Los Angeles driving guide

From Hollywood Boulevard to Mulholland Drive, the roads of LA are almost as iconic as its movie stars. But with different speed limits, driving rules and toll roads to remember in Los Angeles, it’s important to get your bearings first.

The good news? Hertz is here to help – from the moment your foot touches the accelerator. Whether you’re passing through the City of Angels on a California road trip or are simply enjoying some shopping downtown, we’ve got it covered.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about driving in Los Angeles.

At-a-glance info:

In this guide:

• Driving rules in Los Angeles
• Speed limits in Los Angeles
• Toll roads in and around Los Angeles
• Los Angeles’ driving license requirements
• Parking in Los Angeles
• Electric car charging in Los Angeles
• Quick driving tips for Los Angeles
• Frequently asked questions

Driving rules in Los Angeles

Like other US cities, Los Angeles has specific driving rules to get to grips with. They include:

• Right of way: When approaching intersections, you’ll need to give right of way to pedestrians.
• Cell phone use: You can only make calls from your car with a hands-free device. It’s illegal to read or send text messages when driving.
• Children’s car seats: Kids under eight need to sit in a booster seat or car seat in the back of your vehicle.
• When to signal: You’ll need to signal 100 feet before making a left or right turn.
• Red lights: After stopping, you’re normally allowed to make a right turn while on a red light.

Speed limits in Los Angeles

Under California’s ‘basic speed law’, you’ll need to take factors like the weather, visibility and traffic into account when setting your speed.

There are specific Los Angeles speed limits to remember too. While they differ from road to road, here’s a rough idea of what to expect:

Toll roads in and around Los Angeles

Whether driving on business or enjoying a family holiday, there are two main toll roads in Los Angeles to keep an eye out for –the I-10 and I-110.

I-10 (El Monte Busway)

Keen to beat the interstate traffic? This section of the I-10 offers Metro ExpressLanes in exchange for toll payments.

From: Alameda Street

To: Near Cogswell Road

Cost for cars: Varies, depending on whether you opt for pay-as-you-go or have a FasTrak pass.

How to pay: The electronic FasTrak system means you can pay tolls without stopping. Your tolls are simply worked out using a transponder. There’s also the option to pay-as-you-go.

I-110 (Harbor Transitway)

Metro ExpressLanes are also available on this interstate section in the south of the city.

From: 182nd Street

To: Adams Boulevard

Cost for cars: Tolls vary, depending on whether you opt for pay-as-you-go or have a FasTrak pass.

How to pay: Pay without stopping using an electronic FasTrak transponder. A pay-as-you-go option is also available.

Los Angeles’ driving license requirements

Getting a driving license in LA follows a similar process to other Californian cities. To make a successful application, you’ll need to be at least 16 years old and have passed your official driving test.

You can apply for a driving license by:

• Creating an online account with the Californian Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Entering key personal details, such as your full name, address and social security number.
• Visiting a field office to complete the process.

Visitors passing through will generally need to show their photo driver’s license from their home state, if requested. Depending on the company, you may be able to rent a car in LA from age 20 or 21 upwards.

Learn more about the licensing process in our California driving guide .

Parking in Los Angeles

LA and automobiles go hand in hand. With the city covering an area of 498m², it’s not hard to see why. Thankfully, its infrastructure is built with drivers in mind. You’ll have plenty of dedicated parking lots to choose from.

6430 Sunset Boulevard Parking Garage

Just a short stroll from Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame, this covered lot is open 24 hours a day.

Location: 6430 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Cost (per day): $16

How to pay: Pay in person on the day or buy a monthly pass online

Civic Center Parking Structure

Fancy soaking up the sun on Santa Monica beach? This 24-hour, easy-access parking lot should make your trip to the coast a breeze.

Location: 333 Civic Center Dr, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Cost (per day): $14

How to pay: Cash, cards and contactless are among your payment options

Parking Lot W (West Garage)

This lot is designed for those visiting LA’s huge Crypto.com Arena. It’s a handy option for concerts and sporting events.

Location: 1005 Chick Hearn Court, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Cost (daily maximum): $35

How to pay: Contact the venue to check payment options for your event

Street parking in Los Angeles

Just dropping in? The City of Angels has on-street parking galore. There are lots of short-stay options in Downtown LA. But you can find over 35,000 parking meters right across the city. Many of them are cashless or offer mobile app payments too.

Los Angeles parking app

If you’re struggling to find a space, let the Los Angeles parking app take the strain. Backed by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, LA Express Park points drivers to available spaces, reducing the stress of inner-city motoring.

Learn more about LA Express Park

Electric car charging in Los Angeles

LA has been quick to join the electric vehicle revolution. You’ll find more than 4,300 public charging points dotted around the city. Providers include Shell Recharge, ChargePoint and FLO.

There are almost 600 free charging stations too if you’re travelling on a budget.

Find out more about driving an electric car in Los Angeles.

Quick driving tips for Los Angeles

Keep these five quick tips in mind before getting behind the wheel in Los Angeles:

1. Watch out for parking restrictions. Your car could be towed away if you park on a red curb.
2. Time your journey. Rush hour often lasts for three hours rather than one. Driving between 7am and 10am, and 4pm and 7pm, can prove busy.
3. Use GPS. LA’s sprawling streets can prove a challenge to those visiting for the first time. Mapping technology could ease some of the pressure.
4. Find a vehicle with good air-con. The sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles could make life difficult without a decent air-conditioning system.
5. Look out for valet services. If parking is limited near your hotel, theater or restaurant, a valet could prove a useful alternative.

Frequently asked questions

Is driving in Los Angeles difficult?

Driving in Los Angeles could prove difficult if it’s your first time in the city. After all, its roads cover 21,825 miles and the population stands at nearly four million. For that reason, it’s useful to research the main driving rules and regulations before you visit.

What is the best time of day to drive in Los Angeles?

As you’d probably expect, driving in the middle of the day or later in the evening is likely to be less busy than peak times. Rush hour in LA can stretch from 7am to 10am, and from 4pm to 7pm.

How much is a speeding ticket in Los Angeles?

The base fines for speeding in LA and California typically stretch from $35 to $100. However, you should expect to pay additional fees and surcharges on top of this initial fine. You can take a more in-depth look at speeding fines in LA in our state guide.

LA is a great stop-off for drivers during any Californian road trip, offering a wealth of culture, sport and Hollywood glamor. Learn more about the city and the wider state in our California driving guide.

Get ready for your trip to Los Angeles

Make the most of your Los Angeles adventure with these Hertz guides:

• Best hotels in Los Angeles
• Best things to do in Los Angeles
• Best restaurants in Los Angeles
• Los Angeles neighborhoods