Driving in Boston

Boston is known as a city that is easy to navigate while walking, which is why many people who live in and visit prefer not to have a car. Even if you're not into walking from place-to-place, the city's public transportation isn't complicated, and Ubers, Lyfts, and taxis are available all over Boston.

However, most people agree that it isn't easy to drive in Boston. There is no grid to follow across the city like in New York City, and because most people walk around, there are typically many pedestrians to watch out for in every direction at intersections. Fortunately, if you understand the rules of the road, you can navigate Boston by car safely and efficiently, making your experience as easy and convenient as possible while you are visiting.

Rules of the Road

Boston is similar to other major cities in the United States when it comes to rules of the road; however, there are a few rules related to cell phone use, seat belts, headlights, and toll lanes that you'll need to know before you hit the road in the city.

• Cell phones: If you're 18 or older, you may use your phone and other electronic devices in hands-free mode only. You are allowed to touch your device to activate hands-free mode or GPS navigation, as long as it is installed or properly mounted. First-time offenders will be fined $100, while second-time offenders are fined $250 and must complete a distracted driving educational program. Those who break the law three or more times must also complete the educational program, in addition to paying a $500 fine and insurance surcharge. Those under 18 cannot use cell phones in any way while driving. No matter what age you are, the law prohibits writing, reading, or sending text messages while driving, and while you're stopped in traffic.
• Car rental age: You can rent a car at 21 years old in Massachusetts, but until you're 25, you'll have some restrictions and may have to pay a higher rate.
• Seat belts: All drivers and passengers must wear a seat belt, with children under 8 years old or less than 57 inches tall required to ride in car seats.
• Headlights: You're required to have your headlights on 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. If you have your windshield wipers on, even if it is just misting, you are also required to turn your headlights on.
• Alcohol: It's illegal to drive a motor vehicle if your blood-alcohol concentration is over .08 percent, which is considered Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Open containers are also not permitted within the car unless they have been resealed, in which case they can be transported in the trunk or locked glove compartment.
• Carpool/HOV lanes: There are HOV lanes on highways going in and out of Boston, which are for cars with two or more occupants. 
• Toll lanes: When you go through tolls, there are certain lanes for the E-ZPass, which charges you automatically for tolls. There are now some tolls, such as the Tobin Bridge, that only have that as an option. If you don't have an E-ZPass, you'll be sent an invoice for the amount of the toll (no surcharge).

Traffic and Timing

Boston roads frequently get congested, and a GPS doesn't always estimate the correct amount of time even when it tries to take traffic into consideration. Give yourself more time to travel from one destination to another, especially if it's during rush hours.

• Busy times on the road: Rush hour usually begins around 4 p.m. on weekdays and can last until as late as 7 p.m. depending on the day, though oftentimes it ends earlier than that. Friday afternoons are by far the worst, with traffic both north and southbound lanes clogging up even before 4 p.m. due to people traveling to the mountains, beaches, and lakes for the weekend. In general, traffic can be bad for no reason on I-93 South from Boston until you get to the split to go to either Route 3 toward Cape Cod or to continue on I-93 South, which will get you to I-95 as well.
• Seasonal traffic: Summer and holiday weekends are even worse than Fridays. While Friday used to be the main day for afternoon traffic, Thursdays have also become quite congested as people head down to Cape Cod and north to New Hampshire for long weekends. Keep an eye on traffic and try to leave during off windows of time, such as late at night or very early in the morning.
• Sporting events, festivals, and concerts: Similar to seasonal traffic, beware of big events at Gillette Stadium, where the New England Patriots play and many concerts are held, as you'll experience heavy traffic on I-93 South. The same applies to the city when the Red Sox, Celtics, or Bruins are playing at Fenway Park or the TD Garden.

Parking in Boston

Parking in Boston can be a challenge depending on the neighborhood you're visiting or the time of day or even year. There are all types of parking options, and knowing them can help you navigate the city.

Winter in Boston can present its own challenges when it comes to parking, especially after there has been a big snowstorm (or five). Pay attention to snow emergencies, and note that in most neighborhoods, once residents dig out their cars, they are allowed to leave a "placeholder" to reserve their street spot for 48 hours after the emergency ends. Also keep an eye out for street cleaning signs, as your car will get towed if you find yourself parked on the side of the road that is being cleaned.

• Parking garages: There are parking garages throughout the city with varying rates, but they're typically the most expensive parking option. Most garages offer early bird specials, meaning you get a discounted rate if you are in and out by a certain time. Parking garages like the ones connected to the Prudential Center and Copley Place offer validation services if you make a purchase.
• Reservation services: Try out a parking app such as SpotHero to reserve your spot ahead of time in some parts of the city.
• Valet: Handing your keys over to a valet is an option at many hotels and higher-end restaurants. Of course, plan to pay more than you would if you parked your car yourself. But there are certainly perks, especially if you're visiting during winter months.
• Meter parking: This will vary by neighborhood. Some areas are metered parking, and others are free for non-residents on weekends. Pay attention to the signs, and make sure you're planning accordingly with street spots.

Should You Rent a Car in Boston?

The call on whether or not you should rent a car in Boston depends on what you plan to do while visiting the city. Are you planning on exploring Boston's tourist attractions for a weekend, such as the museums and other sites along the Freedom Trail? And are you staying at a hotel or Airbnb right in one of Boston's neighborhoods? If you answered yes and you're flying into Logan Airport or taking a train or bus from North or South Station, you probably don't need a rental car.

Boston's MBTA train and bus system is affordable and not very intimidating compared to other metropolitan cities. There are a few key stations that connect the different color train lines, so even if you have to switch, it's easy to see where you have to go on the MBTA map. The bus lines can be more confusing, as there are far more lines and stops.

Over the past few years, Boston has gotten more bike-friendly, adding bike lanes throughout the city in addition to programs like the Boston Blue Bikes. This bike-share program is great for travelers because you can buy an "Explore Pass," which gives you 24 hours of unlimited use for a small fee, up to 2 hours per trip. Pick up a bike at one location, and drop it off at another without worrying about getting it back to your original destination.

And much like other cities, there is no shortage of Uber and Lyft drivers just waiting to pick up locals and tourists, and taxis are also available, though you may need to direct them to where you are going rather than relying on the GPS connection that Uber and Lyft offer.

When should you rent a car? There's plenty to see within an hour or two of Boston, so if you plan to do some exploring outside of the city, or if you're visiting friends or family in the suburbs, you may want to have your own vehicle. If that's the case, there are car rental companies by the airport and throughout the city and surrounding areas.

If you don't want to rent a car for your entire stay, you could also consider getting a Zipcar, which allows you to rent a car for a smaller window of time, likely from a more convenient location to where you are.

Road Etiquette and Driving Tips for Boston

With so many pedestrians in and around Boston, there are some tricks to navigating the city.

• Yield for pedestrians. Even if locals aren't doing so, you'll see people walking everywhere you go. Unlike other cities, Bostonians will jaywalk, and the laws against doing so are rarely enforced by the law, even in busy intersections.
• Drive with intention. Boston drivers are more aggressive and less patient than others, so to grab a parking spot or merge onto a road, you might need to be a bit more assertive (but still safe!) than you normally are.
• Watch out for cyclists. Even with Boston striving to become more biker-friendly, drivers aren't always used to the new bike lane additions. Keep an eye out on your right if you are driving on a street that has one.