The era of the classic road trip may be in decline, thanks to cheap air travel and the ever increasing price of petrol, but there are still some travel destinations that are best experienced from the driver’s seat.

If you desire an inspired journey through some of the most beautiful and varied natural landscapes in the United States, then start planning your California road trip now.

But before you jet out there and hire a '67 Mustang for some border to border action, take note of the following driving tips. The last thing you'll want is to spend you holiday cash on a fat speeding ticket.

Just travelling through, Officer

The Golden State is a petrol head’s paradise. The highways and freeways are wide enough to fit an RV or motorhome comfortably and signs are easy to follow.

California has a “Basic Speed Law”, meaning you must not drive faster than what is safe for current conditions. If your road trip takes you through hilly regions along the coast then you need to be aware that in dense fog you are responsible for driving at a safe speed, which may be lower than the official speed limit. Signs noting any changes are usually posted in the vicinity on these occasions.

The maximum speed limit on most highways is 65mph. You may drive at 70mph where posted. Within city boundaries, the speed limit is 25mph in business and residential areas unless otherwise posted and 25mph around schools.

Always keep your eyes peeled for speed limit signs as the California Highway Patrol are never far away, hiding behind billboards or lying in wait at junctions for hapless speeders. They are very intimidating men and women and not to be trifled with. If you are unlucky enough to have a member of the CHP formally welcome you to the state, please remember the following rules:

• Stay inside the car. Don’t even attempt to reach for the door handle. You will only get a shout from the policeman through his megaphone if you do so.
• Don’t say more than is needed. Cops don’t do small talk or care about your holiday plans. Limit the conversation to answering their questions and apologising profusely.
• Keep all your car hire, registration and insurance documents handy in the glove compartment where they are within easy reach of the drivers seat. And never leave the house without an appropriate drivers license.
• May be a no-brainer but make sure there are no open containers of alcohol in your vehicle. Better yet, keep all alcohol in the boot when driving.

Even though America is the promised land of the automobile, motorists are expected to follow the Golden Rule: “The pedestrian has the right of way.” So if an absent minded fellow wanders in the path of your car you are not allowed to hit him, indeed you will most likely be prosecuted if you do. Also, in the absence of a zebra crossing or crosswalk, pedestrians may cross the street at the corner with impunity.

Highways and byways

Like all states in the Union, California boasts an easy to navigate highway system that can take you quickly to where you want to go, depending on traffic conditions.

Most highways are free, but there are toll roads around some urban commuter areas.

For a list of current toll roads in northern California, see the Caltrans website and for those located in southern California, in the Los Angeles area see The Toll Roads. You are also expected to pay for the pleasure of driving along the scenic 17-mile drive, in the central coast.

For more information on the rules of the road, visit the California Department of Motor Vehicles website and check out the Driver Handbook.