Car Rental Santa Monica, California

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Santa Monica is located on Santa Monica Bay, and is home to 84,084 residents. Santa Monica was initially developed as a resort, then evolved into the center for aircraft manufacturing. The city was the site of filming for the 1982 movie "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and the 2001 movie "The Majestic". Santa Monica is also home to the infamous Route 66.

Locals in the area are known as Santa Monicans. Some well known Santa Monicans include Sean Penn (actor), Tobey Maguire (actor), Robert Redford (actor, director, producer), and Carson Daly (MTV VJ).

Must-See places to visit include: Palisades Park, Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area, Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, Pacific Park, UCLA Discovery Center, California Heritage Museum, Children's Nature Institute, Angels Attic Museum, and the Museum of Flying.

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.

• Santa Monica AAA
  Roadside Assistance: 800-400-4AAA

• Fire or Police (Emergency): 911
  Police (Non-Emergency): (310) 458-8491