L.A. has earned a reputation as a “slow” city…especially during rush hour. While we can’t help but love our City of Angels, it can be just as scary as it is frustrating to get stuck in traffic in the city. 

It’s important to know not only the quickest route home, but also the safest, which is why we’ve shared with you our tips about how to finagle your way around L.A. traffic. Below is a step-by-step guide to looking up traffic updates in Los Angeles via Google Maps on desktop or mobile. We’re also sharing other helpful apps that you can use to navigate L.A.’s busiest highways and streets.

Using Google Maps to Navigate Driving Conditions in Los Angeles

Google Maps is a convenient— and popular—navigation tool that can provide simple directions to any destination as well as shortcuts or time-saving routes during times of traffic congestion. Google Maps is one of the best tools for navigating around L.A. traffic, ensuring you arrive on time. 

We’ve outlined all the basic instructions for using Google Maps either on your desktop or via your mobile device.

Google Maps Desktop Instructions to Navigate Traffic in L.A.

Using Google Maps on any computer is simple, and it allows you to research your route and print out detailed driving instructions (if you learn best by reading). Here’s how to navigate Google Maps on your desktop.

  1. Visit Google Maps and type in your destination. You can simply choose “Los Angeles” to give a broad overview of the traffic in the area during rush hour on a weekday. 
  2. At the very bottom of this prompt box, select the option that matches your mode of transportation:” Traffic, Bicycling, Terrain.” If you don’t see the prompt, it may be because the page setup is different. In this case, it will look like Option 2. Click on “Traffic.” Both options take you to Step 3. 
  3. From here, Google provides you with the option to view live traffic or typical traffic patterns. For our purposes, select “Typical traffic.” You’ll now be able to adjust the day and time of day to see which roads are congested at various times of the day. Choosing “Live Traffic” will lead you to a report of the current driving conditions. This could be a good report to look up right before leaving work to see if you should try an alternate on your way home.
  4. Use the zoom tool to get a closer street view of traffic conditions. Not surprisingly, the inner and outer belt lines are the busiest.

Google Maps Mobile Instructions to Navigate Traffic in L.A.

    1. Open the Google Maps App. Type in your destination in the search bar to see live traffic around you, or if you’re interested in seeing the traffic for a destination, select the menu icon in the left corner of the Google search bar. 
    2. After clicking on the icon, a side menu should pop up. Select “Traffic.” 
    3. If you’ve selected a destination, you will see current traffic patterns at the time of search. While you aren’t able to utilize the Typical Traffic tool, this map should still provide you with an idea of which routes other drivers frequent the most. 

Please make sure that your map destination is set up before you drive. Holding a phone while driving is illegal in California. Get it ready, mount it to your dash so it can easily be seen while driving, and enjoy your trip safely.

Other Tools for Navigating Los Angeles Traffic

Google Maps offers an easy way to navigate L.A. traffic, but it’s not the only tool at your disposal. Try these other tools to find traffic issues and navigate around them:

  • Sigalert – This site provides the latest traffic updates, including traffic issues, crashes, road work, and closures. Click on any section to learn more about issues. Sigalert is also available as an app through the App Store.
  • SoCal511 – This app is available via Google Play and the App Store. It features an interactive map, a trip planner, and location-based details, too. 
  • Live Traffic (Los Angeles) – Drivers navigating the highways and streets of Los Angeles can use this app to see traffic details that are updated every 60 seconds. Live Traffic is available via Google Play.
  • Waze – A popular app that lets users navigate any city, Waze shows live traffic updates, driving directions, and insight about road conditions. The app is available via Google Play and the App Store.

Simple Tips for Navigating Los Angeles Traffic

Using Google Maps, Sigalert, Waze, or other tools and apps can help you find alternate routes around congested areas and alert you when traffic hits a standstill. In addition, every Los Angeles resident also knows that there are a few simple tips to keep in mind that allow you to avoid heavy traffic. 

Keep these tips in mind before you head out to navigate the Los Angeles highways, interstates, and roads: 

  • Use carpool lanes. These lanes may offer less traffic than other lanes. However, you may only use the carpool lane when you have one or more passengers with you.
  • Take public transportation. When possible, consider using public transportation. This can help alleviate stress, frustration, and even driving fatigue. 
  • Try to avoid peak traffic hours. For those commuting to work, consider leaving earlier to avoid times of heavy traffic. In the morning, peak traffic times are from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Evening traffic peaks from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Plan ahead. Sometimes traffic can be unpredictable. To avoid undue stress, plan your trip ahead of time and allow plenty of time to navigate to your destination.

If L.A. Traffic Leads to an Accident, Call Azizi

Unfortunately, the heavy traffic congestion in L.A. can lead drivers to speed or drive recklessly. If you were injured in an accident in Los Angeles traffic, trust David Azizi to fight for you and get you the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free consultation today.

Blog, Tips