Cars
Do I need a car in Boston?
Boston and Cambridge are among the best walking cities in America, and Cambridge is a very bike-friendly city. The public transportation system, the MBTA has an extensive network of subway trains, buses, commuter trains and boats serving the greater Boston area. Their website has very useful tools to help you plan your trip.
There are certain disadvantages to having a car in Boston. Street parking is hard to find, parking lots can be expensive, and driving on crowded streets can be very stressful. Also, auto insurance in the Boston area is relatively expensive. Not having a car can save you money and is an environmentally-friendly choice.
However, if you have a family with small children, then a car may be a good option for you. Transporting even a single child in a stroller in the public transport system is not always easy and you can spend a significant amount of time commuting. Also, having a car makes it easy to carry home groceries and other shopping. Additionally, waiting for buses out in the cold during the winter months can be quite unpleasant.
If you decide not to own a car, consider the following tips to make getting around a little easier:
- Use your spouse or partner’s MIT T-Pass, a monthly MBTA pass subsidized by MIT for students and employees.
- Join Zipcar, a car-sharing program. They have cars around campus and in many locations throughout Boston, and their cars are usually easier to get to than having to go to a car rental office. Pay lower fees by being an MIT Sponsored Member.
- Join a carpool. GoLoco is one site that can help you arrange rides. Also visit MIT’s Carpool section for information.
- Get a copy of "Car Free in Boston". It explains in detail how to get to destinations in and around Boston on public transportation. You can also borrow a copy from spouses&partners@mit.
- Keep a list of phone numbers from taxicab companies from neighboring cities on your cell phone, such as from Cambridge, Somerville and Boston. Typically, you cannot call for a cab from outside the city to pick you up.
- Get a bicycle, and a bike trailer for the kids, for getting around during the warmer months.
In the end, you have to weigh the costs versus the convenience of having a car, but it is possible to survive without a car in Boston.
Driver's License
Do I need a Massachusetts Driver's License to drive a car in Boston?
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) mandates that residents of the state obtain a Massachusetts driver’s license.
http://www.mass.gov/rmv/license/index.htm
Initially, you might be able to use your home country's driver's license (click here to see if your country's driver's license is accepted in Massachusetts). However, if you stay here beyond one year, your home country's driver's license is no longer acceptable (Exception: German drivers). If you are going to buy a car, the insurance company might not accept your home country's driver's license.
The traffic rules and regulations in Massachusetts might be different from what you are used to in your home country. In addition to this, the traffic rules and regulations may also vary from state to state. For more information about current traffic rules and regulations in the city of Boston, please check the link:
http://www.cityofboston.gov/transportation/rules.asp
How do I get a Massachusetts Driver's License?
To learn about applying for a driver's license, road rules and owning a vehicle, check out the RMV's Driver's Manual.
http://www.mass.gov/rmv/dmanual/
The RMV website lists the location of its office branches and the current waiting time for service. You will also find an explanation of the testing procedure and an online version of the preparation booklet for the knowledge test. Bring along your passport and immigration documents, or your out-of-state license and driving record, and proof of residency. Your photograph will be taken at the RMV office.
The RMV Office in Downtown Boston is easy to reach by public transport, but it is usually very busy. Try going to an RMV office in one of the suburbs, like in Watertown. Note that some branches may have limited services and may not process out-of-state license conversions.
Boston RMV
630 Washington Street, Boston
Chinatown Station (Orange Line)Watertown RMV
550 Arsenal Street, Watertown
70Owning a Car
What should I look for when buying a car?
Check these websites for information:
- The Office of Consumer Affairs can help you understand the laws and your rights as a car buyer.
- The Blue Book is a good resource for buying a used car.
- AAA, American Automobile Association.
There is also a radio show called Cartalk on NPR, the National Public Radio station. Check out their website www.cartalk.com for information on buying used cars, as well as timings for their show. They have some really useful information.
Do I need a car inspection?
Yes! Massachusetts law requires that all cars meet certain emissions criteria. You need to get your car checked every year. If it passes the tests, you get a sticker. If not, then you have to get the problems fixed and then go again for inspection.
When you buy a secondhand car you need to have it inspected even if it has a valid inspection sticker. Check the RMV website for more details: www.mass.gov/rmv
I have never driven in the snow before. Any advice?
Driving on icy and snowy roads can be dangerous, especially if you’ve never driven in such conditions before. Be sure to check out the Massachusetts Highway Department’s Safe Winter Driving Tips.
What do I need to do to sell my car?
Do some research on what your car is worth on sites such as KBB and Edmunds. You can advertise your car by putting up flyers around campus, posting an ad on online forums such as FamilyNet, and websites such as Craigslist. Also check out the Office of Consumer Affairs
Car Insurance
Can I get a discount on my car insurance?
As always in the U.S. it is worth to shop around and compare different offers. Prices may vary widely.
It may also be helpful to have a report from your old car insurance company describing your driving record (including accidents and moving violations).
For more tips check these websites:
- InsureMASS is the state government’s online tool for comparing auto insurance premiums
- Consumer Affairs
- AAA
- Carbuyingtips.com
What do I need to do if I am in a car accident?
The Massachusetts Highway Department recommends that you:
- Check to see if anyone is injured.
- If necessary, call 911 and request an ambulance or emergency services.
- If possible, move your vehicle off the road.
- Exchange name, address, driver's license number, vehicle registration, and insurance information with all drivers or property owners who are involved. You must show your driver's license and registration if asked to do so.
- If you have damaged a parked vehicle or stationary property, you must try to locate the owner to report the accident or notify the police.
In cases of minor accidents, if both parties are agreeable, you can leave the scene after exchanging the necessary information. One or both of you may then file a police report.
If you are in an accident involving significant damage or injury, call 911. If you don't have a cellular phone, ask other drivers to call for you. Only a few highways are equipped with emergency phones. Wait for the police to arrive and write up an accident report. This is important. All parties involved in an accident should remain at the scene until the police tell them to leave.
If you were driving a rental car at the time of the accident, call your car rental company right away. When renting you may want to purchase separate accident insurance, unless you have alternative car insurance.
Rental Cars
All major car rental companies have offices in Boston, most are located at Logan Airport.
While negotiating rental rates make sure that the cost of insurance is included. The cost of the rental will depend on the types of insurance coverage (e.g. collision, comprehensive, bodily injury and liability) you choose to purchase.
Here are a few car rental companies located close to the main campus:
Enterprise Rent-A-Carwww.enterprise.com
25 River St, Cambridge
Phone: 617-547-7400
Budget
www.budget.com
20 Sidney Street, Cambridge
Phone: 617-577-7606
Zipcar
www.zipcar.com
This company offers a car-sharing program. MIT is a corporate member of ZIPcars, so you will pay lower rates for membership.
Parking
Where can I park my car?
In most cities and towns in the Boston area you need a parking sticker for street parking. The following offices offer residential parking permits. If your town is not in this list, please contact the town directly.
Boston
http://www.cityofboston.gov/transportation/parkprogr.asp
Room 224, Boston City Hall
Phone: 617-635-4682
Cambridge
http://www.cambridgema.gov/traffic/RPP.cfm
344 Broadway, Cambridge
Phone: 617-349-4700
Somerville
http://www.somervillema.gov/section.cfm?org=traffic&page=138
133 Holland Street, Somerville
Phone: 617-625-6600 ext.7900
For parking at MIT, visit the Department of Facilities website at: http://web.mit.edu/facilities/transportation/parking/index.html
Last Updated: September 2009
