Driving in San Francisco

Congestion, a shortage of parking areas (and their high prices), and strictly enforced parking laws discourage many visitors from driving in San Francisco. Seat belts are required by law. Speed limits vary, but the maximum is 35 mph (56 km/h). Many streets are one-way, with traffic lights at most corners in the city center.

CAR RENTAL

You must be at least 21 years old with a valid driving license (a US or International Driver’s License is best) to rent a car. All agencies require a major credit card or a large cash deposit. Damage and liability insurance is recommended.

Always return the car with a full tank of gas to avoid the inflated gas prices charged by the rental agency. It is less expensive to rent a car at the airport: rental taxes are $2 a day more in the city.

TRAFFIC SIGNS

Colorful signs and symbols point the way to the main tourist areas, such as Chinatown (a lantern); Fisherman’s Wharf (a crab); North Beach (outline of Italy). “Stop” and “Do Not Enter” signs are red and white. “Caution” and “Yield” signs are yellow and black. “One Way” signs are black and white. If there is no oncoming traffic, drivers may turn right at a red light. Otherwise, red and amber lights mean stop.

PENALTIES

If you park your car at an out-of-order meter, expect to get a parking ticket. Blocking bus stops, fire hydrants, driveways, garages, and wheelchair ramps will also incur a fine, as will running a red light. For details of traffic regulations, contact the Parking and Traffic Department.

If you receive a ticket, you are expected to pay the fine or appear in court. After five parking tickets, a “Denver Boot” may be clamped to the wheel, immobilizing the car. This is removed when the fines are paid. If your car has been towed away, call the Police Department Towed Vehicle Information line. Obtain a release permit from the nearest police station, then go to City Tow. You will have to pay a towing and storage fee. If it is a rental car, you will need to produce the contract before the car will be released.

PARKING

Parking meters operate from 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday, and occasionally on Sundays too. Most meters have short time limits, usually of one hour. City center parking garages cost $9 to $20 a day, and many accept only cash. Curbs are color coded: red mean stopping is prohibited; yellow are loading zones; green allow 10 minutes parking, while white permit 5 minutes during business hours.

Blue curbs are reserved for the disabled. Some parking spaces are tow-away zones from 7am to 9am and after 3 or 4pm. By law you must curb your wheels when parking on steep hills. Turn wheels into the road when facing uphill and toward the curb when facing downhill.

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