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Driving Your Car Rental in Manhattan

It is much easier to drive in downtown Manhattan than you might think. You've probably seen frustrating traffic jams in the movies, but in reality, the driving is much consistent and enjoyable. New York City driving is actually very similar to driving in other large cities across the globe - although drivers and pedestrians are abundant, traffic lights, street signs, as well as parking regulations help ensure the flow of traffic. So get comfortable in your car rental and make your way to downtown Manhattan! There are only a few simple rules to follow when driving your car rental in Manhattan.
  • Turning - Unless otherwise stated, turning on a red light in Manhattan, and in all other New York boroughs, is strictly prohibited. There are some corners with signs that read "After Stop Right Turn on Red Permitted," however these are few and far between.
  • Speed limits - In all of New York City's five boroughs, the speed limit on city streets (but not on highways) is 30 miles per hour.
  • Yellow lights - If you are approaching a traffic light that is yellow, do not attempt to drive through it! Yellow lights in Manhattan are only 4 seconds long, so it is best to stop safely and wait a few moments for the light to turn green again.
  • Right of way - In Manhattan, pedestrians always have the right of way. Remember that there are no laws against jaywalking, so be alert for pedestrians at all times.
  • Parking - You can not park on a street meter all day long, as meters require the payment of quarters on an hourly basis. It is a better idea to park in a parking garage or in open-air lots. Rates are more expensive closer to the downtown area, however, prices are usually lower on the weekends.
  • Lights - You must turn on the rental's cars lights at dusk. As well, lights must be turned on if you use the windshield wipers during the day.
  • Changing Lanes - When changing lanes in Manhattan, don't just rely on the rental car's mirrors. Make sure that you signal first and then check your blind spots quickly before you proceed to the other lane.
  • Honking the horn - Unless it is absolutely necessary, do not honk the horn of your car rental in Manhattan. You can actually be fined $100 for honking the horn in certain areas, including the Holland Tunnel entrance and residential sections.
  • Grid-Lock - It is very important to enter an intersection if and only if you are certain that you can drive all the way through. Help the flow of traffic instead of blocking it!
  • Car Theft - Absolutely do not leave any item of importance or particular value in full view. It is also important to put any valuables in the trunk before you park the rental car, as many thieves will observe you parking in Manhattan and then steal items after you've left.
  • Safety - As is customary in any large city, do not open the window of your rental car in Manhattan to respond to people selling items or asking for money.
Getting Around in Your Car Rental in Manhattan Driving a rental car in Manhattan is actually very simple and easy to understand if you familiarize yourself with the street directions. Learn these and you'll be a regular New Yorker in no time!
  • One-Way Streets - Almost all Manhattan streets are one direction, so make sure you pick up a map with travel arrows.
  • Two-Way Streets - Some major streets are two-way in Manhattan, including Houston Street, 14th Street, 23rd Street, 34th Street, and 57th Street. You can usually not turn left on these streets in the daytime.
  • Odd and Even Streets - Even-numbered streets travel East while odd-numbered streets travel West.
  • Avenues - These streets go from north to south an are usually one-way and alternating.
  • Reversed Directions - During busy hours, some bridges and tunnels will reverse or close lanes. But don't worry - there are many traffic sign and police officers to notify drivers.