The core of the Big Apple, Manhattan is a center for international culture, politics, and business. But big business and year-round tourists make Manhattan one of the busiest places to drive in the country. The worst times to drive in Manhattan are during rush hours which can last from 6 AM to 10 AM and 3 PM to 7 PM.

Manhattan is a tightly packed burrow known for its hustle-bustle traffic. Approximately 66 million visitors flood Manhattan streets every year, adding to the city’s 1.6 million daily commuters.

Whether you’re new to New York, or just visiting for a Security Council meeting at the United Nations, this guide will help you navigate the streets of Manhattan like a pro.

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What is driving in Manhattan like?

Manhattan is known for its densely packed, shoulder-to-shoulder traffic on the sidewalks and the streets. The average commute is about 33 minutes which is the longest average daily commute in the country. Streets in Manhattan are hectic and congested which contributes to a high accident rate.

Not only is Manhattan home to some of the biggest buildings and some of the biggest celebrities in the world, it's also home to some of the biggest gas prices, parking prices, maintenance, and insurance costs in the country.

Here’s what you can expect when you’re driving in Manhattan.

Roads

Manhattan uses a grid system to organize its streets, which can make it easy for newcomers to navigate. The center of the grid system is 5th Ave. Streets increase in numbers as you head away from 5th Ave., with streets marked “East” or “West” depending on which side of 5th Ave. they’re on.

Most of the Avenues have names instead of numbers, so you’ll want to familiarize yourself with some of the names for easier navigation.

The grid system begins to disappear the further south you go. Places like SOHO and Greenwich Village use only named streets and avenues so navigating those neighborhoods can be a little more confusing.

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Parking

Manhattan has a complex parking system to manage its 1.6 million daily commuters. Here are some things to know to avoid getting a ticket:

Tow-away zones: All of Manhattan is considered a tow-away zone, so pay close attention to the signage on the street where you’re parking, otherwise your car could be towed.

Alternate side parking (ASP): ASP rules are some of the more confusing parking rules in Manhattan. ASP signs instruct drivers not to park on certain sides of the street on defined days to allow for regular street sweeping. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these signs to avoid getting ticketed and towed.

Parking zones: Parking rates in Manhattan depend on what zone you are in, and range from $1.25 to $7.50 per hour for private vehicles and between $5 and $8 per hour for commercial vehicles. You can pay for your parking using a credit card, coins, an NYC Parking Card, or the

ParkNYC app

Parking garages are also available and can be a good way to avoid parking tickets and Manhattan’s confusing signage. Garage parking costs between $12 and $55 for 24 hours, but you can book a spot in advance to guarantee hassle-free parking. Booking ahead is always a good idea in Manhattan, especially when the Knicks or the Rangers are playing a home game at Madison Square Garden.

Weather

Manhattan’s weather presents some unique challenges to drivers on the island. Here’s what to expect:

Slippery driving: Manhattan’s streets can ice over in the wintertime. Poor traction causes accidents, especially after the first freeze of the year.

Blizzard conditions: Large snowfalls can cause your car to become stuck. Snow tires can help give you better traction in the winter, but state laws only allow snow tires to be used between October 16th and April 30th.

Frost build-up: In wintertime frost build up can obstruct your view from your windshield and side windows. Be sure to scrape your windows clean to ensure proper visibility and avoid accidents.

MORE:

Driving in the snow: 7 tips for winter safety

Traffic and transportation options in Manhattan

The worst time to drive in Manhattan is during rush hours from 6 AM to 10 AM and 3 PM to 7 PM on weekdays. That said, Manhattan is a thriving center for arts and nightlife and there is little relief from traffic congestion until the wee hours of the morning.

The busiest areas to drive in Manhattan include the Flatiron District, Union Square, 14th St. and Park Ave. South, 5th Ave. and 23rd St., and anywhere between Lexington Ave. and 1st Ave.

The best time for driving in Manhattan is in the early morning before 6 AM. You can get live traffic updates on the radio by tuning into 106.7 Lite FM or WCBS Newsradio 880. You can also download the

511NY app

for the most current traffic conditions.

Should I rent a car in Manhattan?

The most challenging part of driving in Manhattan is the parking. Parking signs can be confusing, and competition for available spots is fierce. That being said, renting a car comes with the built-in stress of parking.

If you don't want to deal with the hassle of parking you can always use public transportation. New York City has 24/7 public transportation, with a robust network of buses and subway lines. Metro cards are easy to purchase and reload and it can be an affordable way to get around without having to worry about getting towed.

New York's world-famous subway system has 36 lines running as far as Long Island and

New Jersey

. A seven-day unlimited pass costs $33, a monthly pass costs $127, and seniors get a 50% discount.

Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber are available in Manhattan, or you can have a true New York experience and hail yourself a yellow New York City taxi.

MORE: How to find a parking spot in a city

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Local driving laws in Manhattan

If you plan on driving while you are in Manhattan, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with local driving laws. Here are some of the more important ones to keep in mind:

Distracted driving

– New York was the first state in the country to ban handheld cell phone use while driving. If you're caught using your cell phone while driving you could face a $200 fine for a first offense.

Speeding

– A speeding ticket will cost you between $90 and $600 in Manhattan, depending on how fast you’re going. Construction zones will often post speed limits lower than those posted on the street, and if you are caught speeding in a work zone you could face a fine that is double the normal penalty.

Emergency vehicles – If you encounter an emergency vehicle in Manhattan you must move to the right side of the road to allow the emergency vehicle to pass. If you are passing an emergency vehicle you are required to move over at least one lane to allow the vehicle a safe amount of space.

Red-light cameras

– Manhattan has several red-light cameras and speed cameras. A ticket from either of these cameras is $50, which is far less than a ticket issued by a police officer. Currently, speed cameras are only allowed to operate between 6 AM and 10 PM in the state of New York.

Crime rate in Manhattan

Manhattan has a lower crime rate than the national average, and Manhattan South is among the safer areas in all of NYC. Still, the car theft rate is surging in New York, and that has bad implications for car insurance rates in Manhattan.

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Does car insurance cover car theft?

How to find car insurance in Manhattan

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