The toll plaza

One difference between US highway driving and French autoroute driving that you immediately notice can be seen in the two photos below:
I80 Bay Bridge Toll plaza:

and the toll plaza near the Lyon Airport:


Notice anything different between them? If your answer had something to do with the lack of lane markings on the autoroute version, then you are correct. Specifically, there is a noticeable lack of lanes or markings once you are through the barriers.


After a few seconds you find yourself vying for position in an ad hoc drag race. The only thing missing is a scantily clad flag girl and the cops. It's a remarkable departure from the usually fantastic etiquette on the autoroute. Think about how much better traffic would flow on Bay Area roads if the passing lane (you know, the one on the left) were actually only used for passing. That's how it is here (except in heavy traffic situations of course).