There’s a reason that up until recently Los Angeles was known as the city of smog. It’s a metropolitan area that’s super spread out, comprised of many different neighborhoods all connected by various freeways and avenues. Despite the year-round good weather, Angelinos don’t appear to like to walk very much.
The upshot of all this is that driving in Los Angeles is a unique and sometimes stressful experience. So it’s one that you should prepare yourself for. If you’re going to be moving to or visiting LA soon, then read on for some tips on how you can make your travels as smooth as possible.
- Look out for HOV Lanes
When you’re driving on many freeways in LA, you’ll see signs with the acronym HOV. This stands for high occupancy vehicle and it means that you’ll normally need to have two or more people in your car to drive in them. These lanes exist in some but not all other parts of the US, so they’re important to look out for.
- The LA Rush Hour Is a Misnomer
LA is notorious for its traffic, so you’re likely already prepared for a certain amount of gridlock. Even so, many people find themselves surprised by the sheer volume of traffic on their first visit to the city of angels. So-called “rush hour” actually lasts from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, so try to avoid long trips at this time.
- There’s a Shortage of Road Etiquette
You might be wondering what are some examples of road etiquette relating specifically to Los Angeles. The short answer is that there pretty much is none. It’s more of a free-for-all, so be prepared to have horns honked at you if you’re not moving along at a fair clip or obeying Los Angeles traffic laws.
- Be Cautious and Careful
Because there is such a staggering number of cars on the roads of LA each day, it’s pretty much guaranteed there are going to be accidents and minor crashes. This just means you need to apply a little extra diligence when you’re on the road. If you do get into a crash, try to call a good local car accident lawyer as soon as you can.
- There Is Public Transport…
…but it’s much less popular than traveling by car. Yes, LA has a relatively sophisticated network of buses and subways that can take you across the city to almost anywhere you want to go. But for some reason, it’s not used widely by Angelinos.
It has a reputation for being a little bit sketchy, and you will see some characters on there for sure. That said, if you’re in a pinch, it’s definitely handy for getting around.
Driving in Los Angeles: Driving Tips
Driving in Los Angeles for the first time can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little bit of research, you’ll be more aware of what you’re getting into and much less stressed. If you’re looking for more travel tips and tricks check out the rest of our site now.