Car Rentals San Jose CA

Click here to Search for Rates in San Jose

San Jose, California is the commercial center in the Silicon Valley, located in the Santa Clara Valley. It is home to 894,943 people, making it the 11th largest city in the United States by population.

Before San Jose was a technological center, it was the heart of an agrarian area known for fruit orchards, ranches and canneries.

Those that transformed San Jose to the high tech center it is now, include radio pioneer Lee de Forest, David Hewlett and Bill Packard, and William Shockley, inventor of the transistor.

San Jose was the location for the 1998 movie "What Dreams May Come" and the 1990 movie "The Rookie" among many others.

Famous residents have included: Edwin Markham (poet), Steven L. Smith (astronaut), Peggy Fleming (skater), Chuck Berry (musician), and the band Smash Mouth.

Must-See places to visit include: Alum Rock Park, Almaden Lake Park, Lake Cunningham, Overfelt Gardens, Municipal Rose Garden, Tech Museum of Innovation, Winchester Mystery House, Silicon Valley Institute of Art and Technology, Children's Discovery Museum, San Jose Historical Museum, San Jose Museum of Art, the Santa Clara County Fair in early August, and the San Jose Jazz Festival in September.

Driving Regulations In California
If you are a visitor in California over 18 years old and have a valid driver license from your home state or country (where you live permanently), you may drive in this state without getting a California driver license as long as your home state license remains valid. Seat belts must be worn by all drivers and passengers, including any passenger who is age six or older and weighs over 60 lbs. A child passenger restraint system is required for any child who is under the age of six and weighs 60 pounds or less.

Speed Limits In California
California's "Basic Speed Law" says that you must never drive faster than is safe for the current conditions. No matter what the speed limit sign may say your speed should depend on:

Area	Limit
Highways	65-70 MPH
2-Lane Undivided Highways	55 MPH
Business & Residential Areas	25 MPH
Around School Areas	25 MPH
Alleyways	15 MPH

Drinking And Driving Laws In California
The blood alcohol limit is 0.08. First offense may result in license suspension or revocation, independent of any jail, fine, or other criminal penalty imposed in court for the driving under the influence offense.

Helpful Telephone Numbers
Here are some telephone numbers you may find useful during your trip in California.

• San Jose AAA
  Roadside Assistance: 800-400-4AAA

• Fire or Police (Emergency): 911
  Police (Non-Emergency): 311