Global Major Cities Guide

Understanding traffic laws, pedestrian safety, and biking guidelines in Los Angeles.

Sections

1. Driving Laws in Los Angeles

Los Angeles follows California state driving laws, which are strictly enforced. Here are the key rules to know:

Driver’s License: You must have a valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle. Visitors can use an international driver’s license or a valid license from their home country for a limited time.
Speed Limits:
- Residential areas: 25 mph (40 km/h) unless otherwise posted.
- School zones: 25 mph or lower when children are present.
- Freeways: Typically 65-70 mph (105-113 km/h), but always follow posted signs.
Seat Belts: Mandatory for all passengers. Children under 8 years old must be in a car seat or booster seat.
Cell Phone Use: It is illegal to use a handheld phone while driving. Use hands-free devices or voice commands.
DUI Laws: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08% for adults and 0.01% for drivers under 21.
Right on Red: You can turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits it.
Pedestrian Right of Way: Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked.

2. Common Road Safety Practices

Defensive Driving: LA drivers can be aggressive, and traffic is often unpredictable. Stay alert, maintain a safe following distance, and anticipate sudden lane changes.
Motorcycles: Lane splitting (motorcycles riding between lanes of traffic) is legal in California, so be cautious when changing lanes.
Traffic Cameras: Red-light cameras are installed at many intersections. Running a red light can result in a hefty fine.
Emergency Vehicles: Pull over to the right and stop when you hear sirens or see flashing lights from emergency vehicles.

3. Public Transportation Options

While Los Angeles is known for its car dependency, public transportation is available and improving. Here are the main options:

Metro Rail and Bus:
- The LA Metro operates six rail lines (including subway and light rail) and an extensive bus network.
- Fares: $1.75 per ride, or $7 for a day pass (unlimited rides). TAP cards are used for payment.
- Popular lines include the Metro Red Line (connecting Downtown LA to Hollywood) and the Expo Line (connecting Downtown LA to Santa Monica).
Dash Buses: Operated by the city, these are smaller buses serving local neighborhoods. Fares are $0.50 per ride.
Ride-Sharing: Uber and Lyft are widely available and often used for short trips or when public transit is inconvenient.
Biking and Scooters: Shared bikes and electric scooters (e.g., Lime, Bird) are available in many neighborhoods, especially near the beach and in Downtown LA.

4. Parking Rules and Costs

Parking in Los Angeles can be challenging, especially in busy areas like Downtown, Hollywood, and Santa Monica. Here’s what you need to know:

Street Parking:
- Always check signs for restrictions (e.g., street cleaning, permit-only zones, time limits).
- Metered parking is common in commercial areas. Rates range from $1 to $6 per hour, depending on the location.
- Pay attention to red curbs (no parking), yellow curbs (loading zones), and green curbs (short-term parking).
Parking Lots and Garages:
- Rates vary widely, from $5 to $30 per day. Popular areas like Santa Monica and Hollywood tend to be more expensive.
- Apps like SpotHero and ParkWhiz can help you find and reserve parking.
Towing: Vehicles parked illegally or blocking driveways will be towed. Retrieving a towed car can cost $200-$400, plus fines.

Gas Prices: Gasoline in LA is among the most expensive in the U.S., averaging $5-$6 per gallon as of late 2023.
Tolls: Some freeways, like the 110 and 10 Express Lanes, have tolls for solo drivers. You’ll need a FasTrak transponder to use these lanes.
Car Rentals: Renting a car costs around $40-$100 per day, depending on the vehicle type and insurance coverage.
Insurance: California requires all drivers to have liability insurance. If you’re renting a car, check if your credit card or travel insurance covers rental car insurance.

6. Traffic Patterns and Special Considerations

Rush Hour: Traffic is notoriously bad in LA, especially during rush hours (7:00-10:00 AM and 4:00-7:00 PM). Freeways like the 405, 101, and 10 are often congested.
SigAlerts: These are real-time traffic alerts for major incidents causing significant delays. Check apps like Waze or Google Maps for updates.
Carpool Lanes: High-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes are available on many freeways. You need at least two passengers (sometimes three) to use them.
Street Closures: Events, filming, and construction often lead to street closures. Plan ahead and check local news or apps for updates.

7. Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety

Pedestrian Safety:
- Always use crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals. Jaywalking (crossing outside a crosswalk) is illegal and can result in a fine.
- Be cautious at intersections, as drivers may not always yield.
Cyclist Safety:
- Cyclists must follow the same traffic laws as cars, including stopping at red lights and stop signs.
- Bike lanes are available in some areas, but they are not widespread. Popular bike-friendly areas include Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Griffith Park.
- Helmets are required for cyclists under 18 but are recommended for everyone.
- Use lights and reflectors at night, as it is required by law.

8. Unique Aspects of Los Angeles Traffic and Road Safety

Hollywood Film Crews: It’s not uncommon to encounter road closures due to film shoots. These are usually well-marked but can cause delays.
Earthquake Preparedness: In the event of an earthquake while driving, pull over to a safe spot (away from overpasses and bridges) and stay in your car until the shaking stops.
Tourist Areas: Popular spots like Hollywood Boulevard, Rodeo Drive, and the Santa Monica Pier can be crowded with pedestrians and slow-moving vehicles. Drive cautiously in these areas.
Wildfire Season: During wildfire season (typically late summer to fall), road closures and poor air quality can occur in affected areas. Stay updated on conditions if traveling near the hills or mountains.

9. Tips for Staying Safe

Plan Ahead: Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to check traffic conditions and find the fastest routes.
Stay Calm: LA traffic can be frustrating, but aggressive driving increases the risk of accidents.
Emergency Kit: Keep an emergency kit in your car, including water, snacks, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit.
Public Transit Safety: While generally safe, be cautious on public transit late at night. Keep your belongings secure and stay aware of your surroundings.

By understanding these aspects of traffic and road safety in Los Angeles, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the city efficiently and safely, whether you’re driving, using public transit, or exploring on foot or by bike.

Los Angeles

Traffic and Road Safety