Unlike other metropolitan areas in the USA, public transportation is not particularly dominant in Los Angeles, even when arriving from the airports. For this reason, as well as the geographical size of the city, renting a car in Los Angeles is ideal for the tourist who wants to move from attraction to attraction or move around the city as part of a trip to the west coast. The entire metropolis is networked with highways and wide freeways, which provide a wide variety of alternatives even during rush hour.
Exclusive for rentals with Alamo
◾ The freedom to choose
At the main airports in the USA, including the Los Angeles and San Francisco airports in California, the exclusive program called – Choice, is activated and offers the car renter a selection of models to choose from in each group.
For the list of stations where Choice option is available, click here.
◾ Save time
you can also speed up standing in line with the Save Time service that allows you to check in online in advance for the car rental and also at central stations you can get the rental voucher from a kiosk instead of standing in line! To check in online, click here.
◾ Departure from Los Angeles
Los Angeles serves as a wonderful departure station for a trip to the West Coast or towards Las Vegas. If you want to continue towards San Francisco, it is recommended to get on Interstate 5, and those interested in a beautiful trip along the shores of the Pacific Ocean - Highway 101 is the right choice. San Diego is a two-hour drive south along the coast, again on Interstate 5.
Interstate 15 leads from the Ontario area towards Las Vegas, on a drive that turns into a desert over time. It is recommended to stock up on water, food and also a small fuel tank, as the distance between the service stations on this road may be far. Those wishing to travel to Flagstaff, Arizona, will get on Interstate 15 and continue from there to Highway 40 and if you want to drive to Phoenix - get on Interstate 10 near Riverside.
As mentioned, driving on the roads of Los Angeles is quite comfortable, but there are some rules and customs of the road that you should know when you drive on the streets of the city of glamour, especially those concerning the types of lanes and the use of cell phones.
◾ Carpool/HOV lanes
On most highways in the city, at least one lane is designated as a carpool lane or HOV-high occupancy vehicle. You can identify them by the diamond markings painted on the road. Access to them is limited and you can join or leave them only in sections that are not bounded by a double yellow line. Some routes require a minimum of two passengers in the car, and some even three.
◾ Toll roads
In the USA there are many toll roads. In order to save unnecessary dealing with small change during your trip, the car rental stations offer renting a Tollpass device ( similar to the Route 6 device) with which you can pass on these roads and receive the charge in a centralized manner from the rental company and pay via CC.
Please note that some toll roads are exempt by the TollPass device, for example in Montreal, Kansas and South Carolina. It is your responsibility to verify this before traveling on toll roads. Driving on a toll road without payment is subject to fines.
For more information about the included and excluded roads, visit the following website: https://www.tollpassgo.com/
◾ Using a mobile phone
Not all US states have a ban on the use of mobile phones, but in Los Angeles and California as a whole, the ban on using a phone without a hands-free does exist. Similar to Israel, even while driving in Los Angeles, holding the phone will cost you a heavy fine. We of course recommend to avoid touching the phone while driving in any state.
◾ Turns on US roads
In some US states, different rules are applied than in Israel regarding right and left turns at traffic lights.
Turning right: In some areas turning right is allowed even when the traffic light is red, when of course there is still an obligation to give the right of way to pedestrians and crossing vehicles. If you are not sure what the rule is in the state you are traveling to, you can wait for a green light.
Turning left: In addition, there are states where even when the traffic light is fully green, turning left does not always give you the right of way, but the right of way is first of all the traffic coming in front.
The exception to this case is when your traffic light also shows a green arrow - then the right of way is yours.
◾ Credit cards in the USA
Please note - the rental companies in the USA do not allow Diners or Debit credit cards to be presented as a deposit credit card. An international credit card in the name of the driver of other credit companies must be presented.
For more tips on renting a car in the USA click here.
Renting a car in Los Angeles with Ofran will allow you to explore its sites and attractions, in the pace that's comfortable to you and experience Los Angeles in comfort and ease. We will be happy to stand by your side and accompany your trip in Los Angeles, while making sure to rent a car of the highest standards.
Ofran wishes you a safe and pleasant trip with your rental car in Los Angeles