Car rental in LA is a must for anyone visiting Southern California. Yeah, there is public transit, but LA is spread out. You’ll want a car to make the most of your time in Los Angeles, and you’ll be able to get to all the neighbourhoods, canyons, beaches, and parks that make LA so great.
Depending on how long you’re staying, you probably won’t be able to do all LA has to offer. So before renting a car in Los Angeles, map out your trip to see where you’ll be going. For example, are you staying near downtown and the east side and planning on driving up into the mountains? Or are you sticking around Santa Monica, the South Bay, and Long Beach? Also, how many people are you travelling with, and how much gear are you taking?
Planning on renting a surfboard or bringing camping stuff? Here’s what you need to know about renting a car in Los Angeles.
Standard Car Rentals/Sedans, most of the time, a standard sedan should do it for you in Los Angeles. A standard or economy car will be great if you and a travel partner do some sightseeing or kick back on the beach. Plus, you’ll save a few bucks, and in Los Angeles, every dollar counts.
Roads in LA are great (although a bit crowded), and you shouldn’t need anything rugged unless you’re driving out into the desert or up into the mountains.
About that traffic, you’ll probably want to make sure you have good insurance. Anything can happen with the number of cars on the road, and car rental insurance can get expensive.
These are some options that need to be considered in Los Angeles.
Convertible Rentals
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Many people’s California dream includes cruising along the PCH with the top down in a slick convertible. If you’re willing to do some work and spend the money, you can turn that dream into a reality. You’ll want to do your research; renting a convertible in Los Angeles is high on every traveller’s list so availability may be limited or nonexistent, especially in the summer.
And before you rent a convertible in LA, check the weather forecast. Coastal weather never gets too chilly but can vary wildly from the temperatures downtown and farther south. And even if the temperature is just in the low 60s, that wet sea breeze can feel pretty chilly at 55mph.
Luxury & Exotic Cars
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No one needs an exotic or luxury car, and if you do, why are you reading a car-sharing blog about it? We kid, but most folks who want to rent an exotic or luxury car in Los Angeles likely want to show off a little and look larger than life. And we’ll be honest; if there’s any place to rent an exotic car, LA is. Since southern California is a hotspot for wealthy car enthusiasts, there are plenty of places to rent luxury and exotic vehicles in LA.
There are entire rental companies that specialize in exotic and luxury cars. Some car-sharing services also offer classic cars at more (relatively) affordable prices. Don’t expect to save money; make sure you have a good insurance policy.
LA is a humbling city. You can drive up and down the PCH or hug the winding roads of Mulholland Drive, Topanga Canyon, and the Hollywood Hills. No matter what car you get, always expect to see a more excellent, more expensive and exotic car while driving.
Rental Vs. Sharing
Nowadays, asking whether you want to go with a traditional car rental or a car sharing service is always good. There are pros and cons to each (though far more pros to car sharing, in our humble opinion).
Honestly, they’re both very similar. Car sharing tends to be more affordable, accessible, and with fewer headaches. For example, there are no hidden fees, second driver fees, or fees for drivers under 25. There are also flexible pick-up and drop-off times, so it’s easy to change your trip if plans change or you hit a lot of traffic. Rent your cars right here at https://www.carngo.com/car-rental/usa-los-angeles-airport-lax-under-25.
Road Regulations In Los Angeles
1. Mind The Speed Limits
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Unless stated in posted signs, the maximum speed to drive in city streets is 25 miles per hour, and for freeways, it is 65 miles per hour. High fines are involved if anyone fails to abide by the speed limits.
2. Avoid Holding The Phone When Driving
California laws are particularly strict about the usage of cell phones when you are driving. It is against their law to talk, text, read messages, or do anything on your phone unless you use a hands-free setup. Besides, anyone under 18 cannot use a phone even with a hands-free setup.
3. Littering Is A Strict NO
Considering the recent wildfires in California, cops from all over the state have become stricter on anyone who throws litter while driving, especially cigarette butts. If caught, you have to pay a fine of $1000.
4. Turn Right At The Red Light
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Drivers can take the right turn on red signals after stopping and checking carefully if it is clear. However, there can be exceptions that will be stated on a sign.
5. Child Safety
As per California laws, it is illegal to leave a six-year-old child or younger unattended on concerns like a locked car on a hot day or when the engine is on.
6. Read The Signs Before Parking
Before parking, always check out the signs to know if any parking restriction is in effect when parking, as getting tickets for violating the posted regulations is more often than you think. A red curb means no parking, a green curb means parking for a limited time, and a white or yellow curb indicates passenger loading and unloading but no parking.
Bottom Line
Los Angeles has the perfect combination of cheap and luxury cars for rent from various rental car agencies. All you have to do is plan and compare the prices to get the best deals when renting a car in Los Angeles. Getting a rental car is far better than using public transport for a fuss-free vacation.
