Car rentals in Los Angeles are a great way to travel to some of the city’s most iconic sights, including Disneyland, the Santa Monica Pier, and Hollywood Boulevard. While the I-405 is known for being the city’s most popular freeway, Mulholland Drive and Sunset Boulevard are also streets that are commonly used to travel throughout Los Angeles and reach popular destinations. It can be difficult to find free street parking for rental cars in Los Angeles, as it is often reserved for residents, but there are many paid lots and garages that are available. There are over 100 car rental locations in Los Angeles, giving you plenty to choose from.
Is it worthwhile to rent a car while visiting Los Angeles?
While you might not find free parking for rental cars in Los Angeles, there are many paid parking garages and lots in every neighborhood, with hourly fees and day rates offered. Although the I-405 is one of the most convenient freeways to use in the city, it is also the busiest, so avoid taking it during the peak hours in the morning and early evening. Rosecrans Avenue, which runs throughout the city, is also known for being particularly congested during rush hour. Los Angeles car rentals are also a great way to explore sights outside of the city, such as Laguna Beach and San Diego, both of which are less than a two-hour drive away. The city is known for not being walkable, making a cheap car rental in Los Angeles a great way to explore and save money.
What different driving laws should I keep in mind while driving in Los Angeles?
To safely navigate car rentals in Los Angeles, it’s important to keep in mind some of the particular city and state traffic laws, such as the fact that pedestrians always have the right of way at intersections, even if the intersection is unmarked. If you plan on having a drink before driving, it’s important to note that it is illegal to have a blood alcohol count higher than 0.08% while behind the wheel. It’s important to note that you cannot make a left-hand turn on a red light unless you are currently on and will be turning onto a one-way street. However, you can make a right-hand turn at a red light, unless there is a sign stating otherwise. To be certain that you have the most up to date information, be sure to check with Los Angeles’ department of motor vehicles to see if there have been any recent law changes.
Can I drive to Mexico with a rental car from Los Angeles?
Because the city is so close to the border, it’s quite common for visitors to use their Los Angeles car rentals to drive to Mexico. Almost all car rental companies allow their customers to drive vehicles across borders, but it’s best to check with the rental car company ahead of time to ensure that this is allowed in your contract. Keep in mind that if you plan on visiting Mexico with a Los Angeles car rental, Mexican automobile liability insurance is legally required for drivers, which you can usually purchase through your rental company. You will also need to provide certain pieces of documentation, such as a valid government-issued driver’s license. Make sure that you have either a passport or a United States-issued passport card.
Can you rent a rental car in Los Angeles without a credit card?
While some rental car companies in California will require you to pay with a major credit card, even for cheap car rentals in Los Angeles, some companies will accept an alternative form of payment. For example, you may be able to pay with a debit card, cash, or check. If you choose to use one of these payment methods rather than a credit card, you may be asked to provide additional documentation, including proof of address or insurance. Some companies may also have you put down a cash deposit or ask you to complete a credit check. It’s always best to contact your preferred rental company in advance to determine exactly what the process will be when paying for car rentals in Los Angeles. Whether you are paying with a credit card, debit card, or check, always make sure that the name on your payment method matches the name on the identification card of the driver, as you may not be able to use this method if it does not.
What kind of driver’s license do you need to rent a car in Los Angeles?
If you are 21 years or older, you can rent a car in California, such as an electric car rental or an economy car rental, as long as you have a driver’s license and passport from your home country that are valid for the duration of your rental agreement. Those that have a temporary license are also able to rent a car if it is valid throughout the rental agreement and does not have any restrictions on it. Some companies ask that foreign customers use an international driver’s license, while others accept driver’s licenses from different countries, as long as the text is in a Latin-based alphabet (although you may be able to use a certified translation instead). Make sure to have an official passport with you that will not expire during your rental period, as your company will want to take a photocopy of it and keep it with your file. Whether you are American or from a different country, you will be required to provide a credit card when completing the rental agreement, as debit cards and checks are not accepted.