Any true New Yorker will say their best advice for driving in New York City is…don’t drive in New York City! And yet, the city is more crowded than ever. New York City is complicated.
Siri has a lovely voice, but she can’t know everything! GPS can tell you where to go and maybe how to get there, but it’s no match for tried and true tips for driving in New York City from someone with plenty of experience.
Waze doesn’t always show the best route. But there are other ways. Read ahead to learn some top-secret methods for getting around on four wheels in the big apple.
Understand the Basic Traffic Rules
Every city has its own unique set of traffic rules, and NYC is no exception.
- Right on Red: Unlike many cities in the US, it is generally illegal to make a ‘right on red’ in NYC unless a sign indicates otherwise.
- Bus Lanes: Be wary of bus lanes. These are typically reserved for buses only during specific hours, and driving in them could lead to a fine.
- No Honking: Honking is illegal in most parts of NYC unless it’s a safety emergency. This law, however, is more often broken than observed.
Understanding these rules will help you blend into the local driving culture while avoiding unnecessary traffic violations.
It Pays To Prepare
Be a boy scout. Well, a modern-day boy scout: google, google, google! New York started street construction over a century ago and seems to never have stopped! This can affect closures and your route, so stay updated in real time as much as you can. Even use the AM radio if you have to.
Have a backup route ready. Otherwise, you can get lost in a maze of overcrowded one-way streets. New York City is a grid, so you won’t go in a circle, but more like a square.
Look up local laws, just to be safe. Some rules of the road are unique to New York. For example, in New York, unlike almost everywhere else in the world, it is illegal to turn right on a red light.
Familiarize Yourself with One-Way Streets
NYC is notorious for its one-way streets, especially in Manhattan. Always look for one-way signs before turning, and be aware of the direction of the parked cars. One-way streets can actually make your journey smoother once you get the hang of them.
Staying Cool
Signs, signs, everywhere a sign! That famous song may have been written about New York City. There are signs for everything from parking to signs indicating an exception to the red light rule noted above. Pay attention to them.
While you’re looking around for signs – or parking – also look out for pedestrians. Pedestrians’ right of way is never more practically applicable than in New York. Even when pedestrian New Yorkers don’t have the law on their side, they insist on that right of way, so stay on your toes. For cyclists, too.
Honking your horn is another unique-to-new-york law. It’s illegal. That doesn’t stop anyone from doing it. Patience, my young street hopper. Returning fire never helps and road rage on jammed city streets is no joke. Practice zen breathing at stop lights.
In some European countries, a little sticker on the rear window indicates when someone is a new driver. No such luck in New York City. Hopefully new drivers will have attended Improv traffic school’s lighthearted drivers education course.
The city never sleeps, but it does rest. If you can, drive in the early morning or late night when the traffic lights are better coordinated and there is less commuter traffic.
Saving Money
“Hurry up and wait” is a famous phrase cautioning against speeding through traffic lights. Nowhere is this truer than in New York City. You may speed up to catch a yellow light and end up caught in the middle. Of the intersection. Blocking traffic.
This violation is known as “don’t block the box”. Which carries a huge fine in New York City. And you’ll have nowhere to go! So, be cautious and try not to hurry through traffic lights.
New York City has a parking peculiarity that is the bane of every car owner’s existence. It’s called alternate side parking. Depending on the day of the week, it is illegal to park on one or the other side of the street, for cleaning. So check those signs! If it’s empty, there’s probably a reason.
And fire hydrants. New York is serious about its hydrants. Don’t cheat the system and stay at least 15 feet away or it will be worse than a fine – you’ll get towed!
An alternative to risky street parking is a garage. Read the fine print. Often low prices advertised can have some conditions. Garages are less occupied during off-hours and many offer special rates in the early morning.
Picking Up The Pace
If you finally get fed up with the street traffic and want to zip around faster to a particular area, there are a few expressways which present an alternate option.
On the West Side, take the Henry Hudson parkway or the West Side Highway, depending on where you get on. They are a continuation of each other.
On the East Side, take FDR Drive. Uptown, try the Harlem River Drive or Riverside Drive.
Allow extra time to get somewhere. There’s always more traffic than there should be, unexpected detours, many occasions to groan and plenty of selfish, risk-taking fellow drivers so cut yourself a break. If you get to your destination early, well, great!
Know When to Drive
Navigating New York City during rush hour can be a test of patience and skill. The streets can become choked with vehicles, leading to slow-moving traffic and increased travel time. Generally, rush hour is from 7-9 a.m. and 4-7 p.m. on weekdays, when people are heading to or returning from work. If possible, it is best to avoid driving during these hours.
Moreover, the city’s dynamic nature also means that traffic patterns can vary depending on events, parades, and other citywide activities. Staying informed about such events will help you plan your driving schedule more efficiently.
On weekends, early mornings are usually quieter. Many New Yorkers tend to sleep in, especially on Sundays, which can make for a smoother driving experience. These quieter hours can be an excellent opportunity for less confident drivers to get to grips with NYC’s streets without the usual hustle and bustle.
Be Confident and Assertive
Driving in NYC requires a certain level of assertiveness. This doesn’t mean aggressive driving; rather, it’s about being confident, decisive, and clear about your intentions on the road. Indecision can lead to confusion for other drivers and potentially create unsafe situations.
When merging into traffic or changing lanes, use your indicators well in advance, check your mirrors, and then proceed with purpose. Hesitant driving often leads to missed opportunities to merge or change lanes, causing unnecessary stress and potential traffic delays.
Also, while New Yorkers are known for their assertive driving, they also respect the rules of the road. So, even if you’re driving a bit slower than others, as long as you’re adhering to the traffic regulations and not obstructing the flow, you’ll be just fine.
Remember that assertiveness on the road is a skill that comes with practice and experience. The more you drive in the city, the more confident you will become, leading to a safer and more enjoyable driving experience.
Take It Away, Drivers!
It sucks to get pulled over, but if you do get in some hot water, laugh it off at New York State approved Improv, the traffic school with a smile.
Basically, the take-away is: Gone are the days when your grandfather took you on a leisurely tour around town in his Pontiac. Be alert in unique New York if you’re behind the wheel. That’s the best advice there is.
Born and raised amidst the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, I’ve witnessed the city’s many exciting phases. When I’m not exploring the city or penning down my thoughts, you can find me sipping on a cup of coffee at my favorite local café, playing chess or planning my next trip. For the last twelve years, I’ve been living in South Williamsburg with my partner Berenike.