Drugs:
Illegal possession of controlled substances (drugs) in the US is subject to prosecution by law. The penalties for drug possession vary from state to state and region to region. Any type of illegal drug use is seriously frowned upon, as the US is attempting to control the trafficking of illegal substances. You are subject to fines and possible time in jail for any drug possession or association with people who have drugs themselves.

Alcohol:
You must be at least 21 years old to drink alcohol legally in the United States. If you are under 21, and are found with alcohol, you may be arrested and subjected to fines. In addition, if you purchase alcohol for persons under 21, you can be arrested and subjected to fines.Many bars will only accept a driver's license or identification card from the Department of Motor Vehicles which states your age. This identification card does not authorize you to drive. Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles for information on the procedure for obtaining an identification card. Drinking alcohol in public (e.g., outside a restaurant, bar, or your residence) is prohibited in many places, especially in beach resort towns. You will be subject to fines if you are found guilty.

Smoking:
Americans are likely to be much less tolerant of smoking than people in your country. As part of an intense anti-smoking campaign in the United States, tough measures have been taken to provide a smoke-free environment. It is illegal to smoke in many public places, so look around you before you light up: "No Smoking" signs are usually posted in a clear, visible location. Smoking is banned on all domestic and international air flights; it is restricted in many office buildings and restaurants, and usually prohibited on public transportation. If you are in someone else's house and no one else around you is smoking, ask whether they mind if you smoke.

Driving Laws:
If you rent or drive a car, you MUST have an international driver’s license and you MUST purchase car insurance. Do not get into a vehicle with a driver who does not have a legal driver’s license and automobile insurance. Without documentation of these two things, it is illegal to drive in the United States and you should refuse to ride with them. Always follow the local posted Speed Limits and wear a seat-belt in the car at all times!

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI):
A national campaign to raise awareness of "drunk driving" and decrease alcohol-related traffic accidents has swept the US. Because of this, the enforcement of DWI/DUI laws has become very tough. Fines can be up to $5,000. To keep yourself and others safe, don't drink and drive. Americans generally appoint a "designated driver" when going out with a group of friends. This person agrees to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages and drives the rest of the group to and from their destination.

Harassment & Discrimination:
Remember that sexual harassment and racial discrimination are very serious matters in the US. If you feel that you have been the victim of either sexual harassment or racial discrimination in your workplace, please contact your employer’s Human Resources Department for advice. Be careful of what you say to members of the opposite sex, and even how you look at them, Sexual Harassment Claims can be grounds for job and program termination and in extreme cases even arrest. Also in the US, it is illegal to be sexually intimate anyone younger than 18 years old.