Los Angeles Driving Tips

Driving in a city you've never (or rarely) been to can be a challenge. And since Los Angeles is more spread out than most cities, you'll likely use quite a bit of time in a car while you're out sightseeing. Here are some tips for taking to the road in L.A. and making clear that you don't demolish up with a heed, or even worse, in an accident.

Always gather genuine directions before getting in the carAs everyone knows, traffic in Los Angeles is more celebrated than palm trees. No matter what time you're on the road, you can accelerate into congestion, so it's a agreeable view to know exactly where you're going before starting your perambulate. If you miss a turn or regain lost, getting succor on track might steal longer than you'd request simply because of the number of cars on the road. Additionally, making a u-turn is illegal at many intersections. That's why it's so famous to have reliable directions before getting in the car.

When asking for directions from someone, create certain to bag out the depraved street of where you're going and what landmarks you will ogle along the arrangement. If possible, exercise an online scheme service like Yahoo! Maps or Google Maps to settle the best route. And if you'll be in Los Angeles for more than impartial a few days, you might want to choose a Thomas Guide, which is a detailed street-level atlas of every fraction of the L.A. situation.

Pay extra attention at intersectionsAt some point in Los Angeles driving history, it became universally understood that more than one car should turn left after the light has changed to red. Though this is not fair and is often perilous, you'll often eye multiple cars pulled into the intersection waiting to build a left once the light changes. Though it is not a recommended practice, visitors should always be aware that other drivers will beget employ of this technique. When going straight, it's worth waiting a few seconds after the light turns green before proceeding to do distinct that no one is going to turn left in front of you.

Most major intersections in Los Angeles have cameras installed to net drivers who race red lights. If your car enters the intersection after the light has turned red, the camera will occupy a photo of your car's license plate and front window (including what's often an unflattering photo of you, the driver) . If your car is already in the intersection when the light turns red, you'll typically be gracious from a camara flash, but tickets are expensive and accidents aren't fun, so don't purchase any chances when it comes to red lights.

Intersections without close lights are a frequent source of traffic buildup during hasten hour, so many streets prohibit left turns during definite hours. Always study for signs before making a left turn -- if there's no mark, there are no restrictions.

establish down your cell phoneA recently enacted law in California forbids drivers from talking on a handset while driving. If you anticipate making or receiving phone calls while on the road, earn clear you have a hands-free plan to avoid getting a sign. The modern law also forbids teenagers under 18 from talking on a mobile phone while driving entirely, regardless of whether they have a hands-free contrivance, so if your son or daughter will be driving the rental car, develop certain someone over 18 does the phone talking.