The USA has a network of Interstates (designated by the letter ‘I' on a blue sign) and highways (designated by the letters ‘HWY' on a black and white sign) with a corresponding number, as in I-440 or I-65. Driving in Tennessee, as anywhere else in the United States, is on the right. The roads in and around Nashville are generally good, although the city appears to be under a permanent state of road construction. Tennessee backroads offer an interesting glimpse to country living hidden away just minutes from bustling retail and business districts. The speed limit on interstates and freeways is 112kph (70mph), while most other highways have a speed limit of 88kph (55mph). In the city, the speed limit varies between 40-72kph (25-45mph). Drink and driving regulations are strictly enforced and the maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio for driving is 0.08%.

In Tennessee, the minimum age for driving is 16 years. Both front and back seat passengers must wear seat belts, while children under the age of five years must ride in the rear seat in an approved child safety harness. Helmets are mandatory for motorcycle riders. Radar detectors are common and on-the-spot fines are issued for seat belt or helmet offences, speeding, and also throwing litter from the vehicle. Drink-driving is always prosecuted and can result in penalties of up to US$1,000 fine plus 12 months in jail. Drivers must carry their national driving licence with them when driving, as well as proof of their third-party liability insurance.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) (tel: 1 800 222 1333; website: www.aaa.com) provides information and may offer reciprocal benefits to members of automobile clubs in other countries.

Emergency breakdown service: AAA (tel: 1 800 222 4357 or AAA HELP).

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 (Kentucky) and Chicago (Illinois), and south to Birmingham (Alabama) and the Gulf Coast. Highway 24 runs southeast to Chattanooga and northwest to Paducah (Kentucky).

Driving times to the city: From Chattanooga - 2 hours 30 minutes; Louisville - 3 hours; Knoxville - 3 hours; Memphis - 3 hours.

Coach services: Greyhound (tel: (615) 255 3556 or 1 800 229 9424; website: www.greyhound.com) operates national bus services out of its terminal at 200 Eighth Avenue South, with connections to cities nationwide. Facilities at the terminal are basic.