New York City Transportation > Driving

• Renting A Car
  Why bother to own a car in the middle of New York City? Parking is hard, cab drivers don't usually like to share the road, and the Public Transportation system can take you wherever you want to go for $1.50. Sometimes though, there is nothing like driving; for those occasions, get a discount car rental here!

• Driving Directions into Manhattan
  Check out the Chamber of Commerce's website.

• Current Traffic and Transit Conditions
  Tune into the Shadow Traffic Network or the Metro Traffic Control reports on most local broadcast stations during rush hour (radio stations) or online at www.metrocommute.com or smartraveler.com.

• Alternate side of the street parking
  Visit the Department of Transportation website for rules and regulations or visit www.orchardst.com/parking/ for a calendar.

• Parking Facilities in New York
  Call: (212)/(718)225-5368 or visit the City Planning site for excellent detailed maps of Manhattan's parking facilities.

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New York City Driving Tips

• Don't Drive Drunk!
  You shouldn't do this anywhere, but especially not in New York. With the new laws, your car can be seized by the police.

• No Right Turn on red in NYC!
  In every other city in the United States you are allowed to make a right turn on a red light after a full stop. However, in New York City this is illegal, unless otherwise noted by a traffic sign.

• Don't Block the Box!
  Do not contribute to grid-lock! Enter an intersection only if you're sure you can make it through! In some locations gridlock is not only obnoxious, but it's illegal and subject to fine.

• Towing information -- how to get your car back!
  Call the local police station to find out towing information whereby they'll most likely direct you to the Department of Transportation. Most cars are kept in a warehouse on the west side of Manhattan near the pier.

• How to prevent car theft
  Leave nothing valuable showing in the driver's cab. When placing belongings into the trunk, do so before finding a parking spot. Many car burglars hide and watch people place valuables into the trunk then strike after the driver has left. If something is valuable to you, carry it with you! Some people leave nice signs informing robbers that there's nothing valuable inside the car.

• Don't honk the horn unless absolutely necessary
  Some areas (ie. Holland Tunnel entrance) forbid the sounding of the car horn, with a fine of $100 for violators. This is usually found in areas with a large number of residences.

• Don't open your window to strangers
  If some one approaches your car at a stop light to either ask for money, wash your windows or sell you something, try to ignore them. If you do, for some reason, feel inclined to give the person money, remove it very discretely from your pocket. Then open the window a crack and slide the money through it. An open window in a car makes you a very vulnerable target.