Car Hire Salt Lake

Parking and Driving

• Speed Limits:

  • Residential: 25 mph
  • Downtown streets: 30 mph
  • Major arteries: 35-45 mph
  • Urban highways: 55-65 mph
  • Interstates: 70 mph (urban), 75-80 mph (rural)

• Important Rules:

  • Utah has the strictest DUI limit in the U.S. (0.05% blood alcohol content)
  • Hands-free phone use only (no holding phones while driving)
  • Right turn on red permitted after complete stop (unless prohibited)
  • Salt Lake City grid system uses coordinates from Temple Square as origin point
  • TRAX light rail runs on downtown streets; never stop on tracks
  • Four-way stops: first to arrive has right-of-way
  • Move over or slow down for emergency vehicles on shoulder
  • Pedestrians have right-of-way at all crosswalks (marked or unmarked at intersections)

• Understanding SLC's Address System:

  • Streets are numbered by distance from Temple Square
  • "South/North" follows east-west streets (300 South, 900 North)
  • "East/West" follows north-south streets (700 East, 400 West)
  • Addresses include quadrant and number (e.g., 1500 E 400 S)
  • Grid makes navigation systematic once understood

Do I need an AWD/4WD vehicle in Salt Lake City? You don't need one for just driving around the city. But if you plan to visit ski resorts in winter or drive into the mountains when it's snowy, we strongly suggest getting an AWD/4WD vehicle. Sometimes, canyon traction laws will require you to have one.

Are there toll roads in Salt Lake City? Salt Lake City doesn't have regular toll roads. The only exception is the Express Lanes on I-15. These lanes are free if you have two or more people in the car. If you're driving alone, you'll need a special tag called an Express Pass. Most rental car companies don't provide these tags.

How does Salt Lake City’s grid system work? The city numbers its streets starting from Temple Square, which is the centre point. For example, the street '300 South' is 3 blocks south of Temple Square. Every 100 in a street number equals about 1/8 of a mile. Once you get the hang of it, the system makes finding your way around easy.

Can I return my rental to a different location than where I picked it up? Yes, most companies let you return your car to a different spot in the Salt Lake metro area. For example, you can pick it up at the airport and drop it off downtown. Many companies won't charge you a fee for this or they'll charge a small amount, like $0-$50. If you rent a car one-way to another city or state, you'll usually pay a higher drop-off fee.

Is it difficult to find parking in downtown Salt Lake City? No, you'll find it's easier to park here than in other big cities. You can find plenty of street parking that uses meters and several public parking garages offer good rates. On evenings and weekends, you can often park on the street for free.

What’s the best time of year to rent a car in Salt Lake City? You'll usually find the best deals in April-May and September-October. During these months, the weather is good, rental prices are lower and there are fewer tourists. In winter (December-March), rental companies charge the highest prices and more people want AWD vehicles.

How strict is enforcement of the canyon traction laws in winter? They are very strict about it when it's snowing. The Utah Highway Patrol might set up checkpoints during storms. They will turn around cars that don't have the right tyres or AWD/4WD. Police actively enforce this law on SR-190 (Big Cottonwood) and SR-210 (Little Cottonwood).

Can I use my debit card to rent a car in Salt Lake City? Yes, but there are some rules. Many companies will ask for a larger deposit (often $200-$500) and proof you're flying home and they might also run a credit check. Some companies won't let you rent certain types of cars using a debit card. They much prefer you use a credit card.

How far in advance should I book a rental car? For normal times of the year, you should book 2-3 weeks ahead. For busy times like ski holidays, big conventions or summer holiday weekends, you should book at least 1-2 months in advance. If you need an AWD/4WD vehicle in winter, we recommend you book 2-3 months ahead.