03/26/2023 • 10 min
New Orleans driving guide
From toll roads to speed limits in New Orleans, get to know everything you need for your next Big Easy Adventure with Hertz.
From the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico, The Big Easy has plenty to indulge in. But if you’re driving in and around the beautiful Louisiana city of New Orleans, there’s a few things you need to know ahead of your travels.
Join us as we delve into everything you need to know about driving in and around the city. From the New Orleans parking app, to toll roads and speed limits, buckle up as we enlighten you with all the important details.
At-a-glance info:
Size of New Orleans in square miles | Total length of roads (in miles) | Longest road |
In this guide:
- Driving rules in New Orleans
- Speed limits in New Orleans
- Toll roads in and around New Orleans
- New Orleans’ driving license requirements
- Parking in New Orleans
- Electric car charging in New Orleans
- Quick driving tips for New Orleans
- Frequently asked questions
Driving rules in New Orleans
- Right of way - When traffic lights are not in place or working, drivers need to stop and give the right-of-way to walkers crossing the roadway within a crossover.
- When to signal - You need to signal when you’re about to turn when you’re less than 100 feet before the turn.
- Headlights – These need to remain on from sunrise to sunset, poor visibility weather, and during continuous use of your windshield wipers.
- Cell phone use – No cell phone use at all during driving.
Toll roads in and around New Orleans
Lake Pontchartrain
This is the longest road in New Orleans. At almost 24 miles, it stretches from New Orleans to Mandeville over Lake Pontchartrain. It’s also the longest bridge to extend over water in the world.
From: The town of Metairie in New Orleans
To: Mandeville
Cost for car: $5 for two axle vehicles ($3 with the GEAUXPASS system).
Cost for truck: three axles $7, four axles $9 and five or more axles $12.
How to pay: All payments are taken in the North Shore on the Mandeville Side. Payments are taken in cash or automatically with a toll tag.
New Orleans’s driving license requirements
Drivers need to be a minimum of 17 years old, and they must pass a test on their vision and road skills to be issued a license.
Parking in New Orleans
New Orleans is a popular city, with many residents and visitors. But you won’t struggle to find a parking spot. We’ve selected five of our recommended lots below.
Premium Parking Lot #P146
This uncovered parking spot is located near the green and luscious Duncan Plaza, just off Caser’s Superdome. Perfect if you’re in town for an NFL game where the New Orleans Saints showcase their skills.
Location: Premium Parking, Premium Parking Lot #P146, 333 O’Keefe Avenue, Central Business District, New Orleans, LA 70112
Cost (per hour): $3 early bird, $6 STAR rate.
How to pay: Drivers can pay in advance at a machine with cash or card.
Howard Avenue Park and Ride
Located between New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal and Lee Circle, this is an ideal place to park, if you’re staying in any of the hotels nearby.
Location: Howard Avenue Park and Ride, 900 Howard Avenue, Central Business District, New Orleans, LA 70113
Cost (per hour or per day): Around $7
How to pay: You can pay by cash, card or phone.
Place St. Charles Parking
This parking garage is located just off St. Charles Avenue, which is great if you’re venturing to the northeastern part of the city.
Location: GOPARK, Place St. Charles Parking Garage - GOPARK Location #10001, 718 Gravier Street, Central Business District, New Orleans, LA 70130
Cost (per hour or per day): $7
How to pay: You can pay by cash or card on exit.
Heal Garage
Located next to Duncan Plaza, you can park your Hertz car rental here if you’re staying in or around Tulane Avenue.
Location: 300 LaSalle Street, New Orleans, LA 70112
Cost (per hour or per day): $3
How to pay: You can pay on exit with cash, card or phone.
Tufts Lot
This uncovered parking spot near Lafayette Square is perfect if you’re visiting one of the nearby eateries.
Location: SP Plus Corporation, Tufts Lot, 601 Carondelet Street, Central Business District, New Orleans, LA 70130
Cost (per hour or per day): $12
How to pay: Cash, card and mobile payments are all accepted.
Street parking in New Orleans
On street parking is available from Monday to Saturday. Short-term stays are normally around $1.50 for a maximum of two hours. You’re looking at $1.00 for each hour after that. Look out for prohibited parking during rush hour, which is generally from 7 am to 9 am and between 4 pm and 6 pm.
New Orleans parking app
You can use the Premium Mobile Parking app where you can find and reserve a space. There is even a feature that allows you to keep tabs on your time so that you can get back to your car in time. If you wish to extend, there’s no need to go all the way back to the lot, you can simply add more time from your cell.
Electric car charging in New Orleans
If you’re wanting to rent an electric vehicle from Hertz, New Orleans is a great place to do so. There are plenty of charging stations around the city, in the likes of the French Quarter, Canal Street, and Broadmoor.
Quick driving tips for New Orleans
- If you’re crossing the toll road Lake Pontchartrain bridge, make sure that you drive carefully in weather conditions that cause poor visibility. Also, if you’re crossing this during busy periods like rush hour make sure to give yourself a little extra time.
- If you’re driving along some of the quieter roads by the river, just outside of the city watch out for wildlife.
- Parking in the city can be expensive especially during peak hours. But you can always park your car a little further out and use nearby transport links to access the center.
- There are a lot of one-way streets in the French quarter, be mindful of these.
- It’s illegal to drive through Jackson Square pedestrian mall.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of day to drive in New Orleans?
The best time to drive in New Orleans during peak morning and afternoon hours is on a Monday. Traffic gradually builds up throughout the working week, with Friday being the busiest day.
When is rush hour in New Orleans?
The common rush hour in New Orleans is from 7am to 9am, and from 3pm to 6pm.
How much is a speeding ticket in New Orleans?
A speeding ticket in New Orleans can vary depending on how fast over the speed limit you are traveling. Here is a summary of how much it might cost.
- $115 if you’re 1-9 mph over the speed limit.
- $215 if you’re 10-14 mph over the speed limit.
- $240 if you’re 15-20 mph over the speed limit.
Now that you’re all set with the information you need, just pick up your Hertz car rental from New Orleans and set out on your Big Easy adventure.
Get ready for your trip to New Orleans
Want to discover more about the city? Check out our other guides below:
- Best hotels in New Orleans
- Best things to do in New Orleans
- Best restaurants in New Orleans
- New Orleans Neighborhoods