Miami is a city that is brimming with adventure and excitement. The ocean-side metropolis is amongst the largest in the country and visitors journey here for a whole host of reasons, like the water activities, beaches, restaurants, sports, clubs, and even its centrality to other cities. Depending on the motivation for your trip, you may want to secure a car rental in Miami, especially if you’re hoping to play a few rounds at the golf courses or explore nearby cities. Access to major intercity roadways is a breeze, since Route 1, Interstate 95, and US Highway 41 all cut straight through the city. And, with roughly 30 car rental locations in Miami, grabbing a car is simple. There’s no need to worry about where to park either, as the city has several parking lots, parking garages, and metered parking spots located throughout.
While visiting, is it worthwhile to rent a car while visiting Miami?
Between hotels, resorts, and public parking, there’s ample parking available. Ultimately, your travel reason will dictate the need for a Miami car rental. While there’s public transportation, taxis, Ubers, and shuttles, rentals are great if you’re planning multi-activity days when you’ll want to store gear. They’re also ideal for golfers who want to play at courses like Miami Beach Golf Club and Miami Shores Country Club. A Miami car rental also affords you autonomy to linger at the 19th hole. What’s more, rental cars in Miami are essential for travelers keen to explore southern Florida. From Miami, it just a couple of hours’ drive to Naples on the west coast, and an electric car rental or an economy car rental makes this an affordable day trip. Alternatively, Fort Lauderdale is just a half-hour north, a fun coastal drive with a luxury car rental in Miami. When exploring downtown and Miami Beach, you may prefer walking or grabbing a taxi, since roads around these popular spots get congested. Bottom line: a cheap car rental in Miami is an economical way to ensure you’ve got the best transportation options available to you at any time.
What different driving laws should I keep in mind while driving in Miami?
Miami traffic laws are mostly consistent with guidelines across the U.S., such as laws prohibiting the operation of motor vehicles by drivers with a BAC, or blood alcohol content, of .08% or higher. However, there are a few unique guidelines. For instance, passengers over the age of 18 who are traveling in the back seat of the car are not required to wear a seatbelt. All other passengers are required to buckle up. Also, you may turn right on red so long as you’ve made a complete stop before proceeding. You’ll want to take heed of this direction since Florida employs red-light cameras to catch drivers who violate traffic laws. Additionally, since Miami’s a popular city, you’ll find the roads packed with vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians—while bicyclists must follow vehicle traffic laws, they don’t always, so drivers who have opted for car rentals in Miami will want to keep an eye out for cyclists. Also, talking on a cell phone while driving is technically legal in Florida, but not recommended. The state does, however, enforce The Move Over Act. The act dictates how drivers should react to stopped public safety and utility vehicles—drivers must slow down below the speed limit and give a lane’s-worth of room where possible.
Will I need a special driver’s license or permit to drive a rental car in Miami if I’m visiting from another country?
If you’re hoping to secure a car rental in Miami, you’ll need to be at least 21 years old, but be advised that many rental car firms may charge an incremental renters fee for young renters, a category of drivers defined as being between the ages of 21 through 24. Additionally, renters must have a valid driver’s license. Likewise, international drivers can furnish the license issued by their home country, proving that it is valid. While an International Driver's Permit is not required, it is recommended for drivers whose license may be in a language other than English.