01-17-2018 02:11 AM
@MalarikThank you for the information, it will definitely help a lot of people here on connect
01-21-2018 04:16 PM
Aloha to all visitors,
There are numerous issues that relate to local customs, laws, and such that it is hard to generalize...so I
will explain why there are & some examples:
Why? In the USA, there are different rules & laws that can & do vary from area to area. Much of the more
general topics are based on Federal laws vs. State law. The can & do conflict, as in Marijuana rules /laws.
Since Federal Law which regards MJ as illegal, this overrides State Law. So even if someone claims that
MJ is legal for either medical purposes or recreation in any particular area, they do not understand
that Federal law supersedes this. Federal law, or other local laws, may or may not be enforced, but you
do not want to be that "exception" to a rule....especially now.
Now, if you go further, there are rules & laws that extend all the way down to one's local housing
association. For example, my small 13 unit housing association prohibits short term vacation rentals,
thus preventing us from renting a unit to a vacationer for a few days or weeks. While the owner
would be in error, there would be little to prevent the "eviction" of a vacationer. Illegal rentals are
also a problem in areas that have numerous foreclosures. If the police are notified by the bank
who owns the house, the people inside are asked to leave immediately, no matter if they paid
the "rent" to someone [who did it illegally].
In states like California, you have different laws/customs for home associations, community
groups, towns, cities, & counties. In most CA counties, most plastic bags [except Biodegradable
ones are prohibited from being sold], while there is a charge of about 10 cents or more for
paper or some plastic. So most people buy reusable bags. This is an effort to save marine
life, cut down on pollution, and is politically correct. So, while you may get a biodegradable
paper box for your take out/ or doggy bag as you have left overs from a restaurant as you
travel. You may want to pick up some good recyclable bags for all kinds of reasons. What
ever you do, do not liter. There are fines that range up to many hundreds of dollars for this...
especially on the freeway.
In areas where there are endangered species present, like on many California beaches, there
are serious laws that protect these creatures. There are some beaches near me that can fine
you thousands of dollars or even give you jail time, if you somehow trespass or disturb the
bird's habitat. So pay close attention to all signs, especially now with the gov shutdown.
There are many creatures that have hundreds of feet clearance [e.g. Seals] as provided by
local laws.
While almost all beaches ban the use of vehicles on the beach, there is a local beach
{Grover Beach} which allows one to drive vehicles on the beach, under certain rules.
That beach also allows some controlled bonfires. This is subject to change since one
of the local communities is against this, since it increases air pollution and can coat
their homes with dirt.
As you travel, in most situations, it is illegal to be in a public park or beach after dark,
drink alcohol, litter, dig holes, or even remove/ disturb sand or sea-life. Please read
all available signs & follow them. It is not OK, for your kids to take a tide-pool starfish
& put it into a bucket to play with...for example. Even if you see lots of Americans
breaking the law, that does not make it OK.
As someone else noted, there are ever more laws that limit the use of drones, fishing,
and other activities.
While gives tips in restaurants & some other venues, is more of a custom & not a law.
there are exceptions to this. Most restaurants will now post a recommended tip
at the end of the bill. That is only a recommendation & should be confused with
a rule or law. There are some places which do have a rule in that place for a required
tip of certain amount for certain sized groups. In general, tips are higher amounts
are given for superior service...but most people will leave 15%. 10% or less means
that you were unhappy with the service & 20% or more, means that you are pleased.
You can always check with the manager before you get service to see what the rules
are. As you may tell on the internet, there are people who may dispute a charge or
bill....such as "corkage fee" or "required group tip"...especially for inept service.
Please remember that many in the US's service industry get a good amount from
the tips & need them to even have a living wage.
As far as tipping others are concerned, please be aware that for certain areas
or people, tipping is either prohibited or even illegal. Do not offer tips nor
money to most, if not all government or law enforcement workers. Do not even
offer a donation to a police charity to a police officer. These mostly will be
considered bribery & not welcomed. Tipping is also not welcome at
many fast food places & will be posted as such.
While you may feel empathy toward those who panhandle, it is
an illegal activity & is also prohibited. You are generally free to donate
to your preferred charity via the internet.
As you can tell, I could go on & on....but it is a complex topic.
Thanks,
Paul:)
01-22-2018 02:35 AM
@MalarikThank you for the infomation, am sure it will help a lot of people who are planning to visit the US.
05-23-2018 05:35 AM
Good and relevant @LucioV
05-23-2018 05:41 AM
Hi @LucioV
The most interesting was
05-23-2018 10:17 AM
Looks like USA is a very strict country, in Africa most of those laws don't apply
05-26-2018 08:23 PM
Actually, as a principle, it's not entirely true. And if you put it the way it was worded in this answer,
it's not true at all. Would be too long to explain but most importantly it depends on the actual state law.
For example, in Texas, California, and Florida it's closer to strongly protect private property.
In most of the other states the use of firearm is much more strongly regulated.
So the bottom line is: NO, you can't kill someone just because (s)he entered into a private property.
2022
