Most New Yorkers will tell you to walk around, ride city bikes or take the subway. And that’s because driving in the city can make even the most experienced driver doubt their skills. But it’s possible that you live in a borough where the easiest way to get around is by car, or you just find driving more comfortable. Whether you are visiting New York or planning to lease a car, here are some important things to keep in mind to navigate when driving in NYC with a car.
Look Up Distinct Rules
While the majority of the driving rules and regulations are similar to the rest of the country, there are certain distinct rules that you should know about. First of all, you cannot turn right on a red light unless there is a sign explicitly stating that you can. Moreover, left turns aren’t allowed on some major avenues during certain hours. Drivers also need to park at least 15 feet away from a fire hydrant, or you’ll end up with a ticket.
Beware of Speed Traps
Speed traps refer to areas where police hide to catch speeding drivers. You will be stuck paying a hefty fine if you don’t know how to spot the speed cameras in NY. You can avoid falling for these traps by conducting a careful visual search of the area to locate cameras. It’s also useful to download Google Maps, which informs users about nearby speed traps.
Keep An Eye On Pedestrian
The city is packed with people rushing to get somewhere. You can expect jaywalkers and bicyclists overflowing from the sidewalks onto the roads. Keep an eye out for pedestrians when driving in the city.
Traffic Rules Apply 24/7
NYC is famously known as the city that never sleeps. That’s something you should keep in mind when you’re driving late at night. You may have gotten away with running a red light or speeding at night in a small isolated town. But you can’t risk breaking driving laws in the city.
Enable Safety Features
Additional safety features on your car can be quite helpful. Something like a blind spot detector will safeguard you from a car coming out of nowhere. Rear Cross-traffic Alert is another device you can consider investing in.
Read Parking Signs Carefully
Parking is a whole different animal in NYC. Before parking, make sure you carefully read the fine print. If it seems too good to be true, that’s because it probably is. Moreover, if you don’t see any cars parked in the street, it would be better to look for another parking spot.
Save Your Parking Spot
Unless luck is on your side, it’s unlikely that you will always find parking close to your destination. You may have to park far away and walk the rest of the way. Instead of losing your car in an unfamiliar street or confusing multi-level parking, you can use Google Maps to save your parking spot.
Don’t Leave Anything Behind
From phone chargers to laptops, don’t make the mistake of leaving your valuables in your car. If you can’t take them with you, at least put them in the glove compartment or under the seat.
Keep Up with Maintenance
Considering how busy NYC roads are, you cannot afford to have your car break down in the middle of traffic. In addition to being incredibly inconvenient, it will likely cost you a pretty penny to get it towed. That’s why it’s crucial to keep up with your vehicle’s maintenance.
The Bottom Line
You are bound to make certain inevitable mistakes when you start driving in the city. However, with time and the aforementioned tips, driving will eventually become a stress-free experience.
