Car Rental El Paso, Texas

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El Paso, also known as, the "Sun City Capital of Texas", is border city on the Rio Grande River. The name El Paso is a derivative of the Spanish word for "crossing". The city is the home of the Sun Bowl. Locals are known as El Pasoans. Some famous El Pasoans have included Sandra Day O'Connor, U.S. Supreme Court justice; Debbie Reynolds, singer, actress, dancer; Sam Donaldson, TV journalist; and Judith Ivey, actress.

Because it is bordered by mountains and the Rio Grande, El Paso is strongly influenced by Mexico and the Old West. There is a cultural mix of Hispanics, Anglos and Native Americans which contributed to an atmosphere unlike that of any other city in the state. Pueblan tribes occupied the area before 1581, when Spanish explorers arrived to establish a series of missions along the Rio Grande. You can still visit several of the old missions in the area. The Mission Trail is a marked driving route that runs to the Ysleta and Socorro Missions and the San Elizario Presidio. If you want to get a better understanding of the complexities of the international border between the U.S. and Mexico, El Paso is a good place to start. For many decades, cultures and interests have merged and clashed.

In El Paso, there are several museums showcasing the history of the region. The Centennial Museum on the University of Texas at El Paso campus moves from the age of dinosaurs up through the Old West. The El Paso Museum of History concentrates on the frontier era as does the replica of old Fort Bliss (established in 1849), which is on the grounds of today's army base of the same name.

An trip can also be made to Hueco Tanks State Park (26 mi/42 km east of El Paso on Highway 62), where you will find rock formations in the park that are riddled with hollow areas that collect rain water. The water made the rocks a gathering place for Native Americans as early as 10,000 years ago.

Driving Regulations In Texas

Visitors And Driver License Requirements
Visitors at least 16 years of age who has in their possession a valid driver’s license issued to them in their home state may operate a vehicle which is permitted to be operated with a Class C driver’s license in Texas. 5. Visitors at least 18 years of age may drive any personal vehicle in Texas if they are legally licensed to drive such a vehicle in their home state or country, and their home state or country grants like recognition to citizens of Texas.

Seat Belt And Child Safety Seat Usage
All drivers and passengers must wear seat belts while the vehicle is in motion. The law also requires that children under 2 years of age be secured in child passenger safety seats and children 2 to 4 years of age be secured in safety seats or by safety belts.

Speed Limits In Texas
The following limits are generally observed, unless otherwise posted.

Drinking And Driving Laws In Texas
In Texas, the Blood Alcohol Limit is 0.08 or any amount which results in loss of normal use of mental or physical faculties from each “drink.”

A first DWI offense is a Class B misdemeanor. It is punishable as a fine not to exceed $2,000.00, confinement in jail for not less than 72 hours nor more than 180 days, and a driver’s license (or driving privilege) suspension of not less than 90 days nor more than 365 days. The court may probate the jail sentence and waive the driver’s license suspension on the first offense ONLY. Possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage increases the minimum term of confinement by 3 days to 6 days for a 1st offense.

Visitor Information Center:
El Paso Visitors Bureau
El Paso Convention & Performing Arts Center
One Civic Center Plaza
El Paso, TX 79901
Tel: (915) 534-0601
Toll free: (800) 351-6024

• AAA El Paso
  Tel: (915) 778-9521
  Emergency Road Service: 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357)
  
• Police, Fire, Ambulance (emergency): 911
  El Paso Police Department (non-emergency): (915) 564-7000