From navigating traffic congestion to finding a place to park, driving in NYC is not always the most efficient way to travel, but with some proper planning and a few easy tips and tricks, it is possible to get around the city in your own vehicle.
Everyone knows driving in New York City is challenging, but millions of people do it every day. From navigating traffic congestion to finding a place to park, driving in NYC is not always the most efficient way to travel, but with some proper planning and a few easy tips and tricks, it is possible to get around the city in your own vehicle.
Know the rules of the road
Because of the high density of both pedestrians and motorists, New York City has a number of regulations that limit driving maneuvers that are legal in most other places. Unless a sign states otherwise, you cannot make a right turn on red. Also, some streets limit left turns during certain hours of the day. Many blocks become loading-only zones during regular business hours or limit parking for street cleaning and garbage pickup.
Despite all your precautions, accidents still happen. In the event you’re involved in a serious auto accident in New York, it’s important to get expert legal help right away. Even if you think it was you or a loved one’s out-of-towner driving that caused the collision, this might not be the case. New York-based personal injury and wrongful death law firms like fightingforyou.com are recommended over those located elsewhere, given the complexity of laws and regulations in the city. Furthermore, a local firm is more likely to know the right path towards a fair settlement versus one with little to no experience in the New York civil court system.
Parking in the city
For many out of town visitors, finding a place to park in NYC is the worst part of driving. There is really no such thing as free parking in most of the city, so plan to pay for parking. Paying to park costs far less than the alternative–parking tickets and getting towed. When you find a lot or garage, make sure you ask the attendant what the rates are and how long you can actually park there. Some parking lots have misleading signs. If you find a good, safe lot at a reasonable price, you may even consider leaving your car there and taking public transit for the rest of your trip.
For street parking, most of the parking meters have been replaced by muni-meter kiosks. You will need to find the closest muni-meter to pay for parking. You can pay with quarters, dollar coins, or credit cards, which is very convenient. Just don’t forget to put the ticket on your dashboard!
Toll roads
Parking isn’t the only thing you will pay for on the road in NYC. Most of the bridges and tunnels have a toll. If you come in on the Lincoln Tunnel from Secaucus, New Jersey, expect to pay $15 for the Lincoln Tunnel toll. If you have an E-ZPass from another state with an electronic collection system, there is a small discount on the toll.
Be aware of your surroundings
Don’t leave anything in your car, make sure you lock your door and be aware of the area that you are in. While the number of car break-ins in NYC has fallen in recent decades, they still happen, so don't leave anything behind that may be enticing. This includes not only valuables but also food and other everyday items. You will also want to make sure you keep track of where you park. Write down the cross streets as well as the level and spot number (if there is one). If you park in a garage, make sure you keep track of your ticket. It will help you find the garage if you forget where it is, and you will pay a much higher fee if you lose the ticket.
Once you take these four tips into consideration, you are ready to drive around New York City! Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the city.
