Getting Around

Driving in Los Angeles can be frustrating and difficult at times; with almost two cars to every one person, LA consistently ranks as one of the most traffic congested cities in the nation. However, while walking, biking, carpooling, taking the metro and traveling by bus are all very possible, in most cases it is still more convenient to simply drive your own vehicle to get where you need to go. A quick glance at an LA map will tell you that freeways run every which way throughout the city, and if planning on traveling them 7-10am or 3-6pm, Mon-Fri, be prepared to get stuck in all the hustle and bustle of rush hour traffic.

Electronic freeway condition signs are positioned all throughout Los Angeles, and can often help you avoid accidents and other freeway congesting situations. Freeway interchanges can also be very congesting and are often hard to maneuver; therefore, it is important to know exactly where and when you are going to be switching freeways, as last minute changes are rarely possible.

Due to LA’s high traffic congestion, it is extremely important to drive safely and follow traffic laws. In addition to knowing that it’s legal to make a right turn on a red light (after making a full stop, then checking for and yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic) as a California driver, you must:

• Have a valid California driver’s license. Depending upon whether you are coming from elsewhere in California, out of state, or out of the country, upon arrival you have 10 to 20 days to get your new license. This typically involves completing a form, presenting identification, paying a fee, taking a written test, having your photo taken and your eyes tested, providing a thumb print, and surrendering your current license. In some cases, road driving tests may be required. License renewal notices are sent by mail.
• Register your car and pass regular emissions inspections.
• Have current automobile insurance that meets minimal standards set by the California Compulsory Financial Responsibility Law. You may be able to reduce your insurance rates by taking a driving class.
• Wear a seat belt, whether you are a driver or a passenger.
• Observe all laws and regulations, including the Child Passenger Safety Law. Note that a law banning the use of handheld cellular phones while operating a motor vehicle in California will take effect July 1, 2008.

For information about automobile-related subjects contact:

• The Department of Motor Vehicles – 800-777-0133 - www.dmv.ca.gov
• California Highway Patrol - 323-669-4400 - www.chp.ca.gov
• AAA (The American Automobile Association) – 800-924-6141 - www.AAA.com
• The Department of Transportation – www.dot.ca.gov  – provides real-time maps and cameras of freeway traffic
• Carpool and van pool information is available at www.commutesmart.info

Other transportation

Sit back and leave the driving to someone else! There are a number of transportation alternatives in the greater Los Angeles area. Here are a few:

Park & Ride:

• Burbank Metrolink Park & Ride- 201 North Front Street, Burbank
• Glendale Metrolink Park & Ride- 400 West Cerritos Avenue, Glendale
• Hayvenhurst Park & Ride- Hayvenhurst and Magnolia, Encino
• Manchester Park & Ride- Manchester Avenue and 1-100
• Washington & Fairfax Park & Ride- Washington Blvd. and South Fairfax Avenue

Taxicabs & Airport Shuttles:

• Airport Shuttle- 310-215-9950, http://www.supershuttle.com
• Checker Cab- 310-201-0307, http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/325523/north_hollywood_ca/checker_cab.html
• Super Shuttle- 800-258-3826, www.supershuttle.com
• Prime Time Shuttle- 800-733-8267, www.primetimeshuttle.com
• United Independent Taxi- 800-411-0303, www.unitedtaxi.com
• World Shuttle Service- 888-992-8600, website unavailable
• Yellow Cab- 877-733-3305, www.layellowcab.com

Train/ Bus:

• Amtrak- 800-872-7245, www.amtrak.com, 8090 North Alameda Street
• Greyhound- 800-231-2222 or 213-629-8402, www.greyhound.com, 1716 East 7th Street

Metro:

• Metro’s Red, Blue, Green & Gold Lines- 800-371-5465, www.metrolinktrains.com

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