes to exit.  Points taken away for using turn signals (see Rule #3 above).
8. “Accident Ahead!” warning signs inform you of problems immediately after you pass the last exit before traffic comes to a standstill.
9. If you are late to work and it’s gridlock, feel entitled to use the shoulder on any highway.
10. Metro buses do not need to follow the Rules of the Road.

Bonus Rule:  When stopping a motorist, police cars must block as much of the road as possible. Bonus points are awarded for creating major rubber-necking back-ups during rush hour.

Bonus Rule:  Suburban drivers visiting DC who haven’t parallel parked since their driver’s test should remember that parking meters are free if it takes more than three minutes to get into a parking spot.

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Post from: The DC Traveler